Studio album releases by Kenny Rogers as a solo artist
Studio album releases by Kenny Rogers as a solo artist
Released on June 2, 2023, Life Is Like a Song stands as a deeply personal posthumous release from Kenny Rogers. More than an archival collection, the album unfolds as a carefully sequenced song cycle — one that mirrors the arc of his life and, most intimately, his enduring love story with his wife, Wanda.
Curated by Wanda Rogers from recordings made between 2008–2011, the album moves through passion, partnership, fatherhood, devotion, loss, and ultimately goodbye. In listening from beginning to end, we are invited into something more than music — we are invited into memory.
Rogers has taken his Christmas and Hits tour across North America for 34 years running, and his albums have been part of families’ holiday seasons for generations. That deep understanding of what makes Christmas so special for so many is part of what makes Once Again It’s Christmas (Warner Bros./Warner Music Nashville) — Rogers’ first Christmas studio album in 17 years — special in itself. The other reasons are easier to sum up: Alison Krauss, Jennifer Nettles, country a capella group Home Free, pianist Jim Brickman, and duo Winfield’s Locket all lend their talents to the Warner Bros. edition of the release, and The Time Jumpers (with Vince Gill) serve as the backing band for the exclusive track found only on the Cracker Barrel edition of the release. Then there’s Kenny himself. Inspired by these collaborations, his vocal artistry — the musicianship that’s easy to miss beneath the glow of his famously fireplace-warm vocals – has never been better. Produced by Kyle Lehning and former Kenny Rogers band member Warren Hartman, with plenty of input from Kenny, the album folds varied influences from throughout his storied career into a lush, cohesive sound.
You Can’t Make Old Friends (Warner Bros.) was released to critical acclaim in 2013, the same year that Kenny was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and the recipient of the CMA Lifetime Achievement Award. Kenny garnered a GRAMMY Award nomination and Country Music Association (CMA) Award nomination along with his duet partner, Dolly Parton, on the touching title track. There are the captivating story songs and the sincere love songs Rogers’ fans have come to expect and love, but the country and pop superstar also shows his versatility with flavors of Rock and Roll, Zydeco, Soul, Gospel, Southern Rock, and sounds of the Southwest interspersed throughout this bold recording.
The Love of God is an inspirational collection of classic songs that Kenny Rogers remembers from his childhood, along with new recordings of contemporary songs. Two of the classics feature other artists: The Whites and Winfield’s Locket. Point of Grace is also featured on one of the album’s contemporary recordings. This album was produced by Warren Hartman and Kyle Lehning and was recorded at the Compound in Nashville with some of the best session players.
Water & Bridges was released on March 2006 by Capitol Nashville. The album includes tracks like "I Can't Unlove You" and "The Last Ten Years (Superman)." It reached No. 5 on the Country charts and received critical acclaim, highlighting Rogers' continued relevance.
Back to the Well was released on September 2003 by Sanctum Records. The album features guest appearances and collaborations, including a duet with Dolly Parton. It reached No. 38 on the Country charts, indicating Rogers' enduring appeal.
Timepiece was released on September 1999 by Dreamcatcher Records. The album is a departure from Rogers' country roots, featuring renditions of classic songs. Produced by David Foster, it is comprised of 1930s and 1940s jazz standards
If Only My Heart Had a Voice was released on July 1993 by Giant Records. The album includes tracks like "If Only My Heart Had a Voice" and "Missing You."
Something Inside So Strong was released on May 1989 by Reprise Records. The album includes tracks like "The Factory" and the title track.
I Prefer the Moonlight was released on September 1987 by RCA Records. The album includes tracks like "The Factory" and "Goodbye Marie."
They Don't Make Them Like They Used To was released on May 1986 by RCA Records. The album includes tracks like "Twenty Years Ago" and the title track. While the album didn't produce any charting singles, it adds to Rogers' extensive catalog.
The Heart of the Matter was released on September 1985 by RCA Records. The album includes tracks like "Morning Desire" and "Twenty Years Ago." It reached No. 2 on the Country charts and showcases Rogers' enduring popularity in the mid-'80s.
What About Me? was released on November 1984 by RCA Records. The album includes the title track, a collaboration with Kim Carnes and James Ingram.
Eyes That See in the Dark was released on September 1983 by RCA Records. Produced by Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees, the album includes the chart-topping duet with Dolly Parton, "Islands in the Stream." The album reached No. 6 on the Country charts and highlights Rogers' collaborative success.
We've Got Tonight was released on January 1983 by Liberty Records. The album includes the hit duet with Sheena Easton, "We've Got Tonight." It reached No. 1 on the Country charts and demonstrates Rogers' versatility as a performer.
Love Will Turn You Around was released on August 1982 by Liberty Records. Produced by Kenny Rogers, the album includes the title track and "A Love Song." It reached No. 1 on the Country charts and showcases Rogers' continued success into the '80s.
Gideon was released on April 1980 by Liberty Records. The album includes tracks like "Don't Fall in Love with a Dreamer" featuring Kim Carnes.
Kenny was released on September 1979 by United Artists Records. The album includes hits like "Coward of the County" and "You Decorated My Life." It reached No. 1 on the Country charts and showcases Rogers' continued success in the late '70s.
The Gambler was released on November 15, 1978 by United Artists Records. Produced by Larry Butler, the album includes the iconic title track, "The Gambler," which not only topped the country charts but also won a Song of the Year Grammy. The album itself reached No. 1 on the Country charts and became one of Rogers' most celebrated works.
Love or Something Like It was released on August 1978 by United Artists Records. Produced by Larry Butler, the album includes tracks like "Love Or Something Like It" and "The Shirt." While the album didn't produce any charting singles, it contributed to Rogers' growing discography.
Every Time Two Fools Collide was released on March 1978 by United Artists Records. Produced by Larry Butler, the album features Rogers' collaboration with Dottie West. The title track, a duet with West, became a chart-topping single, and the album reached No. 3 on the Country charts.
Daytime Friends was released on July 25, 1977 by United Artists Records. Produced by Larry Butler, the album produced two top 10 singles and reached No. 1 on the Country charts. The title track, "Daytime Friends," and "Sweet Music Man" became instant classics in Rogers' discography.
Kenny Rogers was released on February 1977 by United Artists Group. Produced by Larry Butler, the album includes hits like "Laura (What He's Got That I Ain't Got?)" and "Lucille", the latter becoming one of Rogers' signature songs. The album reached No. 1 on the Country charts and established Rogers as a solo star.
Love Lifted Me was released on February 14, 1976 by United Artists Group. The album, produced by Larry Butler, includes tracks like "Love Lifted Me" and "Homemade Love". While the album didn't produce any charting singles, it marked an early milestone in Rogers' solo career.