Kenny Rogers: The '80s

Country music's “Gambler” became one of pop's supreme superstars thanks to a cyclone of crossover hits and all-star collaborations. Whether it was the Lionel Richie-penned “Lady,” the Dolly Parton duet “Islands in the Stream,” or his own “Through the Years,” the former First Edition front man proved he could spin plenty of solo gold during this peak performance decade.