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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZSCHLITZ, Don(b 29 Aug. '52, Durham NC) One of country music's most successful songwriters since late '70s. Started out chasing career as singer; moved to Nashville '73, worked as night computer operator at Vanderbilt U. writing songs by day. Recorded "The Gambler' for small Crazy Mamas label; cover versions by Hugh Moffatt and Bobby Bare, then Kenny Rogers' went gold, won his first Grammy for Best Country Song '78; song also turned into a series of made-for-TV movies starring Rogers. Schlitz was signed to Capitol with minor hit "You're The One Who Rewote My Life Story' '79; Dreamers Matinee full of excellent original songs; he failed to make further impact and concentrated on songwriting. Has had more than 70 songs on charts incl. 20-plus at no.1 incl. "Forever And Ever, Amen', "When You Say Nothing At All', "Strong Enough To Bend', "Learning To Live Again', "I Feel Lucky', etc. |