During the 1980’s Kenny Rogers was on the top of not only the country charts but the pop charts as well. His music was the ultimate definition of what a true cross-over artist represented. He has sold over 120 million records worldwide and recorded more than 65 albums during his 51 (he celebrated 50 in 2011) years in the entertainment business. Add to that he has an astounding 24 #1 hits including “Lucille,” “The Gambler,” “Lady,” and “Islands In The Stream.”
At the beginning of the 1990’s the country music scene began to shift and turned to a new generation of artist. Fresh faces and sounds began to fill the charts not only in the country genre but across the board. Rogers always a fan favorite still continued to tour, record albums, and even added a couple of movies to his credit (including five Gambler TV movies). An accomplished singer, songwriter, musician, producer, photographer, all around entertainer Rogers stayed true to himself and his craft.
Kenny Rogers is once again performing live on the concert stage to millions of devoted fans who grew up with his music. This evening it was South Florida’s turn to welcome “The Gambler,” to its not so sunny beaches and sandy shores, it was raining. A collage of photos ran as the backdrop behind the stage highlighting Rogers vast career and life. As he was announced he entered stage left dressed in a purple shirt and comfortable jeans. Looking relaxed and completely at home his set began with “Love Or Something Like It.” His voice may not resonate as it once did, still there was power behind the notes; he didn’t miss a beat. His easy going country attitude and humor was a pleasant surprise. His reflections on his past, career, and down home stories were refreshing and genuinely funny. At one point he singled out a gentleman in the front row whom Rogers seemed to feel was dragged to the show by his better half. Offering the gentleman $10 for every hit of Rogers the guy could name it became a running gag throughout the show. Whenever Rogers began singing another one of his many hits money rained down in the front row. I don’t know how much the guy pocketed but I’m sure he either bought a nice dinner played it in the casino.
Rogers eight piece band was country gold as they ran through hit after hit. It’s funny how soon and easily we forget all the great song hits Kenny has had in his illustrious career. “Through The Years,” “You Decorated My Life,” “She Believes In Me,” “Ruby Don’t Take Your Love To Town,” was just the beginning. In a truly nostalgic moment Rogers introduced a video of himself and his original 1960’s band The First Edition claiming it was “a 1967 acid trip.” As the video of the song “Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)” played on the screen applause from the audience almost drowned out the live vocals from Rogers and the band. His solo rendition of his duet with Sheena Easton “We’ve Got Tonight,” was definitely one of the highlights of the set. But nothing could top his version of “The Gambler.” Sequences of the five TV movies played behind Rogers as he sat predominately in the dark illuminated only by a purple spotlight. “Lucille,” quickly became a good ole fashioned country sing along and possibly the favorite tune everyone was waiting to hear. The tender Lionel Richie penned ballad “Lady,” began the encore. “Islands in the Stream,” was the culmination of a wonderful 90 minute show; tambourines being tossed into the audience by Rogers made the evening more special and fun. It’s easy to see that even after all these years Kenny Rogers truly enjoys the concert stage experience and performing. It wouldn’t surprise me to see him again in another twenty years rolling across the stage in a wheelchair belting out the chorus to “Lucille.” He himself admitted to having that vision. With any luck we may both be right.
For Kenny Rogers complete bio and discography you can check out his web site and All Music.com
http://kennyrogers.musiccitynetworks.com/index.htm?id=15750
http://www.allmusic.com/artist/kenny-rogers-p93355