Legendary music icon Kenny Rogers has just landed his 22nd Top 10 Country album with the Billboard debut of You Can’t Make Old Friends at #9 via Warner Bros. Records.
The album reunites the multiple Grammy Award-winner with long-time friend and collaborator, Dolly Parton, for a brand new duet on the title track, “You Can’t Make Old Friends,” and accompanying music video. The bold 11-track recording, highlighted by Rogers’ fresh takes on a diverse array of musical styles including country, soul, folk, rock and even zydeco, is receiving widespread critical acclaim.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel observes “his voice is still an instrument to be reckoned with” and the Associated Press calls You Can’t Make Old Friends “an album that blends the familiar with the challenging, seeking new hits and pursuing new ideas even as he enters the Country Music Hall of Fame this fall.” In a glowing review, Country Weekly notes “you have to give Kenny a ton of credit for being willing to spread his wings in new directions—and even more for pulling it off.”
In celebration of the album release, Rogers did a blitz of media appearances that kicked off with an interview and performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on October 2nd. Rogers was also featured on Hallmark Channel’s Home & Family, Extra!, GAC’s Backstory, CBS This Morning, Fox & Friends, Bloomberg TV, Kathie Lee & Hoda on The Today Show, and The Rachael Ray Show.
Rogers can be heard performing several new songs from the album live on SiriusXM’s Artist Confidential airing on Prime Country this weekend. He can also be heard guest hosting the nationally syndicated radio program After Midnite all this week through Sunday, October 20th.
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 release the most varied and complete album of his lifetime. "I can honestly say this may be the best album I've ever recorded,” said Rogers. “I’m thrilled with how it turned out. I wanted to really stretch my boundaries and do something a little different. There are songs on this record that I would normally sing, and then there are 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."
Rogers will be inducted into the Country Music Hall Of Fame later this month on Sunday October 27th.
