3/22/20


Jay C. Brandriet

 

Kenny Rogers passed away yesterday. He was 81 years old. 

He brought country music to a pop audience. 

He’s one of those artists, that feels like a musical soundtrack to my life.

Here are my ten favorite Kenny Rogers songs. 

 

HONORABLE MENTION

 

“Islands in the stream” 

“We’ve got tonight”

“Love the world away”

“The Greatest”

“I don”t need you”

 

 

#10- “LOVE SONG” (1982)

You wont find this listed as one of Rogers best. It’s an underrated track. 

 

#9- “TWENTY YEARS AGO” (1987) 

I get my sentimental side from my Mom. I found myself watching shows like “The Wonder Years.” I couldn’t help but cry a little every time Radar went home on “MASH.” I heard this song driving with my Mom in Highland Utah in 1989. It’s no coincidence I was immediately drawn to it. 

 

#8- “LOVE WILL TURN YOU AROUND” (1982) 

The first person I thought of after Kenny’s passing was my childhood friend, Stephanie Johnson Freitas. As an eight year old girl, she had love and passion for Kenny. I always saw Stephanie as the original face of his fan club. 

 

#7- “COWARD OF THE COUNTY” (1979)

I enjoyed playing this jam for my step children on road trips. I wanted them to hear this all time important message. “And papa I sure hope you understand, sometimes you gotta fight when you’re a man” (or a woman). 

 

#6- “DON’T FALL IN LOVE WITH A DREAMER” (1980)

Sing it Kenny! My wife Emi always points out Kim Carnes and her smoky voice. 

 

#5- “THE GAMBLER” (1978) 

You may have never been into Rogers music, but you know this one. The lyrics have always created detailed pictures in my mind. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#4- “YOU DECORATED MY LIFE” (1979)

He had such a cool, raspy voice. It’s a patient song, with a chorus that really pays off. 

 

#3- “LADY” (1980)

Written by Lionel Richie. Sang with swagger by Kenny Rogers. 

 

#2- “SHE BELIEVES IN ME” (1979)

I was three years old and staying the night with a family friend, Jeff Acord. He had a guitar laying up against the wall. I always tied it together with this track. “I stumble to the kitchen for a bite, then I see my old guitar in the night, just waiting for me like a secret friend, and there’s no end.” 

 

#1- “THROUGH THE YEARS” (1981)

This song is in my soul. It’s always been my favorite. It reminds me of my Grandma Shirley visiting me in Salt Lake City. I remember driving with my Dad, headed to go target shooting. He would sing along to this and say, “I’m good, huh dude?” I would squirm a bit, and tell him “no.” 

 

Jay C. Brandriet