Skip to main content
GRAMMYs Breaking News
Breaking News
  • MusiCares Launches Help for the Holidays Campaign Apply HERE
  • Recording Academy
  • GRAMMYs
  • Membership
  • Advocacy
  • MusiCares
  • GRAMMY Museum
  • Latin GRAMMYs
GRAMMYs
  • Advocacy
  • Membership
  • GRAMMYs
  • Governance
  • Jobs
  • Press Room
  • Events
  • Login
  • MusiCares
  • GRAMMY Museum
  • Latin GRAMMYs
  • More
    • MusiCares
    • GRAMMY Museum
    • Latin GRAMMYs

The GRAMMYs

  • Awards
  • News
  • Videos
  • Recording Academy
  • More
    • Awards
    • News
    • Videos
    • Recording Academy

Latin GRAMMYs

MusiCares

  • About
  • Get Help
  • Give
  • News
  • Videos
  • Events
  • Person of the Year
  • More
    • About
    • Get Help
    • Give
    • News
    • Videos
    • Events
    • Person of the Year

Advocacy

  • About
  • News
  • Issues & Policy
  • Act
  • Recording Academy
  • More
    • About
    • News
    • Issues & Policy
    • Act
    • Recording Academy

Membership

  • Join
  • Events
  • PRODUCERS & ENGINEERS WING
  • GRAMMY U
  • GOVERNANCE
  • More
    • Join
    • Events
    • PRODUCERS & ENGINEERS WING
    • GRAMMY U
    • GOVERNANCE
Log In Join
  • SUBSCRIBE

  • Search
Modal Open
Subscribe Now

Subscribe to Newsletters

Be the first to find out about GRAMMY nominees, winners, important news, and events. Privacy Policy
GRAMMY Museum
Membership

Join us on Social

  • Recording Academy
    • The Recording Academy: Facebook
    • The Recording Academy: Twitter
    • The Recording Academy: Instagram
    • The Recording Academy: YouTube
  • GRAMMYs
    • GRAMMYs: Facebook
    • GRAMMYs: Twitter
    • GRAMMYs: Instagram
    • GRAMMYs: YouTube
  • Latin GRAMMYs
    • Latin GRAMMYs: Facebook
    • Latin GRAMMYs: Twitter
    • Latin GRAMMYs: Instagram
    • Latin GRAMMYs: YouTube
  • GRAMMY Museum
    • GRAMMY Museum: Facebook
    • GRAMMY Museum: Twitter
    • GRAMMY Museum: Instagram
    • GRAMMY Museum: YouTube
  • MusiCares
    • MusiCares: Facebook
    • MusiCares: Twitter
    • MusiCares: Instagram
  • Advocacy
    • Advocacy: Facebook
    • Advocacy: Twitter
  • Membership
    • Membership: Facebook
    • Membership: Twitter
    • Membership: Instagram
    • Membership: Youtube
Kenny Rogers performs at the 2017 CMA Music Festival

Kenny Rogers performs at the 2017 CMA Music Festival

Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images

News
Kenny Rogers, Country Music Icon, Dies At 81 kenny-rogers-country-music-icon-and-actor-dies-81

Kenny Rogers, Country Music Icon And Actor, Dies At 81

Facebook Twitter Email
The three-time GRAMMY-winning legend was one of the key artists to take country music to mainstream audiences
John Ochoa
GRAMMYs
Mar 21, 2020 - 1:10 pm

Kenny Rogers, a three-time GRAMMY-winning country music icon, producer, actor and entrepreneur, has died at 81.

https://twitter.com/_KennyRogers/status/1241244740957413376

The Rogers family is sad to announce that Kenny Rogers passed away last night at 10:25PM at the age of 81. Rogers passed away peacefully at home from natural causes under the care of hospice and surrounded by his family. https://t.co/adxAgiMW2s pic.twitter.com/nggWiiotMT

— Kenny Rogers (@_KennyRogers) March 21, 2020

Rogers died Friday night (March 20) from natural causes at his home "under the care of hospice and surrounded by his family," according to a tweet posted on his official Twitter account. 

