Country Legend Don Schlitz Passes Away

0:00It's April 17th. This is California News today, AI-powered stories from your city. I'm Cory with the story. Country music lost a legend this week. Don Schlitz, the genius behind hits like the gambler, on the other hand, and forever and ever. Amen, passed away Thursday at a Nashville hospital at age 73. Officials called it a sudden illness, no other details yet. Schlitz stacked up accolades like a ball's two Grammy wins, spots in the songwriter's Hall of Fame, Nashville songwriters Hall of Fame, and Country music, Hall of Fame. He even got inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2022, the first non-performer in its century-long history. Folks in the industry are pouring out love. The Opry plans to dedicate its Saturday night show to him. Leaders from the Country Music Association and Hall of Fame praised his unmatched songcraft, saying his workshade careers and lit up Nashville. From his North Carolina roots in Durham, Schlitz hit Nashville and dropped the gambler

1:01in 1978, a five times platinum smash for Kenny Rogers that crossed over big time. His tracks powered stars like Randy Travis, The Juds, Tanya Tucker, and Dolly Parton too. His songs keep echoing through country airwaves, inspiring generations. Schlitz leaves behind his wife Stacey, kids, grandkids, a brother, and sister. His family and music legacy standing tall.