Kenny Rogers: The First 50 Years films TV special April 10

By April MacIntyre Feb 8, 2010, 14:25 GMT

“When this was first proposed to me as a 50-year celebration, something about that sounded final, and I didn’t want that, so I suggested we call it ‘The First 50 Years,’” Rogers said. “I will tell you this, the first 50 years TV show is gonna be awesome – the next 50 years TV show is gonna be a bitch.” Photo courtesy of Webster & Assoc.

American singer songwriter Kenny Rogers will be joined by Dolly Parton, Lionel Richie, Alison Krauss, Wynonna, The Oak Ridge Boys and many others to film his latest television special.

Rogers is an icon of American entertainment, and this special evening filmed in Nashville, TN at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center will bring Kenny Rogers: The First 50 Years to the smallscreen.

“When this was first proposed to me as a 50-year celebration, something about that sounded final, and I didn’t want that, so I suggested we call it ‘The First 50 Years,’” Rogers said. “I will tell you this, the first 50 years TV show is gonna be awesome – the next 50 years TV show is gonna be a bitch.”
 
The star studded show will be a rollicking celebration, filled with music and comedy from some of the biggest stars in the entertainment world performing, appearing and sharing stories about Kenny Rogers and his music.
 
The red carpet for this event will be filled with superstars from music, movies, and sports that Kenny has touched over the course of his 50 years in entertainment. Dolly Parton, Lionel Richie, Alison Krauss, Wynonna and The Oak Ridge Boys are just some of the early names already slated to appear on the show. The array of artists will be part of the performance, and a few will host different segments of the show travelling through Kenny's six decades of hits.

Kenny holds the very rare distinction of having a hit single in each of the last six decades. 
 
Kenny Rogers: The First 50 Years will tape on April 10th, 2010 at the MGM Grand At Foxwoods and will be produced by Dreamcatcher Artist Management and Locomotive Entertainment Group.

Filmed in pristine hi-definition, digital 3D, this multi-camera, up-close-and-personal special will find the viewer “visually surrounded and fully immersed" in the concert. 
 
Tickets may be purchased starting February 11, 2010 at 9 a.m. online at here, by calling the MGM Grand at Foxwoods Box Office or in person at the MGM Grand Box Office.

No slouch in the entertainment stats, Kenny Rogers' “The Gambler” is one of the highest rated TV movies of all time. His duet with Dolly Parton, “Islands In The Stream,” is the #1-selling duet of all time. His extensive history of success also includes 20 platinum, 27 gold records and a Diamond-certified Greatest Hits album that has sold more than 24 million copies worldwide. He has won three Grammy Awards, five Country Music Association Awards, 18 American Music Awards, eight Academy of Country Music Awards and 11 People’s Choice Awards. He has recorded 65 albums and is ranked #8 on the R.I.A.A.’s list of Top Selling Male Artists of all time. 
 
“The First 50 Years will reflect the diverse talent Kenny has crossed paths with and enjoyed friendships with throughout the years,” said Dreamcatcher Artist Management President/CEO Jim Mazza. “That is what will make this once-in-a-lifetime celebration so special.”  
 
Details on the network airing the special, more guest stars and other surprises will be forthcoming.