Country Music Icon Kenny Rogers Dies At 81; ‘The Gambler’ Had Pensacola Connections

March 21, 2020

Legendary country music icon Kenny Rogers passed away Friday night at age 81.

Rogers performed in Pensacola several times, including a benefit concert after Hurricane Ivan at the request of his former producer, the late Larry Butler of Pensacola.

In a career that spanned more than six decades, Kenny Rogers left an indelible mark on the history of American music. His songs have endeared music lovers and touched the lives of millions around the world. Chart-topping hits like “The Gambler,” “Lady,” “Islands In The Stream,” “Lucille,” “She Believes In Me,” and “Through the Years” are just a handful of Kenny Rogers’ songs that have inspired generations of artists and fans alike. Rogers, with twenty-four number-one hits, was a Country Music Hall of Fame member, six-time CMA Awards winner, three-time GRAMMY® Award winner, recipient of the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013, CMT Artist of a Lifetime Award honoree in 2015 and has been voted the “Favorite Singer of All Time”.

Pictured below: Kenny Rogers (left) with his producer, Larry Butler of Pensacola.

Comments

18 Responses to “Country Music Icon Kenny Rogers Dies At 81; ‘The Gambler’ Had Pensacola Connections”

  1. Sandra on March 22nd, 2020 6:52 pm

    I was so saddened to hear the news about Kenny Rogers passing. He was an awesome musician and singer with such a smooth but raspy masculine type of voice.
    I loved his music and saw him in concert in Mobile, Al. He put on a great performance.
    That was in the late 70’s. I have many albums and singles of his music. Rest on Mr. Kenny! You’re work here on earth is done! I know you’re singing in the heavenly choir.
    Blessings, peace, & condolences to the family.

  2. Duke on March 21st, 2020 8:40 pm

    Wonderful person. I think he ” just checked in to see what condition my condition was in” ….Remember that song?

  3. Regina Harger on March 21st, 2020 3:57 pm

    I loved his songs and he had a beautiful voice. Rest in peace!

  4. Charlotte R Bates on March 21st, 2020 12:44 pm

    When I was growing up on Gadsden and W street, Larry Butler and his sister, Alva, lived just two blocks west from us on Gadsden street. We never got close to them, but I can remember walking by their house and hearing him playing his piano.

  5. Margie Mauer on March 21st, 2020 12:39 pm

    I remember seeing Kenny on a TV show talking about when his dad died. He put a $1 bill in his dad’s pocket and said, “That’s the last dollar you’ll ever get from me.” Some lady thought that was terrible, but as Kenny explained he and his dad had this thing going between them about Kenny giving his dad money, It was a joke between them.
    Rest In Peace, Kenny. Now you and your dad can rejoice together again.

  6. Greg on March 21st, 2020 12:32 pm

    Very sad.The man may be gone but his music will live forever. Rest in peace Mr Rogers. The world has lost one of the greats.

  7. Patricia Pappas on March 21st, 2020 12:02 pm

    Lady is my favorite song of all time.
    I have been there for all Kenny’s ways, from the New Edition to his final years.
    My heart is truly broken.

  8. Glenda Mattin on March 21st, 2020 11:09 am

    Saddens my day to hear this. Got to see him in 2017. Loved his music and he was a good guy. Rest In Peace.

  9. Michelle Salzman on March 21st, 2020 11:06 am

    Nooo!!

  10. mike on March 21st, 2020 9:26 am

    Tried his hand at rock music in his younger years, great artist and musician, Rest In Peace Gambler, you will be missed!

  11. Liz Walton on March 21st, 2020 8:52 am

    May you all have comfort at this time over the loss of Kenny. May you , Kenny Rest In Peace.
    Thank you for being part of my teenage years, and beyond . Your music, which I have full collection of , and the only one. Your songs touched my heart and that if my high school sweetheart to whom to this day we remain in contact and with so much love- almost 37 years. Lady was one of our songs , that is my one and only song that puts memories into smiles.
    We lost one of the best musicicians of all time in country- God bless you, your family and your country fans at this time. You are missed – enjoy heaven!

  12. JTV on March 21st, 2020 8:24 am

    And when he finished speakin’
    He turned back toward the window
    Crushed out his cigarette and faded off to sleep
    And somewhere in the darkness
    The gambler – he broke even
    And in his final words I found
    An ace that I could keep

    You’ve got to know
    When to hold ‘em
    Know when to fold ‘em
    Know when to walk away
    Know when to run
    You never count your money
    When you’re sittin’ at the table
    There’ll be time enough for countin’
    When the dealin’s done

  13. Ann on March 21st, 2020 8:23 am

    I’m so heartbroken one of my favorite singers

  14. Theresa U on March 21st, 2020 8:21 am

    What a legend! Loved his music and his voice
    He will be missed. Condolences to his family
    Rest in Peace Kenny!

  15. Teresa on March 21st, 2020 8:10 am

    It is a terrible loss to the music industry. I remember when he has his own band “Kenny Rogers and the First Edition”. The song I remember the most was Just dropped in released in 1967.

  16. Jason Cox on March 21st, 2020 7:13 am

    Rest In Peace Gambler. Today is the day THE MUSIC DIED

  17. Sandy on March 21st, 2020 6:35 am

    Loved his songs growing up! May he Rest In Peace

  18. Randy Melvin on March 21st, 2020 4:39 am

    Well we have lost a legend

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News