RIP Kenny Rogers

For about a 10 year period, 1977-87, Kenny Rogers was everywhere.  On your radio, TV, movie theaters.  He was Country's biggest crossover star.  His peak years coincided with the burgeoning Urban Cowboy era of Country music, in which the Pop charts were frequently invaded by Country songs.  Rogers' brand of Country was often tinged with Pop leanings.  Which made him a target of Country purists aka music critics.  But it didn't matter.  The public loved it and for a decade his music was all over Pop, Country and Adult Contemporary radio stations. Oh, and who could forget his chicken serving Roasters restaurants.

It's hard to believe Kenny Rogers would ever be as big a solo artist as he became.  He was a member of the New Christy Minstrels in the mid-60's, then formed the First Edition who were mostly a Rock band, but did Country flavored songs as well.

His post-peak years from 1987 forward weren't as consistent but still had its moments.  Rogers was mostly a singles artist.  His albums patchy.  But don't pass up two of his best: 1981's Lionel Richie produced Share Your Love, and 1983's Barry Gibb produced Eyes That See In The Dark. Rogers was finally inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2013.  A remarkable career. 

The big hits you know.  So, I've decided to list some of my favorite Kenny Rogers songs that have been somewhat forgotten, but shouldn't be, so seek this out:

Something's Burning w/First Edition
Reuben James w/First Edition
But You Know I Love You w/First Edition
Heed the Call w/First Edition
Love Lifted Me
Daytime Friends
Love Or Something Like It
Sweet Music Man
Every Time Two Fools Collide w/Dottie West
What Are We Doin' In Love w/Dottie West
I Don't Need You
Share Your Love With Me
Blaze of Glory
Love Will Turn You Around
Love Song
Evening Star
Buried Treasure
Eyes That See In The Dark
Make No Mistake, She's Mine w/Ronnie Milsap
Morning Desire
Greatest
Buy Me A Rose
You Can't Make Old Friends w/Dolly Parton