Blake Shelton used his ACM Awards performance to honor Don Schlitz, the songwriter behind The Gambler, following Schlitz’s death in April at age 73. The tribute took place during the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas, where Shelton performed the country classic in front of a national streaming audience.
Ahead of the show, Shelton had shared that the performance was meant to recognize Schlitz’s impact on country music. The Gambler became one of Kenny Rogers’ signature songs after its 1978 release and remains one of the most widely known story songs in the genre.
Schlitz’s career reached far beyond one song. He also helped write country staples, including Forever and Ever, Amen and When You Say Nothing at All. His work made him one of Nashville’s most respected songwriters and earned him a place in the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Shelton also marked the tribute by releasing his own version of The Gambler, connecting the awards moment to a song that has remained familiar across generations.