Kenny Rogers – The Gamblers Last Deal

There is nothing more relaxing than a sunset over the ocean and Kenny Rogers getting ready to take the stage at the San Diego Fair in Del Mar. The setting was perfect for an enjoyable night with the legend himself and his amazing band. A knee replacement made it difficult for Kenny to get to his chair on stage, where he made the comment (“I think they replaced the wrong damn knee!”). Even though Rogers was stationary and he was unable to move around as he once did, he is still a brilliant storyteller who possesses an uncanny comedic timing in his delivery. Since this is Kenny’s final tour, aptly titled (The Gambler’s Last Deal), it would make sense that Kenny would want to take the audience with him on a journey of his amazing career. The night started with the song “Lady Luck” which was supported by three large video screens behind him showing clips related to the songs being sung or various clips of Kenny from his past. The story continues with his 1969 tune with The First Edition, “Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town,” to the big band swing of “Walkin’ My Baby Back Home”.

Playing through the playlist was like revisiting Kenny’s numerous highlights throughout his career. Country singer Linda Davis joined Rogers for several songs including a duet on “Anyone Who Isn’t Me Tonight” and “We’ve Got Tonight”. Linda also sang “Paper Moon” and “But you know I Love you” to name just a few more. An Ed Sullivan clip introduced “Something’s Burning” and Rogers sang along with vintage footage of himself for “Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In).” The crowd sang along to “We are the World” and there was a Muppet sighting that accompanied “Love Lifted Me.” As the night developed the music got progressively better, even Rogers vocals seemed to get stronger and stronger. Songs like “Lucille”, “Coward of the County”, “Heroes”, “Lady” and “Islands in the Stream” continued to make the audience realize why they all feel in Love with the one and only Kenny Rogers.