In March 2020, the world mourned the loss of legendary country singer Kenny Rogers, who passed away at the age of 81 due to natural causes. His death prompted country star Keith Urban to pay tribute to the influential musician with an online performance, which he called “Urban Underground.”
During the live stream, Urban revealed that Rogers had a significant impact on his own music, as he grew up listening to and playing many of Rogers’ songs. However, choosing just one song to cover for the tribute proved to be a challenge. Ultimately, Urban decided to perform “The Gambler,” one of Rogers’ most iconic songs and a signature piece of his repertoire.
As Urban sang, his wife Nicole Kidman looked on with admiration and support, occasionally smiling as he put his own spin on the classic tune. Urban’s rendition of “The Gambler” was full of emotion and served as a fitting tribute to the country legend who had inspired him for so long.
In addition to his tribute to Rogers, Urban also performed some of his own hits, including “You Gonna Fly,” “Never Comin’ Down,” and “God Whispered Your Name.”
On Twitter, Urban expressed his deep appreciation for Rogers and his impact on music. He thanked Rogers for his genre-bending music and collaborations, as well as for creating songs that connected people from all walks of life.
As of April 2023, People magazine reported that a posthumous Kenny Rogers album, titled “Life is Like a Song,” will be released in June 2023. The album features eight never-before-released tracks that were recorded between 2008 and 2011 and curated by Rogers’ widow, Wanda. Rogers considered the project to be deeply personal, and it serves as a testament to his enduring legacy in the world of country music