Don Henley has paid a glowing tribute to Kenny Rogers after he passed away on Friday (20.03.20).
The 72-year-old star has hailed the influence Rogers had on his own career, having signed his former band Shiloh to his record label and later, introduced him to his future bandmates in the Eagles.
In a statement provided to Billboard, Don shared: "In addition to his tremendous talent, Kenny was a generous and caring man, a wise mentor to so many of us. He loved his friends, his family, his fellow musicians and his fans, and they loved him, right back.
"Fifty years ago, The Gambler took a gamble on me and my first band from small-town Texas, and his big-hearted support launched many careers, including mine.
"He also gave me some of the best career advice I ever got: ‘You’d better be nice to the people you meet on the way up, because you’re going to meet those same people on the way back down.’"
Rogers died of natural causes, aged 81, but Don is thankful he was able to see him before he passed away.
He said: "Kenny had been struggling with a number of health issues for some time. He fought the good fight for as long as he could, but he was tired, and he was ready to make his exit.
"I’m just grateful that I got visit with him in the hospital, about six weeks ago, and convey my gratitude to him for all he did for me. RIP, my friend. Thanks for all the gladness you gave us."
Don Henley pays glowing tribute to Kenny Rogers
