Don Schlitz

Don Schlitz often joked that he was simply in the right place at the right time when his song “The Gambler” was recorded by Kenny Rogers in 1978. In truth, his remarkable talent as a storyteller and songwriter played the defining role in a career that shaped country music for decades. Don wrote more than twenty number-one hits, including “Forever and Ever, Amen” for Randy Travis and “When You Say Nothing at All,” recorded by Keith Whitley and later Alison Krauss. His songs were performed by artists such as George Strait, Mary Chapin Carpenter, and many others, selling millions of records worldwide. Throughout his career, Don received multiple Grammy Awards and was inducted into several halls of fame, including the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame. Despite his success, he remained closely connected to his roots, often returning to local Nashville stages to share new songs. Don passed away on April 16, 2026, leaving an enduring legacy in songwriting.