42 Ultimate Hits
Kenny Rogers
Dolly Parton, Dottie West, Kim Carnes, Sheena Easton
Producer: Tom Becci
Capitol/EMI Records, 2004
2 CD
Catalogue #: 87942
EAN: 0724359879420
UPC: 724359879420
You save: 20%
Personnel include: Kenny Rogers (vocals); Dolly Parton, Dottie West, Kim Carnes, Ronnie Milsap, Sheena Easton, Billy Dean, Whitney Duncan (vocals).
Recording information: 1969 - 2004.
Though the sheer number of Kenny Rogers hits suggests that best-of compilations will continue to endlessly appear over the years, few of the many collections issued have attempted to capture the full range of the bearded country/pop singer's art. For listeners not quite ready to commit to Capitol/EMI's mammoth four-disc THROUGH THE YEARS: A RETROSPECTIVE box set, 42 ULTIMATE HITS provides a nicely comprehensive overview.
Beginning with the trippy backwards guitar of the First Edition classic "Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)," the collection offers a five-track sampling from Rogers's late-1960s/early-70's folk-rock years. The collection then delves into a broad selection of his best-known work, from the country tale of "The Gambler" to the smash Dolly Parton pop duet "Islands in the Stream." In addition, 42 ULTIMATE HITS includes key tracks from the '90s and three previously unreleased songs, making this double-disc package one of the most satisfying Kenny Rogers sets available.
Tracklist
Kenny Rogers
Kenny Rogers's career hit its monumental peak between 1977 and 1987, during which time his combination of soft pop production and country/western themes dominated the country and pop charts. In the preceding years, Rogers performed as a member of the New Christy Minstrels, then experimented with country-tinged rock with the First Edition (scoring a hit with the druggy "Just Dropped In [To See What Condition My Condition Was In]"). During his heyday, he scored an incomprehensible number of classic hits including "Lady," "Coward of the County," and his signature, "The Gambler." In later years, Rogers has branched out into such multifarious enterprises as acting, entertainment managing, chicken franchises, and livestock breeding.
Dolly Parton
Best known as one of the most beloved singers in country music, Dolly Parton is also a successful screen actress. Her greatest talent, songwriting, may also be her least heralded: Parton has penned numerous classics, among them "Coat of Many Colors," "Kentucky Gambler," "9 to 5," and "I Will Always Love You." Her first hits came in the 1960s via her duets with Porter Wagoner, but on her own she skyrocketed to fame with an angelic voice, potent songs, and a style that distinctively mixed folk, country, pop, and bluegrass.
Dottie West
Fiery redhead Dottie West was one of the first 1960s female country artists to adopt an overtly glamorous, sexual image, as well as one of the few female stars to be taken seriously as a songwriter. Best known for her hit duets with Kenny Rogers, her composition "Here Comes My Baby," and her Coke commercial jingle "Country Sunshine," the sultry-voiced West was also instrumental in launching the careers of other musicians, including Steve Wariner, Larry Gatlin, and her daughter Shelly West. Sadly, Dottie West died in 1991 after complications suffered in a car accident en route to a Grand Ole Opry performance.
Related links:
Kenny RogersDolly Parton
Dottie West
Kim Carnes
Sheena Easton
Country
Capitol/EMI Records
