Kenny Rogers

Kenneth Ray Rogers was born in Houston, Texas on August 21, 1938. He was the fourth child to Floyd and Lucille Rogers. He grew up in a poor area of town with his seven brothers and sisters. Kenny graduated from Jefferson Davis High School in Houston. After several marriages, he has settled with his fifth wife. He also has five kids.

Kenny Rogers started his first band while still in high school in 1956. They were a doo-wop group called The Scholars. After a record deal and two singles, they performed on American Bandstand. Kenny was also a stand-up bass player in a jazz band called the Bobby Doyle Trio. In 1966 he was a member of a popular folk group called New Christy Minstrels, leaving after a year. He then started The First Edition with a few members from The Minstrels.

The First Edition made hits like Reuben James and Ruby. In 1976 Kenny Rogers started his solo career with United Artists with the album Love Lifted Me. Later on in 1976 he made a second album, self-titled Kenny Rogers. Lucille came out in 1977 and was a huge hit for Rogers. Lucille hit number one in 12 countries. After the success of Lucille, he came out with The Gambler album with the song Coward of the County. Kenny Rogers and Dottie West teamed up in the late 1970s. Also he partnered with Lionel Ritchie in 1980. They made the song "Lady." He also worked with Sheena Easton and the Bee Gees. In 1983, Rogers sang "Islands in the Stream" with Dolly Parton.