HAPPY TRAILS

first achieved prominence during the 1960s and ’70s as a member of the First Edition — later known as Kenny Rogers and the First Edition — an eclectic ensemble that performed music ranging from rock and pop to folk and country. While a member of the group, he hit the charts with “But You Know I Love You,” “Something’s Burning,” “Reuben James,” “Heed the Call,” and the crossover smash “Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town.” Rogers kicked off his solo career in 1976 with the release of the album . He had his first No. 1 hit on the country charts with “Lucille” in 1977 and followed one year later with “The Gambler,” the phenomenally popular ballad (written by Don Schlitz) that would become his personal and professional trademark and inspire a popular 1980 TV movie, starring Rogers as a Wild West cardsharp, that