'Biography: Kenny Rogers': Top 5 traits that made the country music legend's storied musical career special
The recent A&E documentary, 'Biography: Kenny Rogers' aired on Monday night, April 13, which gave us a compelling look at the legendary Kenny Rogers, who sadly passed away on March 20, 2020. Kenny was a rare outlier, a music superstar who managed to garner considerable success in the worlds of doo-wop, pop, country and R&B, an unprecedented achievement for his time. During the course of his long and illustrious career, he garnered 24 amazing number one hits, had multiple successful collaborations with artists at the top of their game and earned a reputation as a caring, kind-hearted gentleman. But what made him such a legend? Here are the top five traits that stood out to us during the broadcast of A&E's 'Biography: Kenny Rogers.'
The drive to succeed
Kenny's hardworking mother once told him: "Be happy wherever you are, but never be content to stay there." Although he grew up poor in the projects of Houston, Texas, he was always pushing himself to succeed from a young age. He was surrounded by music growing up. Kenny loved singing so much that he would even go to the local hospital where his mother worked and sing to the nurses. He was part of a band in high school called The Scholars, had a doo-wop hit in 1957 called 'That Crazy Feeling' and even appeared on the TV show 'American Bandstand'. The Bobby Doyle Trio eventually hired him as an upright bass player and that's when he seized his opportunity.
After biding his time with the trio, Kenny auditioned over the phone for a chance to play with the New Christy Minstrels, a unique 10-piece folk group. After leaving the group, Kenny joined his first bonafide hit band, a quartet called The First Edition. Kenny rarely sang lead vocals at the time, except maybe for a few tracks like 'Just Dropped In,' an atypical song for the group that unwittingly became a massive hit, owing to the fast-rising psychedelic movement.
The band was in huge demand as a result of that song and were constantly touring, playing one TV show or concert after another. It took a toll on the band and their subsequent attempts to emulate the sound of 'Just Dropped In' didn't work out so well. They were at a crossroads and matters were made more complicated by the fact that Kenny's marriage to his wife Margo was falling apart.
But all this just solidified Kenny's stance, making him more determined than ever to find success in the music industry. He consequently took on more of a frontman role in The First Edition, choosing their next hit, the country-themed 'Ruby Don't Take Your Love To Town'. In 1971, the First Edition even got their own TV show, 'Rollin' on the River' but after a few more years of constant touring, the group eventually ran out of steam - no more hits were coming and the band broke up in 1975.
For a while, Kenny was lost. He loved harmonies so much, he never saw himself as a solo artist. But what sets most talented has-beens apart from exemplary success stories is their sheer drive and lucky instinct for being in the right place at the right time. And Kenny had that in spades. He soon embarked on an illustrious solo career and never looked back, singing hits like 'Lucille', 'The Gambler,' 'Lady', 'Islands In The Stream' and many more, thanks to the faith borne in him by his producer Larry Butler and his loving wife of 16 years, Marianne Gordon. His past experiences fuelled his hunger for success. Kenny never knew when he would plummet all the way from his perch back to rock bottom and that's what made him one of the hardest working people in the music industry.
Kenny had a gifted story-telling voice
During his time with The First Edition, Rogers started gaining recognition for his special, lilting voice. It had a bit of raspy flavor to it and his phrasings were unique, making it possible for him to really sell the emotion behind a song. He soon became the focal point of the band and the name consequently changed to Kenny Rogers and the First Edition, due to his ability to tell an emotive story with just a few lyrics. 'Reuben James' for example, is a song about racial tolerance. It's about a little white child who is embraced by an older black man who became his father figure. Kenny's ability to hone in on the essence of a song and sing from that emotional POV became one of his defining characteristics - it made listeners pay attention. As fate would have it, The First Edition played at Kent State University a week after the infamous campus shootings of 1970. They played 'Tell It All Brother' for the first time ever. The student body rose as one and raised their hands during the emotionally charged chorus, just another testament to Kenny's powers as a vocalist.
Kenny had a natural ear for a hit song
Dolly Parton once said, "I don't think anyone in the history of music has had a better ear for a hit song, nor could they sing them better." From his time with The First Edition, all the way through to his latter years when he was selling out arenas, Kenny retained an innate sense of what would make a song great, hearing the nascent song in his head as a fully-formed piece as music. Probably the best example of this talent is the song that probably made Kenny a household name - 'The Gambler'. Although the legendary Johny Cash had already cut a version of the song, Kenny made the definitive version of 'The Gambler' in 1978. Once again, his voice and charismatic appearance made the song believable. The song took on a life of its own, spawning a movie called 'The Gambler' with Kenny in the starring role and made him a household name. He would go on to play to packed stadiums for the rest of his life. Many years later, Kenny disclosed one of his great secrets - he merely wanted to sing songs that had global appeal. Every time he chose a song, it was what every man wanted to say and what every woman wanted to hear.
Kenny was perfect for duets and collaborations
Kenny had a rich, soulful voice, which made him perfect for duets. And he wasn't afraid to explore other genres, be it pop, country, soul or R&B. Kenny was noted for his ability to create beautiful harmonies with any singing sensation that caught his fancy. Over the years, he made numerous memorable collaborations with Dottie West, Kim Carnes, Sheena Easton and probably the most famous of his collaborators - his close friend, Dolly Parton, with whom he sang 'Islands in the Stream'. That song caused the pair to forge a close bond ever since their first recording session together in 1983, brought about by Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees fame. So great was the chemistry between the two that everyone thought they were a couple on the side. As was her playful nature, Dolly often teased Kenny about this, which made their relationship even more special to watch. The country music duo had several hit records and would go on to tour the world together. 'You Can't Make Old Friends' was written especially for Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers, and was their last hit collaboration, a testament to their enduring success and legacy.
Kenny was extremely kind and generous
Lionel Richie was another close friend of Kenny, but few people know that Kenny invited him to stay at his guesthouse back in the day. Due to Rogers' fearless ability to straddle genres, Richie, then with the Commodores, was called in to write an R&B song, 'Lady', which became yet another quintessential Kenny Rogers hit song in 1980. The collaboration sparked a lasting friendship with Richie and he was invited to stay at Kenny's mansion, where he would go on to write hits like 'Hello' and 'All Night Long'. Richie was right there with Kenny when they collaborated with Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, Tina Turner, Billy Joel, Ray Charles and other celebrities when they performed 'We Are The World' in Kenny's Lion Share Recording Studio, which he graciously donated to be used during the recording for no charge.
All throughout his long and storied career, Kenny Rogers was renowned as a kind, sweet, good-natured Southern gentleman with a heart of gold. Now that he has passed, he will be sorely missed, but his legacy will live on forever.