More Kenny Rogers Information

In 1966, Rogers joined the New Christy Minstrels, a successful folk group. After a year with them, he lured away some fellow members to form the First Edition. The band's first single, 'Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)' reached #5 in early 1968. A year later, the band reached #6 with 'Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town.' In early 1970, Kenny Rogers and the First Edition just missed the Top Ten with 'Something's Burning,' written by Mac Davis.

Rogers left the First Edition in 1974, after four hitless years and a label change. He teamed up in 1976 with producer Larry Butler, who groomed him for a huge country career. After a year of false starts, Kenny Rogers suddenly started selling singles and tickets again in 1977, when he released his monster hit 'Lucille.' It topped the country charts, reached #5 pop, and went gold. Rogers earned the 1977 Grammy for Best Country Vocal Performance, Male. Rogers also won Grammys in 1979 and 1987.