Kenny Rogers Looks Back at ‘The First 50 Years’

Kenny Rogers' iconic career has landed the superstar on both the pop and country charts every single decade for the past 50 years -- something no other artist can claim. And now, as a testament to his enduring popularity, Time Life and Dreamcatcher Artist Management have released the staggering, career-spanning 45-song collection, 'Kenny Rogers: The First 50 Years.'

Featuring all the original versions of Kenny's biggest hits, the three-disc set also includes three new songs, one of which, 'Tell Me That You Love Me,' was recorded with his longtime collaborator Dolly Parton.

While Kenny has stretched himself with well-known acting roles, he's also established himself for the distinctive styles of the hits he's recorded through the years, and this three-CD collection captures that spirit -- offering up a disc devoted to his love songs, one for story songs, and one of his duets.

In fact, it's the first time all of Kenny's hit duets have been collected in one place. A single disc called 'The Greatest Duets' is also available separately. Among his memorable singing partners throughout his career have been Kim Carnes, Dottie West, Sheena Easton, Gladys Knight, Don Henley and Tim McGraw.

Houston, Texas-born Kenny Rogers began his recording career in 1957. A decade later he began recording with the First Edition, charting 10 hits in four years, including 'Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town' and 'Ruben James.' His solo career launched with the 1977 crossover smash, 'Lucille,' followed by such blockbuster singles as 'The Gambler,' 'Lady' and 'Coward of the County.' The 1979 hit. 'The Gambler' became a career-changing single, spawning a handful of made-for-TV movies and a miniseries (starring Kenny himself)) seen by 100 million people.

The 11-time CMA Award winner who continues touring and recording music year-round, remains enthusiastic, saying of the career retrospective, "The great thing about all of this is that it represents the first 50 years of my music career. I'm currently working on the next!"