Kenny Rogers

Kenneth Donald Rogers, more commonly known as Kenny Rogers, was born on August 21, 1938, in Houston, Texas, and died on March 20, 2020, in Sandy Springs, Georgia. He was an acclaimed American singer-songwriter and actor, recognized as an iconic figure in country music. Throughout his career, he sold over 100 million albums in the United States, achieving twenty-four number one hits and placing more than fifty songs on the Top 40 Country chart. Additionally, he was awarded three Grammy Awards.Rogers was the fourth of seven siblings, the son of Edward Floyd Rogers, a carpenter, and Lucille, a nurse. He completed his studies at the Jefferson Davis High School in Houston.

Although his middle name was Ray, he was sometimes credited as Kenneth Ray Rogers.He grew up in one of the most humble areas of Houston and began his musical career at the age of twenty, performing songs by other artists of the time. His style was influenced by country and soul musicians such as Nat King Cole, Charlie Daniels, Arthur Alexander, and Chuck Berry. He was part of the jazz group The Bobby Doyle Three, with whom he performed in nightclubs and recorded until the group disbanded in 1965. In 1966, he joined New Christy Minstrels as a vocalist, collaborating with other musicians. This group disbanded in 1967, giving rise to The First Edition, which later renamed itself as Kenny Rogers and The First Edition, achieving several hits in the pop and country genres.