"Kenny Rogers left an indelible mark on the history of American music. His songs have endeared music lovers and touched the lives of millions around the world," Keith Hagan, Rogers' publicist, said in a statement, as reported by CNN.

Harvey Mason jr., Chair and Interim President/CEO of the Recording Academy, shared a touching message on behalf of the organization. 

"As one of the first artists to successfully master the country/pop crossover, Rogers touched the lives of millions worldwide and led the way for many notable artists who followed," the statement reads. "This is a great loss for the music industry, but his influence and legacy will continue. We're thinking of his loved ones during this difficult time."

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-AK21MpV_K

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Recording Academy / GRAMMYs (@recordingacademy)

Credited as one of the key artists to take country music to mainstream audiences in the '70s and '80s, Rogers was one of the best-selling music artists of all time, counting more than 100 million records sold worldwide. Across his nearly six-decade career, he recorded and performed music across multiple genres, including rock 'n' roll, psychedelic rock, folk and country, and topped multiple genre charts in the U.S. 

According to Billboard, Rogers notched 21 No. 1 hits on the Hot Country Songs chart and 12 chart-toppers on the Top Country Albums chart. His 1980 career-retrospective compilation album, Kenny Rogers' Greatest Hits, topped the all-genre Billboard 200 chart the year it was released, becoming his sole No. 1 release on that chart. He scored two No. 1 hit songs on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the U.S. with "Lady," his 1980 song written and produced by Lionel Richie, and "Islands In The Stream," his 1983 Bee Gees-penned duet with Dolly Parton. 

Born in 1938, in Houston, Texas, Rogers got his musical start as part of multiple groups, including Bobby Doyle Three, the New Christy Minstrels and the First Edition, during his early years. He launched his solo career in 1976 with the release of his debut solo album, Love Lifted Me. A prolific recording artist, he released 39 studio albums, which included multiple solo, collaborative and holiday albums, from the 1970s through the 2010s. 

Rogers is perhaps best known for "The Gambler," the title track off his 1978 album. Widely considered his signature song, "The Gambler" notched Rogers a GRAMMY win at the 22nd GRAMMY Awards, held in 1980, for Best Country Vocal Performance, Male, in addition to a nomination for Record Of The Year; The Gambler also received a nomination for Album Of The Year. The song, which was added to the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress for preservation in 2018, inspired a successful film series that included 1980's Emmy-nominated movie, Kenny Rogers As The Gambler. 

In addition to his three GRAMMY wins and 19 overall nominations, Rogers received the Recording Academy's President's Merit Award in 1986. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall Of Fame in 2013. He received the Country Music Association Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013 and the Artist Of A Lifetime Award at the CMT Artists Of The Year 2015 award show, among many other lifetime awards and honors, according to his official bio.

Rogers announced his retirement in 2015. His farewell tour, dubbed "The Gambler's Last Deal," was cut short in 2018 following advisement from his doctors, who cited "a series of health challenges." His final concert—a special tribute called "All In For The Gambler: Kenny Rogers' Farewell Concert Celebration" held in Nashville, Tenn, in Oct. 2017—featured performances from GRAMMY winners Chris Stapleton, Little Big Town, and Lionel Richie, among many others. At the show, Rogers joined longtime friend and collaborator Dolly Parton onstage to perform their GRAMMY-nominated duets "You Can't Make Old Friends" and "Islands In The Stream" for the last time together. 

GRAMMYs

Content Not Available

Kenny Rogers - You Can't Make Old Friends (duet with Dolly Parton) [Official Video]

Rogers is survived by his wife of 22 years, Wanda Miller, as well as his five children, three siblings and several grandchildren, according to The New York Times.

