NEW YORK – Don Schlitz, a legendary country music songwriter known for iconic songs like “The Gambler” and “Forever and Ever, Amen,” passed away on Thursday at a Nashville hospital. He was 73 years old.
The exact cause of his death hasn’t been revealed yet, but a press release from the Grand Ole Opry mentioned that it was due to a sudden illness.
Schlitz was a two-time Grammy Award winner who earned a place in the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Country Music Hall of Fame. When he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2017, he expressed his gratitude by saying, “I will never be able to believe that I deserve this, unless I receive it as a representative of my family, my mentors, my collaborators, my promoters, and my friends.”
In 2017, Schlitz made his debut at the Grand Ole Opry, and by 2022, he was officially inducted into the Opry. Notably, he became the first non-artist to receive this honor in the Opry’s 100-year history. The upcoming Saturday night show at the Opry will be dedicated to his memory.
Throughout his career, he was named ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year for four consecutive years from 1988 to 1991. Schlitz also contributed to Broadway, writing music and lyrics for “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” in 1999.
His songs have become staples in country music, recorded by artists like Kenny Rogers, Randy Travis, and The Judds. Notably, “The Gambler,” recorded by Rogers in 1978, has reached five times platinum status and is a significant part of country music history.
As Kenny Rogers once said, “Don doesn’t just write songs. He writes careers.” This highlights the profound impact Schlitz had on the music industry.
Sarah Trahern, CEO of the Country Music Association, expressed her sorrow over Schlitz’s passing, stating, “Don loved his family, his home state of North Carolina, and above all, songs and songwriters.” She reminisced about a dinner they shared, where he played guitar, reflecting his passion for music.
Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, remarked on Schlitz’s legacy, saying, “Nashville was richer for his presence and is lesser for his absence.” Such statements emphasize the void his passing leaves in the music community.
Don Schlitz is survived by his wife Stacey, daughter Cory Dixon and her husband Matt, son Pete Schlitz and his wife Christian, and four grandchildren. His legacy endures through his music and the countless artists he inspired.
