BREAKING: Don Schlitz, Beloved Songwriter Behind “The Gambler,” Dies At Age 73
Don Schlitz, the Hall of Fame songwriter who brought us "The Gambler" and other classics, has died at the age of 73. (Photo Credit: Mike Windle / ACMA2013 / Getty Images for ACM)
Songwriter & Country Music Hall Of Famer Don Schlitz Has Died
Heartbreaking news emerged out of Nashville today (April 17th), as it’s been confirmed that country music songwriter Don Schlitz has died.
Music Row reports that 73-year-old Schlitz passed away on Thursday, April 16th. He died at a Nashville-area hospital following a sudden illness. The exact illness and nature of his death remains unknown as of press time.
Schlitz’s survivors include his wife, Stacey; daughter Cory Dixon and her husband Matt; son Pete and his wife Christian; grandchildren Roman, Gia, Isla, and Lilah; brother Brad; and sister Kathy.
Sarah Trahern, the CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame (CMA) shared a statement about Schlitz’s death:
“We are heartbroken by the news of the passing of Don Schlitz,” Trahern said, as quoted by the Associated Press. “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. 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.”
Recalling Don Schlitz’s Illustrious Career
Don Schlitz was one of country music’s most beloved and prolific songwriters. He’s perhaps best known as the sole songwriter behind “The Gambler,” which Kenny Rogers turned into an iconic hit in 1978.
Other songs penned by Schlitz include “When You Say Nothing at All” (Keith Whitley, Alison Krauss), “40 Hour Week (For a Livin’)” (Alabama), and “Cheatin'” (Sara Evans).
Schlitz frequently worked with Randy Travis and ended up writing some of his greatest hits. Those songs include “Forever and Ever, Amen,” “Deeper Than the Holler,” and “On the Other Hand.”
25 of Schlitz’s songs topped the country charts. He also earned three CMA Song of the Year awards and two Grammys.
Additionally, Schlitz wrote the theme song for President George H. W. Bush’s “Points of Light” program. The song, fittingly titled “Point of Light,” was released by Randy Travis in 1991 and became a Top 10 country hit.
Schlitz was a member of four Halls of Fame, including the:
- Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (inducted in 1993)
- North Carolina Music Hall of Fame (inducted in 2010)
- Songwriters Hall of Fame (inducted in 2012)
- Country Music Hall of Fame (inducted in 2017)
Schlitz became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 2022. He became the only non-artist songwriter to earn Opry membership.
Music Row reports that the Opry’s April 18th show will be dedicated to Schlitz. Details concerning funeral or memorial arrangements are yet to be announced.
Our hearts and prayers go out to all who knew and loved Don Schlitz. May he rest in peace…
Celebrate his legacy by watching him sing “The Gambler” in the video below.
