Forgotten '80s Album: The Gambler by Kenny Rogers

Maybe not forgotten this week with the passing of Kenny Rogers over the weekend, but a classic nonetheless.

And I know it debuted in 1978, so not technically an 80's album.

The Gambler is the sixth studio album by Kenny Rogers, released by United Artists in December 1978. One of his most popular, it has established Rogers' status as one of the most successful artists of the 1970s and 1980s. The album reached many markets around the world, such as the Far East and Jamaica, with Rogers later commenting "When I go to Korea or Hong Kong people say 'Ah, the gambler!'" (as per the sleeve notes to the 1998 released box set "Through the Years" on Capitol Records). The album has sold over 35 million copies.

The title track "The Gambler" was written by Don Schlitz, who was the first to record it. It was also covered by several other artists, but it was Kenny Rogers' adaptation of the tale that went on to top the country charts and win a Song of the Year Grammy, later becoming Rogers' signature song. Although Johnny Cash recorded the song first, Kenny Rogers's version was released first. Both this song and "She Believes in Me" became pop music hits, helping Rogers become well-known beyond country music circles. Although largely compiled from songs by some of the music business's top songwriters, such as Alex Harvey, Mickey Newbury, and Steve Gibb, Rogers continued to show his own talent for songwriting with "Morgana Jones". The album was produced by Larry Butler.

Tracks:

1.    "The Gambler"    Don Schlitz    3:34
2.    "I Wish That I Could Hurt That Way Again"    Rafe Van Hoy, Don Cook, Curly Putman    2:55
3.    "King of Oak Street"    Alex Harvey    4:55
4.    "Makin' Music for Money"    Alex Harvey    3:10
5.    "Hoodooin' of Miss Fannie Deberry"    Alex Harvey    4:44
Side two
No.    Title    Writer(s)    Length
1.    "She Believes in Me"    Steve Gibb    4:18
2.    "Tennessee Bottle"    Jim Ritchey    3:59
3.    "Sleep Tight, Goodnight Man"    Sam Lorber, Jeff Silbar    2:52
4.    "Little More Like Me (The Crucifixion)"    Sonny Throckmorton    2:47
5.    "San Francisco Mabel Joy"    Mickey Newbury    3:36
6.    "Morgana Jones"

https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-gambler-mw0000197524