Following the news of Rogers' death, fellow artists and institutions from the country and pop music community commemorated the late legend, including a moving tribute from a weeping Dolly Parton. 

https://twitter.com/DollyParton/status/1241370371628183552

You never know how much you love somebody until they’re gone. I’ve had so many wonderful years and wonderful times with my friend Kenny, but above all the music and the success I loved him as a wonderful man and a true friend. pic.twitter.com/hIQLIvt8pr

— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) March 21, 2020

https://twitter.com/BradPaisley/status/1241410788046393345

Rest In Peace Kenny Rogers. We loved you. #kennyrogers #sweetmusicman https://t.co/ZMzCXnKhFn

— Brad Paisley (@BradPaisley) March 21, 2020

https://twitter.com/opry/status/1241407168026378245

Tough times just got a little tougher. Thanks for the music that’ll ease our souls today and for years to come, Kenny Rogers. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ZjT1bJ0p7V

— Grand Ole Opry (@opry) March 21, 2020

https://twitter.com/prince/status/1241424584911486978

Remembering Kenny Rogers, who released the tender ballad "You're My Love" in 1986. The song was written by Joey Coco—a pseudonym used by the one and only Prince. https://t.co/DomOWVtO8p#TheGambler #RIPLegend @_KennyRogers pic.twitter.com/1Yd4CFh72a

— Prince (@prince) March 21, 2020

https://twitter.com/Travistritt/status/1241425576516374528

Just my small way of remembering @_KennyRogers. This is a song that Kenny wrote with Waylon Jennings (another musical hero) in mind. #RIPKennyRogers #RIPLegend #RIPLegend pic.twitter.com/zEjHHLiWKA

— Travis Tritt (@Travistritt) March 21, 2020

https://twitter.com/TheBrandyClark/status/1241426744285876224

I never even met @_KennyRogers but his passing breaks my heart. His music is a large part of the soundtrack of my life. Heaven just got one of the greatest musicians and singers this planet ever heard. Rest easy and thank you for sharing your gift with us @_KennyRogers pic.twitter.com/VU5kuOxADU

— Brandy Clark (@TheBrandyClark) March 21, 2020

Kelsea Ballerini, Florida Georgia Line, Kane Brown & More: Surveying The Country Landscape

Harold Reid (L) of The Statler Brothers

Harold Reid (L) of The Statler Brothers

Photo: GAB Archive/Redferns

News
Statler Brothers Singer Harold Reid Dies At 80 harold-reid-founding-member-and-singer-grammy-winning-country-group-statler-brothers

Harold Reid, Founding Member Of And Singer For GRAMMY-Winning Country Group The Statler Brothers, Dies At 80

Facebook Twitter Email
The legendary group sang backup for Johnny Cash for nearly 10 years and topped the Billboard country charts multiple times
John Ochoa
GRAMMYs
Apr 25, 2020 - 1:55 pm

Harold Reid, a founding member of and singer for the three-time GRAMMY-winning country quartet and vocal group The Statler Brothers, has died following a long battle with kidney failure. He was 80.

Rolling Stone reports Reid died in his home in Staunton, Va., Friday (April 24) evening, as confirmed by Jimmy Fortune, a member of the group.

The band confirmed the news of Reid's passing in a post shared on The Statler Brothers' official website, which reads, in part, "[Reid] is and will always be loved by his family, friends and millions of fans. His singing, his songwriting and his comedy made generations happy. He has taken a piece of our hearts with him."

Harvey Mason jr., Chair and Interim President/CEO of the Recording Academy, shared a touching message about Reid's passing on behalf of the organization.

"As a talented singer/songwriter, Harold Reid helped drive the legendary Statler Brothers to success in the '60s and '70s. His impact on country music has and will continue to shape the music we listen to today. Harold's influence will live on in our community and he will be missed dearly by those whose lives he touched through his music."

Read: Kenny Rogers, Country Music Icon And Actor, Dies At 81

Born in Augusta County, Va., in 1939, Reid founded The Statler Brothers alongside original lead singer Joe McDorman, baritone singer Phil Balsley and original tenor singer and guitarist Lew DeWitt; Reid's younger brother, Don Reid, replaced McDorman as lead singer in 1962. Formed in 1955, the group originally began as a local gospel act known as The Four Star Quartet before changing their name to The Kingsmen; in 1963, they settled on the name The Statler Brothers, taking the moniker from a brand of facial tissue. 

In 1964, The Statler Brothers began singing backup for Johnny Cash, who discovered and mentored the group. After nearly 10 years supporting and opening for Cash, the group parted ways with The Man In Black in 1972 to pursue their own career as a band. They commemorated their run with Cash in the song "We Got Paid By Cash."

