KENNY ROGERS

    Like many country superstars, Rogers came from humble roots. Born in Houston, TX, Rogers and his seven siblings were raised in one of the poorest sections of town. Nevertheless, he progressed through high school, all the while learning how to play guitar and fiddle.

    It took several tries before Kenny Rogers became a star. He was a member of the New Christy Minstrels before becoming a member of the First Edition. It was there that he shared in some million-sellers, among them "Reuben James" and "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town," an excellent Mel Tillis song about a disabled veteran.

    Superstardom eluded this Texan, until the late 1970's when he went solo, and landed on the charts with this 1976 tune "Love Lifted Me." It was with an outstanding song by writers Roger Bowling and Hal Bynum, titled "Lucille,", that his star shot upward.

    Award-winning duets with Dottie West and Dolly Parton, 12 TV specials, another song-of-the-year with "The Gambler," "Daytime Friends," "Coward of the County," "We've Got Tonight," "Crazy,"& "Lady" followed.

    In 1980, the made-for-TV movie The Gambler, followed quickly by Coward of the County, then sequels to The Gambler (I-IV) proved Kenny's talent as an actor as well as a singer.