Don Schlitz, the acclaimed songwriter whose work helped define modern country music and whose credits included The Gambler, has died at age 73.
Schlitz died Thursday at a Nashville hospital from an aneurysm, according to reports citing his publicist. He was widely regarded as one of Nashville’s most accomplished and versatile writers, crafting major hits for generations of performers.
His best-known composition, “The Gambler,” became a signature hit for Kenny Rogers in 1978 and crossed into the pop Top 20. The song’s memorable advice about knowing when to hold or fold became part of American popular culture and helped cement Rogers as a superstar. In 2017, the recording was added to the National Recording Registry.
Schlitz also wrote or co-wrote a long list of country chart-toppers, including On the Other Hand, Forever and Ever, Amen, When You Say Nothing At All, Rockin’ With the Rhythm of the Rain and Almost Goodbye. His songs were recorded by stars including Randy Travis, The Judds, Keith Whitley and Mary Chapin Carpenter.
Known for storytelling lyrics, emotional honesty, and strong melodies, Schlitz was also influential in Nashville’s songwriting community. He played a role in helping establish the now-famous songwriters’ circles at the Bluebird Cafe, a venue that became legendary for showcasing songwriters.
Born Donald Alan Schlitz Jr. on Aug. 29, 1952, in Durham, he moved to Nashville at age 20 to pursue songwriting. He briefly attended Duke University and later worked nights as a computer operator at Vanderbilt University while pitching songs during the day.
His honors included Grammy Awards for best country song for “The Gambler” and “Forever and Ever, Amen.” He was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1993, the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2012, and the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2017.
Beyond music, Schlitz volunteered for nearly two decades with Room in the Inn, a Nashville nonprofit serving people experiencing homelessness. Survivors include his wife, Stacey Middleton Schlitz, two children, siblings, and four grandchildren.
Source: NYT