In 1972, we find Kenny Rogers and his band, The First Edition, on tour, riding a Greyhound Bus with an ETV production crew in tow.
Kenny observed that he tended to get more attention than the other members of the band and the TV production gives each member an opportunity to shine. Kenny talks about leaving the New Christy Minstrels and the importance of mutual respect and compatibility of band members for each other.
The television special introduces us to the members of the group and their roles and gives us a view of life on the road and the toll it takes on the musicians as they must leave their families for long periods of time. Rogers also talks about touring in a time of protest in the country, generational issues, and offers advice to musicians starting out on their careers.
Side Notes:
Kenneth Ray Rogers, Sr. (August 21, 1938 – March 20, 2020) was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2013. Rogers charted more than 120 hit singles, topping the country and pop album charts for more than 200 individual weeks in the United States. He sold more than 100 million records worldwide during his lifetime, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
Terry Williams After the breakup of the band, Williams continued the act as "Terry Williams and The First Edition." He continued to work with Rogers managing his recording studio until Rogers died in 2020. Currently retired, he composes and sings Christian music.
Mary Margaret Arnold performed with The First Edition from 1968 to 1976. Kenny Rogers introduced her to Roger Miller whom she married, and after The First Edition disbanded, Mary toured and recorded with Roger until his death in 1992.
Mickey Jones was a founding member of The First Edition with singer Kenny Rogers and played on all of their albums. Jones played on 17 gold records in a musical career that spanned over 2 decades. After the break-up of The First Edition in 1976, Jones concentrated on his career as a character actor, where he appeared in film and television.
Kin Vassey (born Charles Kindred Vassy) diedJune 23, 1994. Known for his wide vocal range, the singer-songwriter was a much sought after session musician and producer after leaving The First Edition.
John Hobbs was the newest member of the band, appearing in the video and leaving not long thereafter. Hobbs did not appear on any albums or promotional materials. After The First Edition, Hobbs continued on as a respected keyboardist, working with such notables as Vince Gill.
