On Sunday January 31st at 11 am, join me for the Sunday Morning Country Classic Spotlight.  This week we’re shining the spotlight on Kenny Rogers. 

Kenny Rogers entered the country music world with a broad background in a variety of music styles.  He was born in Huston, Texas on August 21, 1938 and grew up in federal public housing.

Kenny played a big role in the Houston Jazz music scene in the early years of his career. He played with the Kirby Stone Four; a vocal ensemble very popular in the 1950’s and 1960’s and also was a member of the New Christy Minstrels in the mid 1960’s.  In 1967 he formed the First Edition.

It was in 1969 when Kenny and the First Edition recorded Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town, a song written by Mel Tillis.  The song reached number 39 on the country chart.  He recorded duets with Kim Carnes, Sheena Easton, Dottie West and Dolly Parton, all top ten hits.

Kenny went solo in 1973 and starred in several movies including The Gambler’ I, II and III, Coward of the Country and Six Pack.

He has been married five times and is the father of seven children.  He has received numerous awards including AMA’s, Grammy’s, ACM’s and CMA’s as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award for a career spanning six decades.

On September 25, 2015 he announced on NBC Today Show that he is retiring from show business after a final world tour to spend more time with his wife and twin boys.

Join me for country classic’s from 9 am to 1 pm on Sunday mornings at 98.1 FM Minnesota’s New Country, online and on your mobile device.

Remember we always take your requests at 320-252-9897 or by email to dick@minnesotasnewcountry.com.

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