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Blake Shelton Sings 'The Gambler' at ACM Awards
18 May
Summary
- Blake Shelton honored Don Schlitz with a performance of 'The Gambler'.
- Don Schlitz wrote 16 Billboard Hot Country Songs chart-toppers.
- Kenny Rogers' 1978 rendition of 'The Gambler' was a huge hit.
At the 2026 Academy of Country Music Awards, Blake Shelton performed a moving rendition of the iconic song 'The Gambler.' This performance served as a heartfelt tribute to its legendary songwriter, Don Schlitz, who passed away in April at the age of 73. The audience, including notable artists, joined in on the beloved anthem.
Don Schlitz's prolific songwriting career includes penning 16 songs that reached number one on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart. Among these are well-known hits like 'When You Say Nothing at All' and 'Forever and Ever, Amen.' The song 'The Gambler,' first recorded by Kenny Rogers in 1978, was a massive success, topping the country charts and reaching the Hot 100.
Blake Shelton himself is a decorated artist at the ACM Awards, with multiple wins to his name, including a single of the year award in 2019. This event celebrated the enduring impact of Don Schlitz's contributions to country music.
