Don Schlitz

If Don Schlitz had quit songwriting after his first hit, he’d probably still be in the Songwriters Hall of Fame. It was a little number called “The Gambler” that Kenny Rogers rode to international acclaim, earning a Grammy for Best Country Song in 1978. After dropping out of Duke University at age 20, Schlitz walked onto Music Row and never left. He’d go on to write fifty Top-10 songs on the Country chart for artists as varied as Randy Travis, Tanya Tucker, Mary Chapin-Carpenter and Alison Krauss. As one of the founders of Nashville’s legendary Bluebird Café’s songwriter’s circle, Don would host and boost the careers of countless country artists. After a sudden illness, Don Schlitz passed away in April 2026 at the too-young age of 73. But his songs live on in the hearts and minds of millions.