KENNY ROGERS in Concert October 12, 2012

KENNY ROGERS
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12
Arena Theatre
7326 Southwest Freeway

It took several tries before Kenny Rogers became a star. As a member of the First Edition (and the New Christy Minstrels before 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. But superstardom lay ahead for this Texan, and it arrived in the late '70s. His experience with the two previous pop groups had prepared him well: he knew the easy listening audience was out there, and he supplied them with well done middle-of-the-road songs with a country flavor. Having gone solo, in 1976 Rogers charted with "Love Lifted Me." But it was with an outstanding song by writers Roger Bowling and Hal Bynum, "Lucille," that his star shot upward. The rest (as they say) is history: award-winning duets with Dottie West and Dolly Parton, 12 TV specials, another song of the year with "The Gambler," "Lady" (his first pop number one), etc., and that's just the musical side of Rogers. In 1980, the made-for-TV movie The Gambler blasted the competition, followed quickly by Coward of the County, then numerous sequels. 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. Following graduation, he released two singles on a local independent label. The B-side of the first single, "That Crazy Feeling," was popular enough to earn him a slot on American Bandstand. Years of ups and downs followed, and Rogers was severely in debt. In order to jump-start his career, he signed to United Artists in 1975, and with the help of producer Larry Butler, he devised an accessible, radio-ready, and immaculately crafted take on country-pop that leaned toward adult contemporary pop, not country. His crossover success is important -- his lush, easy listening productions and smooth croons showed that country stars could conquer the pop audience.
Arena Theatre
Houston's Legendary Theatre in the Round
7326 Southwest Freeway (Hwy. 59)
Between Fondren Rd & Bellaire Blvd
Houston, TX 77074
Box Office Phone Number: (713) 772-5900
http://www.arenahouston.com/events/101212-kennyrogers-arenatheatre-houston-ticket/

Official Website: http://www.arenahouston.com