'The Gambler' Songwriter Don Schlitz Remembered By Country Music Hall of Fame

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum have shared a statement about the passing of the Country Music Hall of Fame member Don Schlitz who wrote the iconic Kenny Rogers hit "The Gambler", among many others.

"Don Schlitz's place as a songwriting great would be secure had he never written 'The Gambler' or had he only written 'The Gambler,'" said Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. "His curiosity about and concern for people fueled his empathetic songs, and his work ethic ensured that his gifts as a writer were fully realized.

He wrote or co-wrote hits recorded by Mary Chapin Carpenter, The Judds, Alison Krauss, Randy Travis, Tanya Tucker, Keith Whitley and many more. Kenny Rogers, whose voice brought 'The Gambler' to millions of listeners, once said, 'Don doesn't just write songs, he writes careers.'

"He also donated time and talent to charity, often rising in the early morning to sing songs to the homeless at Room in the Inn. Nashville was richer for his presence and is lesser for his absence."

'The Gambler' Songwriter Don Schlitz Remembered By Country Music Hall of Fame

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