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Story summary
- Don Schlitz, the influential country music songwriter, died at 73 in Nashville on April 16 from a sudden illness.
- He wrote 'The Gambler' and more than 25 No. 1 hits for Kenny Rogers and Randy Travis, earning two Grammy Awards.
- In 2022, Schlitz became the first non-artist inducted into the Grand Ole Opry.
- The Grand Ole Opry will honor him with a special performance on April 18.
