Uncle Kracker Takes The Mic To Cover Kenny Rogers’ “The Gambler”

Uncle Kracker’s talent knows no bounds.

In 2011, Uncle Kracker stopped by KUPL FM in Portland, Oregon, and sang a few songs at the Bing Lounge. One of those songs was Kenny Rogers‘ famous tune, “The Gambler.”

Uncle Kracker put his own spin on it but stayed true to this classic. Uncle Kracker isn’t known for a traditional country sound but leans more towards pop, so when he goes a more classic route like Rogers, it’s easy to keep hitting replay!

In fact, Uncle Kracker isn’t known as a country singer at all. He is best known for his cover of “Drift Away,” which was originally recorded by Mike Berry in 1972. A year later, it was given to soul singer Dobie Gray and became an international hit! Since then, it’s been covered by many artists, including Narvel Felts in 1973, Michael Bolton in 1992, and Uncle Kracker’s cover, which featured Dobie Gray.

Uncle Kracker’s version peaked at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 and number two on the Adult Top 40. It reached the top spot on the Adult Contemporary Chart.

RELATED: Kenny Chesney & Uncle Kracker Sing ‘Drift Away’ Live At Past Show In Knoxville

History of “The Gambler”

“The Gambler” was written by Don Schlitz and released by Kenny Rogers as the title track of his 1978 album. “The Gambler” won Rogers the Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance in 1980. The song tells the story of a late-night meeting where a gambler advises in exchange for whiskey.

He advises, “You’ve got to know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em, know when to walk away and know when to run. You never count your money when you’re sittin’ at the table; there’ll be time enough for counting when the dealing’s done.”

Watch his amazing performance below.