Always one of my favourites. If someone knew how to sing this kind of slow rocking, country music it was Kenny Rogers, what a guy! Kenny Rogers released this song in 1978 and it went straight to number one!
«The Gambler» was written in 1975 by Don Schlitz. Besides writing a catchy tune, he wrote in some very good…outstanding I would say…advice. Something a wise man would listen to and subscribe to is the knowledge of when one should walk or haul arse!
Johnny Cash also recorded the song in 1978. Here it is:
And in conclusion, I think the gambler was right when he said that «the secret to survivin’ is knowing what to throw away, and knowing what to keep». And of course, everyone knows that there is no better way to go than to «die in your sleep».
Country Yossi must have loved the song so much that he parodied it in «The Rabbi». Of course you know Country Yossi, the American Orthodox Jew from, where else, Brooklyn, USA. And he also sold diamonds on 47th Street (Manhattan). I truly admire Yossi, and his parodies of these great country songs are incredible! Hope you enjoy them:
Cheers…
JaZzArt en València 
This is a great example of the definition of a ballad. The music, his voice, the video are all outstanding, but it is the lyrics that draw us into the story with rapt attention. I swear you could simply read the lyrics out loud and still have the same emotions and feelings. Great song and artist to feature, my friend!
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You’re right. Even the guy who wrote it said that he didn’t know how he did it. It’s a very good and powerful song. Thank you very much my friend!
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good advice for all of us
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Without a doubt!
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Rogers’ «Gambler» keeps me mindful of the fickle nature of the industry and more of the absolutely insane changes in listeners’ tastes. Which is okay, except that now it’s less what listeners hear and like, what speaks to their souls, what message a work carries, and more what listening to a pieces will lend to one’s appearance as cool, hip, current.
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I never went for the cool, hip, trendy part of listening, on the contrary, I used to play what no one wanted, especially not the aspiring “cool” cats I used to know. Always followed my own rhythm and beat, but I get your message, I didn’t understand what Kenny Rogers music had to do with it…
Cheers my friend and all the best! A happy Sunday to you!
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You selected some great tunes. I especially like the last one, Nebish of the Schteeple.
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I loved it too! Thanks Pat!
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«You gotta know when to hold ‘em, and know when to fold ‘em». Those words were planted in my brain years ago – and they’ve come in handy on many occasions. Great choice Francesc.
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For me too Malc! Thanks my friend!
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I’m nearly a week later reading and listening to this, but it was well worth the wait. I loved Kenny Rogers. I went to a Kenny Rogers and the First Edition Concert in college, but I never got to hear Kenny do a solo concert. I’d never heard of Country Yossi. I don’t know how I missed him!
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I remember The First Edition…yes, the first songs I ever heard with KR singing… definitely one of the great ones in music. Thank you Janet.
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