Kenny Rogers Biography

He grew up listening to his uncles play the guitar and fiddle. In high school he formed his first band and in 1958, released his first two singles, one of which earned him an appearance on American Bandstand.

Two quick marriages and one son later, Kenny hit the road to expand his musical education. He played in a jazz trio, a folk group and then in 1967, a rock band call the First Edition. His son became the lead singer of the band, registering hits like "Ruby."

In 1975, Kenny put his third marriage and the First Edition behind him to set off on a solo career, entering the big leagues in 1977 with "Lucille."

Other hits soon followed including "Lady" and "The Gambler." In 1980 he crossed over into television starring in The Gambler. Four years later his duet with Dolly Parton "Islands in the Stream" became a mega-hit.

In the late 1970s, Kenny teamed up with close friend and country singer Dottie West for a series of albums and duets. Together the duo had three hit albums, selling out stadiums and arenas while on tour. Their hits together "Every Time Two Fools Collide", "Anyone Who Isn't Me Tonight" and "What Are We Doin' In Love" became Country standards.

In 1983, Rogers signed to RCA for a record breaking US$20 million advance. By the 1990s he continued to chart with singles such as "Crazy In Love" and "If You Want To Find Love".

Less and less visible in recent times, Kenny produced the 1999 album "She Rides Wild Horses", which peaked at number 6 on the country charts, his highest in 15 years.

Spending a lot of time running a 1,200-acre Georgia farm, Kenny seems settled with his fifth wife Wanda Miller, whom he married in 1997. One of his sons, Kenny Rogers Jr., once followed in his father's boot steps, briefly launching his own singing career in 1989.