For many Kenyans, the death of American country music icon Kenny Rogers on Saturday, March 21 due to natural causes hit home having grown with the legend’s music, produced in a career that spanned over six decades.
Taking to social media in grief, many Kenyans shared what Rogers meant to them and how his music, especially The Gambler and the Coward of the County touched their lives.
According to a survey by KTN, many Kenyans can sing word for word the two songs released a year apart on November 15, 1978, and November 12, 1979, respectively.
Read Also: Kenny Rogers' rock and roll life - drugs and five marriages
Whilst Vows goes Unbroken, Islands in the Stream and Lucille featured for many other fans, the survey results told of a man who had immense impact with legendary subtleness and meekness of a towering musical giant.
“A Legend has fallen. Anyone on third-floor kuenda juu knows what this Man meant to us... to our evenings... Well, a Legend has fallen. An Icon has rested,” wrote popular comedian Captain Otoyo on Instagram.
“Thank you for a lifetime of music,” added former Israeli Diplomat turned singer Gilad Millo.
Read Also: Country music legend Kenny Rogers dies aged 81
For rapper King Kaka, the lyrics to Lucille told it all: “You picked a fine time to leave me, Lucille. Rest Rodgers. One of the best storytellers to ever did it. My late father’s favourite song and later became mine as well.”
“Rest well legend,” added Starehe MP Charles Kanyi alias Jaguar.
On Twitter, former Tusker Project Fame (TPF) judge Ian Mbugua gave it all as he sang You Decorated My Life.
Kenny Rogers. Please sing along pic.twitter.com/IO1OUXzJ1O
— Ian Mbugua (@IanMbugua) March 21, 2020
So did the world...
????Kenny Roger's last Video. May his soul RIP#KennyRogers #SaturdayThoughts pic.twitter.com/WKdcJMgTBr — Lara Patrick (@larapatrick24) March 21, 2020
"Oh, put out the light, just hold on
Before we say goodbye"
"Sail away with me
To another world"
"Let me hold you in my arms forever more"
But in his final words
I found an ace that I could keep
"And the best that you can hope for is to die in your sleep"
#RIPLegend #KennyRogers pic.twitter.com/IVEf9AD7DI — Nedia Fran (@FranNedia) March 21, 2020
My fave #KennyRogers song! ?? pic.twitter.com/9XkR7DMY7o — Christine E. (@cxtinee) March 21, 2020
Damn. Just read about #KennyRogers. As if this year couldn’t suck more. What a talent. And person. By FAR my all-time favorite country singer. Was fortunate to see him play the 1999 MLB All-Star Game Gala in Boston. Today I hoist one for The Gambler. Alone. Of course. Screw 2020. pic.twitter.com/16VaOpB8Ph — Sean Carragher (@seanpcarragher) March 21, 2020
One of the greatest examples of integrity I have ever known. @_KennyRogers was always so very kind to me. Wow. Life is so bittersweet... pic.twitter.com/k9zPh3Ov80 — Wynonna (@Wynonna) March 21, 2020
RIP Kenny Rogers
One of best to ever do it. From the Gambler to Lucille to Coward of the County to Islands in the Stream to Ruby to Love will Turn you Around to Just Dropped in to a ton more
Kenny made hits. Will miss him
I know KSR music for next weekpic.twitter.com/Crknt8NtZr — Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) March 21, 2020
RIP Kenny Rogers
One of best to ever do it. From the Gambler to Lucille to Coward of the County to Islands in the Stream to Ruby to Love will Turn you Around to Just Dropped in to a ton more
Also, I woke up the news of @_KennyRogers passing. It’s not about #1s. It’s about the legacy you leave behind and he was a great man. He changed Country Music and had a voice like no other. Thank you Kenny. Thank you. ???????? — Jake Owen (@jakeowen) March 21, 2020
He said, "Son, I've made a life
Out of readin' people's faces
Knowin' what the cards were
By the way they held their eyes
So if you don't mind me sayin'
I can see you're out of aces
For a taste of your whiskey
I'll give you some advice"
RIP Kenny Rogers #legend ???? pic.twitter.com/5Zo74hbMfD — Flint Bedrock (@flintbedrock) March 21, 2020Rest in peace #KennyRogers. Your songs always remind me of the good old Green Baize days. pic.twitter.com/YHj5h7oIN6 — Craig Lin (@CraigLin) March 21, 2020
So saddened by the news on #KennyRogers this #SaturdayMorning. He was an incredible singer I was just playing his songs 2days ago. A family favourite we played his music constantly. #SheBelievesInMe Through the years #CowardoftheCountry #Lady #SweetMusicMan #RIP???? #latoyajackson pic.twitter.com/GnzYRX0nWw — La Toya Jackson (@latoyajackson) March 21, 2020
She Believes In Me still stops me in my tracks when I hear it. Rest easy Sweet Music Man #KennyRogers — Kendell Marvel (@kendellmarvel) March 21, 2020
We don’t talk enough about how badass @_KennyRogers was. We all know “The Gambler” & his duet with Dolly; but I’d encourage you to listen to some of his other albums. I love his version of “Tulsa Turnaround”. He didn’t write many, but damn he sang them like he did. RIP legend pic.twitter.com/GN0DLXAM81 — Josh Abbo?? (@joshabbottband) March 21, 2020
We don’t talk enough about how badass @_KennyRogers was. We all know “The Gambler” & his duet with Dolly; but I’d encourage you to listen to some of his other albums. I love his version of “Tulsa Turnaround”. He didn’t write many, but damn he sang them like he did. RIP legend pic.twitter.com/GN0DLXAM81 — Josh Abbo?? (@joshabbottband) March 21, 2020
His music and acting were a part of my childhood. #KennyRogers was a true entertainer and icon. https://t.co/t45hCouym6 — Tenikka Smith Hughes (@TenikkaANjax) March 21, 2020
Oh how I wish we were in school today so I could make #KennyRogers our "featured artist of the day". So many kids have never heard "The Gambler" or "Coward of the County". This is the stuff distance learning can never achieve. ???? pic.twitter.com/Kd7xgdqoOu — Carl Pierson (@CarlJPierson) March 21, 2020
Sad to hear that Georgia resident and country music icon, @_KennyRogers, has passed. He was an incredibly talented artist and successful entrepreneur who entertained the world. Kenny’s music and legacy will live on for generations to come! #gapol #KennyRogersRIP — Brian Kemp (@BrianKempGA) March 21, 2020
