Kenny Rogers to Appear at Country Music Hall of Fame for Exhibit Opening

Kenny Rogers will celebrate the opening of his own exhibit, 'Kenny Rogers: Through the Years' at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum with a special interview on Saturday, Aug. 16.

The expert-led discussion will cover Rogers' life and career, with illustrations by archival photographs and videos.

“Kenny Rogers redefined and elevated country music superstardom in every sense,” Museum Director Kyle Young says. “He blurred traditional genre lines and substantially expanded the core demographics of country music’s audience, all by being true to his unique artistic vision. His versatility is astounding. We could not be more thrilled to share this detailed presentation of his story.”

In addition to an appearance by the 75-year-old, a Songwriter Session will also take place with Don Schlitz, who wrote Rogers' 'The Gambler,' along with Keith Whitley's 'When You Say Nothing At All' and several others.

Schlitz will appear at 11:30 AM, followed by Rogers' interview at 2:30. On Sunday, Aug. 17, a special screening of his 2001 'Kenny Rogers: Live by Request' film, which was recorded in front of a live studio audience at the Sony Music Studios in New York City, will be shown.

In addition to the interview, a companion book, also called 'Kenny Rogers: Through the Years' will be available for purchase, which includes a foreword written by his good friend, Dolly Parton.

'Kenny Rogers: Through the Years' will open on Aug. 15, and run through June 14, 2015. Included in the exhibit will be several memorable artifacts, including a 1970 program from a week of shows featuring both Kenny Rogers and the First Edition and Merle Haggard and the Strangers at the Starlight Theatre in Kansas City, Missouri, original LP, 45-RPM picture sleeve and tape boxes for releases by both Kenny Rogers and the First Edition and Kenny Rogers as a solo artist, and costumes the singer wore for his role in the movie, 'The Gambler.'

The exhibit will also showcase his numerous awards, including his Grammy trophies, his CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award and his recent Honorary Master of Photography award.

All programs are included with the price of admission, and free to museum members. More information, including ticket purchase details, is available here.