Kenny Rogers is one of country music's most iconic figures, with a career spanning over five decades. Throughout his illustrious journey, he has left an indelible mark on the genre through his soulful voice and timeless songs.

This article will take you through some of the key highlights from Kenny Rogers' eventful life and musical career, exploring how he rose to become one of country music's most beloved artists.

Early Life

Born as Kenneth Ray Rogers Jr. on August 17th, 1938, in Houston, Texas, Kenny was exposed to music at an early age by his parents who were both professional musicians themselves. His father played the fiddle and mandolin while his mother sang gospel songs which would later influence Kenny's own musical style.

Rogers' love for country music began when he first heard Hank Williams Sr.'s 'Hey, Porter' on local radio stations as a young boy growing up in Centralia Illinois after World War II had ended. This exposure eventually led him to form his first band called The Satisfiers in high school where they played covers of popular hits by artists such as Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash.

Career Highlights

In the early 1960s, Kenny Rogers moved to Nashville Tennessee with dreams of becoming a successful country music artist himself but faced numerous rejections before finally signing onto Monument Records under producer Fred Neil who saw something special in him even though many others didn't at first glance. It wasn’t until he co-founded The First Edition (later known simply as 'The First') along side fellow musicians like Terry 'Spike' and Chris Gentry that things really started taking off for Kenny - their hit single 'Just Dropped In' reached No 1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 chart AND country charts simultaneously making them one of only two acts ever to achieve this feat at any point in music history!

However, it was his solo career with RCA Records starting from 1977 that catapulted him into superstardom status worldwide. His soulful voice and down-to-earth persona captured the hearts of millions across genres beyond just country fans alone; hits like 'The Gambler', 'She's an Angel In Disguise' & 'Love Is Strange' cementing his place within popular culture forevermore.

Throughout his career, Kenny Rogers has won numerous awards including 3 Grammy Awards for Best Country Male Vocal Performance twice and also being inducted into the Hall of Fame multiple times by organizations such as The Country Music Association (CMA), Songwriters' Guild Of America & Nashville's own Ryman Auditorium Walkway of Stars.

Personal Life

Despite his busy schedule, Kenny Rogers has always made time for those close to him. He married three times - firstly to Marianne Williford in 1960 until their divorce two years later followed by marrying Margi Lane whom he wedded only weeks after finalizing proceedings with ex-wife number one before divorcing again just shy of a decade afterwards; finally tying the knot once more yet again albeit this time round enduringly so when saying 'I do' to actress and model Wanda Miller back in 1992 who remains his current wife till present day.

Legacy

Kenny Rogers' impact on country music cannot be overstated. His unique blend of traditional honky-tonk style with modern pop sensibilities helped bring the genre into mainstream consciousness for a new generation of fans worldwide while also influencing countless other artists across multiple genres including icons such as Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw and even rock legend Bruce Springsteen who has often cited him as one his biggest inspirations.

Today at age 84 still actively touring & performing live both solo shows plus occasional reunions with former bandmates alike Kenny Rogers continues to captivate audiences everywhere - a true iconoclast whose contributions will forever be remembered long after he's gone.

Kenny rogers through the years