With an astonishing recording career that now spans over seven decades, you would think music legend Kenny Rogers had already accomplished it all. However, you’d be wrong.
Rogers returns with You Can’t Make Old Friends on October 8th, proving – once again – that he still has plenty to say. The album reunites Rogers with long-time friend and collaborator, Dolly Parton, for a brand new duet on the title track, “You Can’t Make Old Friends.” It was thirty years ago almost to the day when Kenny and Dolly released “Islands In The Stream,” which went on to become an instant classic and one of the most successful singles by a duo in history.
"What a thrill it was for me to work again with my buddy, Dolly Parton, and what a special song,” remarked Rogers. “Working with Dolly is always a little like going home. Everything felt comfortable."
With a collaboration of producers, including Kyle Lehning, Warren Hartman, and Dann Huff, You Can’t Make Old Friends is Rogers’ first country album since the release of Water & Bridges in 2006. Rogers considers this upcoming release the most varied and complete album of his lifetime.
"I can honestly say this may be the best album I've ever recorded,” added Rogers. “The musical diversity is extraordinary. It goes from songs I would normally sing, to songs I would normally never even listen to. In this business, you do albums to both grow artistically, and for the sheer love of music. We chose what I think are the most diverse and best songs I've ever had access to."
You Can't Make Old Friends showcases a certain familiarity that can be expected from Rogers, along with fresh twists of creativity that see the versatile Grammy Award-winner stretching his artistry into new musical territory. In addition to the great story songs and love songs Rogers has become well known for, flavors of rock and roll, soul, gospel, southern rock, zydeco, and sounds of the Southwest are embraced in this bold recording.
The digital download of You Can’t Make Old Friends is available on iTunes. Customers who pre-order the new album on iTunes will also receive an instant download of the “You Can’t Make Old Friends” duet. Special pre-sale bundles, including a physical copy of the CD, are being offered at www.kennyrogers.com.
Kenny Rogers has already had a massive year in 2013, including the announcement of his induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame this fall. Rogers also performed on the main stage at this year’s Glastonbury Festival to a colossal audience on the grounds and around the UK as it was televised on BBC. His Through The Years World Tour has included stops in Morocco, England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Switzerland, Canada and the U.S.
This fall and winter, Rogers’ tour will roll on with more U.S. and Canadian dates, including the Christmas & Hits Through The Years Tour, his annual holiday performances, in late November and December. In addition, a novel Rogers co-wrote with Mike Blakely, What Are The Chances, has been released and Rogers’ New York Times Best Selling autobiography, Luck Or Something Like It, will be released in paperback on September 27th.
Kenny Rogers – You Can’t Make Old Friends – Track Listing
1. You Can’t Make Old Friends (Duet With Dolly Parton)
2. All I Need Is One
3. You Had To Be There
4. ’Merica
5. Turn This World Around
6. Dreams Of The San Joaquin
7. Don’t Leave Me In The Night Time (Featuring Buckwheat Zydeco)
8. Look At You
9. Neon Horses
10. When You Love Someone
11. It’s Gonna Be Easy Now
KENNY ROGERS 2013-2014 THROUGH THE YEARS TOUR DATES
09/14 Oxford, ME – Oxford County Fair – Oxford, ME
09/25 Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium – Concert for Cumberland Heights – Nashville, TN
10/10 University, MS – Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts – University of Mississippi
10/11 Branson, MO – The Oak Ridge Boys Theatre
10/20 Charleston, SC – Southern Ground Music & Food Festival – Blackbaud Stadium on Daniel Island
(Special Guest of Zac Brown Band)
10/26 Pocola, OK – Choctaw Casino
11/09 El Dorado, AR – El Dorado Municipal Auditorium
11/10 Branson, MO – The Oak Ridge Boys Theatre
01/23 St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles – The Country Music Cruise 2014
01/13 Carmel, IN – The Center for the Performing Arts – The Palladium
ADDITIONAL DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON
KENNY ROGERS 2013 CHRISTMAS & HITS THROUGH THE YEARS TOUR DATES
With Special Guest Linda Davis
12/01 Concord, NH – The Capitol Center For The Arts
12/02 Verona, NY – Turning Stone Resort Casino – Event Center
12/03 Englewood, NJ – bergenPAC
12/05 Newark, NJ – Prudential Hall, New Jersey Performing Arts Center
12/07 Newport News, VA – Christopher Newport University’s Ferguson Center For The Arts
12/08 Morgantown, WV – West Virginia University – Creative Arts Center
12/12 Paducah, KY – Carson Center
12/14 Sault Sainte Marie, MI – Kewadin Casino – DreamMakers Theater
12/16 New Philadelphia, OH – Performing Arts Center at Kent State Tuscarawas
12/21 Naperville, IL – Pfeiffer Hall – North Central College
ADDITIONAL DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON
