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North Carolina native, Don Schlit, died Thursday as a result of what has been described as a "short illness"
"The Gambler" became a massive country and cross over hit for Kenny Rogers in 1978
A casino slot game was even developed around the song
It was arguably one of the best known songs related to gambling, "The Gambler" and became synonymous with Kenny Rogers.
The song writer was an icon on the country music scene as well.
The North Carolina native, Don Schlitz, died Thursday at a Nashville hospital following what the Grand Ole Opry described as a sudden illness. The cause of death was not immediately known.
“We are heartbroken by the news of the passing of Don Schlitz. Don loved his family, his home state of North Carolina, and above all, songs and songwriters. He carried that love into every room, every stage and every lyric he ever wrote,” said Sarah Trahern, Country Music Association CEO, in a statement Friday.
“Not long ago, we shared a dinner, and as we were leaving, Don picked up a guitar and began to play. That is how I will always remember him, smiling and with a guitar in his hand. His legacy lives on through his music and the many artists and writers he inspired. He will be deeply missed.”
Echoing that sentiment, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum CEO Kyle Young said, “Don Schlitz’s place as a songwriting great would be secure had he never written ‘The Gambler’ or had he only written ‘The Gambler.’ Nashville was richer for his presence and is lesser for his absence.”
Schlitz was born in 1952 and raised in Durham before packing his bags and heading to Nashville.
The country star was later inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame.
"The Gambler" spent three weeks on the Billboard Country chart in 1978. It was a major crossover hit as well, peaking at No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100.
It would go on to become one of Rogers’ signature songs and part of a streak of multiple No. 1 country hits.
After Rogers passed away in 2020, “The Gambler” even returned to No. 1 on Billboard’s Digital Song Sales chart, showing its lasting popularity.
There is even a Kenny Rogers Gambler Slot built around "The Gambler"
The game boasts an engaging layout with 5 reels and 30 paylines. It features symbols such as his guitar, cowboy hat, and classic playing cards. Unlocking bonus rounds can multiply winnings tremendously, sometimes up to 500x your bet!
- Jordan Bach, Gambling911.com
