Don Schlitz, known for writing Kenny Rogers’ iconic song “The Gambler,” died Thursdat at a Nashville hospital after a sudden illness. He was 73.
The Grand Ole Opry and country music hall of famer was among the most influential songwriters in the history.
Schlitz’s songs are widely considered some of the most unwavering in country music, and have been recorded by such hitmakers as Rogers (“The Gambler,” “The Greatest”), Randy Travis (“On the Other Hand,” “Forever and Ever, Amen”), The Judds (“I Know Where I’m Going”), The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (“I Love Only You,”) Tanya Tucker (“I Won’t Take Less Than Your Love,”) Mary Chapin Carpenter (“He Thinks He’ll Keep Her”) and many others…