"I've never considered myself a great singer, but I am a great storyteller," Rogers told Billboard magazine, also noting that he feels his strength as an artist is in finding great songs. Though theoretically a country singer, Rogers dominated the pop charts, consistently finding songs with universal appeal.
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It started Rogers on a second career as an actor on television and movies, including another TV movie based on one of his hit songs, "Coward of the County." The movie spawned four follow-ups, making it the longest running miniseries franchise on television. Then came "The Gambler," a story song so vivid it not only delighted country and pop fans, it also became a TV movie, starring Rogers himself in the title role. "Daytime Friends," "Sweet Music Man," and "Love or Something Like It" continued his run of success. Tops at country, it also succeeded on the pop chart, was named the CMA's Single of the Year and was certified Gold. "Love Lifted Me," went Top 20 in 1975, but it was the "Lucille" that shot him into the stratosphere.
He'd already had some success among country fans with the First Edition and he was drawn to the type of story songs that populated the genre. Impressed by the loyalty of country fans that supported their favorite artists long after they had disappeared from radio, Rogers looked to country. Disillusioned with the fickleness of the pop world, but not with music itself, he searched for a direction to take his solo career. In 1974, Kenny Rogers and the First Edition disbanded, leaving Rogers at a crossroads. The double-genre success struck again with "Reuben James," and the group landed their own TV variety show. The spotlight started focusing on Rogers when the group got their first hit, "I Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)." Within a year the band was called Kenny Rogers and The First Edition, and his distinctive voice led the group to both pop and country chart success with "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love To Town," written by Mel Tillis. In 1966 he became a member of the New Christy Minstrels, the popular folk group, leaving a year later to form The First Edition with other members of the troupe. Soon afterward, Rogers joined the Bobby Doyle Trio, playing stand-up bass in the jazz band, and appearing on their album. The rockabilly group, called The Scholars, got a record deal and released two singles that had local success, and led to a performance spot on American Bandstand.
Houston-born Rogers formed his first band while in high school in 1956 and never quit making music from that point on. "People survive longer if they love what they're doing. "I really, really love what I'm doing," Rogers says.
When one singer makes such an indelible mark, that's not mere luck or even simple talent. For more than five decades, Rogers has delivered memorable songs, drawing fans among rock, pop, soul and country audiences.
More importantly, he inhabits each song, making it vivid and tangible. The sweetly raspy vocals are instantly identifiable as Kenny Rogers - he sounds like nobody else. Just look at the titles: "Lady," "Ruby Don't Take Your Love to Town," "The Gambler," "She Believes in Me," "Islands in the Stream," "We've Got Tonight," "Buy Me A Rose." Not a ditty among them. The songs on 42 Ultimate Hits, bringing together the top songs of his career from the late 60s First Edition years up to his current return to the charts, offers a crash-course reminder that Rogers is a star because he excels at his craft. Biography "The Chosen One / Joy To The World" - Christmas Live Videoīy now, Kenny Rogers has become such an icon that it's easy to forget how he got there.