Throughout their decades-long career, The Statler Brothers released nearly 40 studio albums and multiple chart-topping, GRAMMY-winning singles. The group first broke into the mainstream via their 1965 single "Flowers On The Wall," the title track off their 1966 debut album. In addition to notching the group's first-ever GRAMMY win, for Best Contemporary (R&R) Performance - Group (Vocal Or Instrumental), in 1966, the track reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and peaked at No. 2 on the Hot Country Songs chart in the U.S. (They also won the GRAMMY for Best New Country & Western Artist in 1966.)

The group would ultimately produce four No. 1 hits on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart: "Do You Know You Are My Sunshine" (1978), "Elizabeth" (1983), "My Only Love" (1984) and "Too Much On My Heart" (1985). Their 1985 album, Pardners In Rhyme, topped the Top Country Albums chart. 

The Statler Brothers won their last GRAMMY in 1973 when their 1972 single "The Class of '57," off their album Country Music Then And Now, won for Best Country Vocal Performance By A Duo Or Group.

In addition to their music, the group hosted "The Statler Brothers Show," a weekly variety TV series that ran on The Nashville Network throughout the '90s. Led by the late Harold Reid, the group also expanded into comedy, releasing the 1974 parody album Alive At The Johnny Mack Brown High School as Lester "Roadhog" Moran And The Cadillac Cowboys. 

After retiring in 2002, The Statler Brothers were inducted into the Country Music Hall Of Fame in 2008, according to Rolling Stone.

The Rebellious Brilliance Of Lucinda Williams

Joe Diffie performs at the Watershed Music Festival 2014

Joe Diffie performs at the Watershed Music Festival 2014

Photo: Suzi Pratt/FilmMagic

News
Country Artist Joe Diffie Dies From COVID-19 At 61 joe-diffie-country-music-veteran-and-grammy-winner-dies-coronavirus-61

Joe Diffie, Country Music Veteran And GRAMMY Winner, Dies From Coronavirus At 61

Facebook Twitter Email
The chart-topping singer was the first country star to go public with a COVID-19 diagnosis
John Ochoa
GRAMMYs
Mar 29, 2020 - 4:24 pm

Joe Diffie, a GRAMMY-winning country music veteran, died Sunday (March 29) due to complications from COVID-19. The singer announced his coronavirus diagnosis Friday (March 27), according to Billboard. He was the first country star to go public with a diagnosis of the disease, the Associated Press reports. His publicist, Scott Adkins, confirmed the news of his death, Rolling Stone reports. Diffie was 61.

Harvey Mason jr., Chair and Interim President/CEO of the Recording Academy, shared a touching message on behalf of the organization.

"[Joe Diffie's] long-lasting impact on the industry won't be forgotten, and his music will be cherished for generations to come," the statement reads.

https://twitter.com/RecordingAcad/status/1244448060572237825

Joe Diffie's long-lasting impact on the industry won't be forgotten, and his music will be cherished for generations to come: https://t.co/HtaCuizS0z pic.twitter.com/RcjGFvkew9

— Recording Academy / GRAMMYs (@RecordingAcad) March 30, 2020

Born into a musical family in Tulsa, Okla., in 1958, Diffie was a prolific country music artist and songwriter throughout the '90s and early 2000s. He landed 35 singles on the Hot Country Songs chart in the U.S. between 1990, the year he signed with the Nashville division of Epic Records, and 2004. He topped that same chart a total of five times throughout his career with the country hits "Home" (1990), his debut single, "If The Devil Danced (In Empty Pockets)" (1991), "Pickup Man" (1994), "Third Rock From The Sun" (1994) and "Bigger Than The Beatles" (1995). 

Read: Kenny Rogers, Country Music Icon And Actor, Dies At 81

Known for his neotraditionalist country style, Diffie released a total of 12 studio albums, including a Christmas album (1995's Mr. Christmas) and a bluegrass album (2010's Homecoming: The Bluegrass Album), in addition to multiple compilation albums. His 1993 album, Honky Tonk Attitude, and his 1994 album, Third Rock From The Sun, became Top 10 hits on the Top Country Albums chart in the U.S.

