Kenny Rogers is still a sure bet and Goodbye Goober
In the early part of my music career in Nashville, one of the biggest stars of the industry was at the top of his career – Kenny Rogers. Now after 54 years in the business, he continues to thrill audiences and record some wonderful music.
Kenny has just combined forces with Warner Bros. Records to continue his career with the label that holds much of his catalog.
Warner Bros./Reprise Records
“I’m looking forward to returning home to Warner Bros. Records after all these years,” Rogers said. “Our history together, combined with the incredible team that’s in place now, provides the catalyst for a great new relationship going forward.”
Rogers recorded his first 1967 mega-hit “Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)” with the First Edition with the label.
Later this year his new CD will be available. He is working with award-winning producer, Dann Huff on the project.
“With his unique storytelling ability and soulful voice, Kenny Rogers’ music has touched generations across all musical formats. He has not only had a remarkable career but is truly an American icon,” said John Esposito, Warner Music Nashville president. “Warner Music Nashville looks forward to continuing his musical legacy but more importantly, having him back home at Warner Bros. Records.”
Rogers is known as one of the greatest entertainers and storytellers of all time. In the incomparable span of his career, Rogers has sold more than 120 million records worldwide and recorded more than 65 albums. His long list of timeless classics includes an impressive 24 #1 hits – “The Gambler,” “Lady,” “Lucille,” “She Believes in Me,” “Islands in the Stream,” and “We’ve Got Tonight” among them.
Two of Rogers’ albums, “The Gambler” and “Kenny,” are featured in the About.com poll of “The 200 Most Influential Country Albums Ever”, and his “Greatest Hits” album has sold over 24 million copies worldwide to date. He is the RIAA’s 8th best-selling male artist of all time with 1 Diamond album, 19 Platinum albums and 31 Gold albums.
“The Gambler,” one of the biggest hits of Rogers’ career, spawned five movies and became the longest running mini-series in the history of U.S. television seen by 100 million people. Rogers starred as “Brady Hawkes.” In addition,
Rogers is an accomplished photographer, having studied under the assistant of photography great, Ansel Adams. He has published three photography books and authored four books, including one based on his hit tour and musical, “The Toy Shoppe.”
A selfless humanitarian, Rogers assumed his position at the forefront of the movement to aid the hungry after the death of his friend Harry Chapin – leading to the World Hunger Media Awards. He was also a participant in the “We Are the World” performance that raised millions for famine relief in Africa. Rogers was born in Houston and raised in a housing project. He was awarded the Horatio Alger Award in 1990, given to those who have distinguished themselves despite humble beginnings.
The world said goodbye to George “Goober” Lindsey at a service May 11 at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Nashville, Tenn. Among those paying tribute via written or video comments were legends such as Andy Griffith and Ernest Borgnine. Ray Stevens performed “Everything Is Beautiful.”
I shared with you regular readers about “The Andy Griffith Show” star’s recent stroke a few weeks ago and paid tribute to his amazing career that kept us entertained for decades. As I was preparing to write this column I saw George as “Wigeon” in the 1964 opening episode of “Daniel Boone” – yet another role that I had never seen before. He still manages to amaze me with his work and I guess he will continue to do so again and again thanks to his blessed talents. Thank you George for all the laughs.
