Kenny Rogers turns 79

CAIRO – 21 August 2017: Monday, August 21 marks the 79th birthday of influential U.S country musician Kenny Rogers, who's delighted the world for many decades with his gift of music.

Rogers was born to a large family of eight in Houston, Texas, in 1938. He came from poor origins, yet still managed to become the first member of his family to graduate high-school, which allowed him a head start in following his dreams. His first ever band, the Scholars, was assembled while he was still in high-school. This initial passion project propelled Rogers down the path of music making sure that he never once turned his back on.

In mid-1960s, Rogers got his big break when his group the First Edition released a hit song titled ‘Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In).’ This was followed by ‘Ruby Don't Take Your Love to Town,’ which wound up in the sixth position on the U.S. charts. Even more hits followed after, which ensured the band stayed in the public eye.

Rogers would reach true acclaim with the release of his 1977 solo masterpiece ‘Lucille,’ which launched his successful career as a solo country singer.

The singer would go on to jam out great tunes such as ‘Sweet Music Man’ and ‘Daytime Friends,’ but the release of his 1979 song ‘The Gambling Man’ propelled him even further into stardom, proving to the world that Rogers was a musical force to be reckoned. The song was so popular it even inspired a 1980 film titled ‘The Gambler,’ starring Rogers himself as the titular character.

He performed alongside fellow country legend, Dolly Parton, for the hit song ‘Islands in the Stream,’ and previously got his first ever #1 hit with the song ‘Lady.’

Rogers continued to wow the world with his music, performing at venues such as 1985's USA for Africa, where he recorded the song ‘We Are the World’ alongside talents such as, Michael Jackson, Tina Turner and Stevie Wonder in order to relieve famine in impoverished African nations.

Continuing his career well into his old age, Rogers truly earned his spot in the Country Hall of Fame. Yet music isn't all he's good at; Rogers has been an actor, photographer, race car driver, restaurant owner and author; having written a New York Times Bestseller on his own life titled ‘Luck, or Something Like It – A Memoir,’ in 2012.

Having had a long, successful career spanning over 60 years, Rogers announced the final performance back in July, which would be held on Wednesday, October 25, according to AOL news.

Titled, ‘All In For The Gambler,’ the concert is to be a lavish celebration of the singer's career, bringing together generations of fans in one place to bid farewell to an absolute legend in country music. Rogers will be joined by his long-time friend and partner, Parton, and other stars such as Idina Menzel, Elle King, The Flaming Lips, Jamey Johnson and more.


No better way to say goodbye to a man like Rogers!