Kenny Rogers. (Image via Shutterstock)
Virtually everybody of all ages knows "The Gambler" – you can probably at least think of the chorus without trying too hard. It's been called the greatest country song of all time, is often considered the crowning achievement of Kenny Rogers' career, and spawned several TV movies and a slot machine. If that's not the definition of success, I don't know what is.
It all started when Don Schlitz – then a relatively unknown songwriter who worked the night shift at a computer lab – was walking home. As happens with many of us (and not often enough, in my opinion), the idea struck him from out of nowhere. By the time he got home, he had most of the song finished in his head – only struggling with the last verse. Spoiler alert: he eventually decided the gambler should die and wrapped up the song in a somewhat open-ended manner.
While the song is considered a standard today and helped catapult Schlitz into the status of a legendary songwriter, it was difficult to get a publisher to take it at the time – in fact, according to Schlitz, “Nobody would touch it.” There was no girl in it, and it wasn't about love. It was considered a little too long, the ending too ambiguous. In other words, not what was considered a major radio hit.
It was shopped for two years before it was finally recorded by Bobby Bare, who didn't release it as a single. Other artists took notice, though, including Johnny Cash, who recorded it on an album of his own. Still, it wasn't the hit it's known as today until Kenny Rogers cut it and breathed new life into it.
A hit writer I know once said, “Nothing sounds like a hit like a hit.” It's a funny way of saying that sometimes great songs slip under the radar of publishers and decision makers. Great songs – of which “The Gambler” is certainly one – exist in part because the writer believed in it and pushed for it, despite hearing “no” way too often. It's a good reminder to be true to yourself, be your own biggest cheerleader, and advocate for your songs.
Next up: What Every Hit Song Has in Common
Daniel Reifsnyder is a Nashville-based, Grammy-nominated songwriter, having started his musical journey at the age of three. In addition to being an accomplished commercial actor, his voice can be heard on The Magic School Bus theme song and in Home Alone 2. Throughout his career, he has had the honor of working with the likes of Michael Jackson and Little Richard among many others. He is a regular contributor to several music-related blogs, including his own.