At the 41st GRAMMY Awards, held in 1999, Diffie won his first and only golden gramophone for Best Country Collaboration With Vocals for his contribution to "Same Old Train," an all-star collaboration featuring Marty Stuart, Earl Scruggs, Clint Black, Merle Haggard, Emmylou Harris, Alison Krauss, Patty Loveless, Ricky Skaggs, Pam Tillis, Randy Travis, Travis Tritt and Dwight Yoakam. The track was featured on the 1998 tribute album, Tribute To Tradition.

In 1993, Diffie was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry, one of the most celebrated institutions in country music. 

Beyond his solo career, Diffie co-wrote songs for fellow country luminaries, including Tim McGraw, Holly Dunn and Jo Dee Messina, and recorded with Mary Chapin Carpenter and George Jones, among others. 

Diffie was an influence on the younger country music generation, with several artists celebrating the legend in their music, including Jason Aldean ("1994") and Chris Young ("Raised On Country"), according to Billboard.

Diffie is survived by his wife, Theresa Crump, and his five children, according to the Associated Press.

Following the news of Diffie's death, fellow artists and institutions from the country music community commemorated the late icon.

https://twitter.com/tobykeith/status/1244376253920153600

We are feeling it now. Oklahoma boy Joe Diffie has passed away from this virus. My kids grew up around his parents. My prayers will be with his family. A great traditional voice will live on cuz I’m putting his music on now. Here’s a beer to ya, Joe. Go get your reward. -T

— Toby Keith (@tobykeith) March 29, 2020

https://twitter.com/TraceAdkins/status/1244358988424032256

Oh my God. One of the all-time GREAT vocalists. Joe Diffie was my friend. RIP, buddy. @JoeDiffieOnline pic.twitter.com/snWhL5fcLo

— Trace Adkins (@TraceAdkins) March 29, 2020

https://twitter.com/opry/status/1244360215664963590

“Even though I’ve been doing this for a long time, it’s like I want to pinch myself still. It’s an awful neat deal to be able to live out your dream.” - Joe Diffie

Joe, thank you for all of the music and light you've given us. Thank you for letting us be part of your dream. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/QY0wzZAm08

— Grand Ole Opry (@opry) March 29, 2020

https://twitter.com/CharlieDaniels/status/1244350471864750086

Just got word that Joe Diffie has passed away.
Sincere condolences to his family
It’s such a shock and such a loss for Country Music
Rest In Peace Joe

— Charlie Daniels (@CharlieDaniels) March 29, 2020

https://twitter.com/CollinRaye/status/1244360684659490817

I am deeply saddened at the news of Joe Diffie’s death. He and I were label mates on SONY Epic Records for many years... I am honored & humbled, to have known him. May God bless and comfort Joe’s family and welcome him into Eternity. We’ll miss you, Brother. -Collin pic.twitter.com/9FvDNOW4IF

— Collin Raye (@CollinRaye) March 29, 2020

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-VKLs5h2qz

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Travis Tritt (@realtravistritt)

Recording Academy And MusiCares Establish COVID-19 Relief Fund

The Supremes

Barbara Martin (L)

Photo: GAB Archive/Redferns

News
Barbara Martin, The Supremes Singer, Dies At 76 barbara-martin-original-singer-supremes-dies-76

Barbara Martin, Original Singer For The Supremes, Dies At 76

Facebook Twitter Email
As a member of the legendary Motown group, she sang on the band's 1962 debut album, 'Meet The Supremes'
John Ochoa
GRAMMYs
Mar 6, 2020 - 10:56 am

Barbara Martin, best known for her work as one of the original singers in the legendary Motown group The Supremes, has died. She was 76. 

According to NME, Martin died earlier this week (March 4). While details surrounding the cause of her death have yet to be released, the group confirmed her passing yesterday (March 5) in a post shared on The Supremes' official Facebook page, writing, "Our hearts go out to Barbara's family and friends. Once a Supreme, always a Supreme."  Founding Supremes member Mary Wilson also confirmed Martin's death on Twitter.

Born in Detroit, Martin joined The Supremes in 1960, replacing founding member Betty McGlown, when the group was still known as the Primettes. One year later, the group, featuring the original lineup of Martin, Wilson, Diana Ross and Florence Ballard, changed its name to The Supremes when they signed to the iconic Motown Records, which celebrated its 60th anniversary last year.

While only an official member of the group for two years, Martin sang on multiple early Supremes singles. She shared lead vocal duties with Diana Ross on "(He's) Seventeen," featured on the band's 1962 debut album, Meet The Supremes. Although she contributed lead and background vocals on the album, Martin is not featured on the cover art. 

In 1962, Martin left The Supremes after she got pregnant. The group continued as a trio, filtering through numerous lineup changes throughout the years, and did not replace Martin.

10 Unsung Heroes Of Motown: The Funk Brothers, The Velvelettes & More

Maren Morris performs at the 2019 Watershed Music And Camping Festival

Maren Morris performs at the 2019 Watershed Music And Camping Festival

Photo: Suzi Pratt/WireImage

News
Maren Morris Announces 2020 'RSVP: The Tour' maren-morris-announces-2020-rsvp-tour-north-american-tour

Maren Morris Announces 2020 'RSVP: The Tour' North American Tour

Facebook Twitter Email
The 28-city trek will take the GRAMMY-winning country artist to major amphitheaters and arenas across North America and will include multiple festival performances
John Ochoa
GRAMMYs
Feb 26, 2020 - 10:40 am

GRAMMY-winning country artist Maren Morris has announced dates for her forthcoming RSVP: The Tour, which will take the singer-songwriter/producer to major amphitheaters and arenas across North America. The 28-city trek, which kicks off next month (March 7), also includes multiple performances at festivals, including RodeoHouston, BottleRock Napa Valley, Governors Ball and others. James Arthur, Ryan Hurd and Caitlyn Smith will join Morris as support acts on select tour dates. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9CC-P2hkUW

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by MAREN MORRIS (@marenmorris)

The forthcoming tour follows a massive 2019 for Morris. Last March, she released her second album, Girl, which peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart and topped the Top Country Albums chart in the U.S. The album also saw the "largest debut-week streaming sum for a country album by a female artist," according to Billboard.

Read: Maren Morris Cooks Up New Flavors On 'Girl' 

With Girl, Morris notched her most recent, and 10th overall, GRAMMY nomination: At the 62nd GRAMMY Awards last month, she received a nod for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for "Common," a collaboration off the album featuring four-time GRAMMY winner Brandi Carlile.

Of course, Morris and Carlile are no strangers to collaborating together. They're both members of the all-female country music supergroup The Highwomen, which also includes fellow GRAMMY winners Natalie Hemby and Amanda Shires. Their 2019 self-titled debut album became a top 10 hit on the Billboard 200 chart and topped the Top Country Albums chart in the U.S. 

Read: Maren Morris, Natalie Hemby & Amanda Shires Of The Highwomen Are "Redesigning Women" | Newport Folk 2019

Tickets for Morris' RSVP: The Tour North American tour go on sale Friday, March 6, at 10 a.m. local time. For more information and for the full tour routing, visit her official website.

Maren Morris & Brandi Carlile Talk Empowering Women In Music & Collaborating Together

Top
Logo
  • Recording Academy
    • About
    • Governance
    • Press Room
    • Jobs
    • Events
  • GRAMMYs
    • Awards
    • News
    • Videos
    • Events
    • Store
    • FAQ
  • Latin GRAMMYs
    • Awards
    • News
    • Photos
    • Videos
    • Cultural Foundation
    • Members
    • Press
  • GRAMMY Museum
    • COLLECTION:live
    • Explore
    • Exhibits
    • Education
    • Support
    • Programs
    • Donate
  • MusiCares
    • About
    • Get Help
    • Give
    • News
    • Videos
    • Events
  • Advocacy
    • About
    • News
    • Learn
    • Act
  • Membership
    • Chapters
    • Producers & Engineers Wing
    • GRAMMY U
    • Join
Logo

© 2021 - Recording Academy. All rights reserved.

  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Copyright Notice
  • Contact Us

Some of the content on this site expresses viewpoints and opinions that are not those of the Recording Academy. Responsibility for the accuracy of information provided in stories not written by or specifically prepared for the Academy lies with the story's original source or writer. Content on this site does not reflect an endorsement or recommendation of any artist or music by the Recording Academy.