Watch Randy Houser Pay Tribute To Kenny Rogers With ‘The Gambler’

It’s no secret that Randy Houser was greatly influenced by the great Kenny Rogers. Like many country artists, the soulful singer was deeply saddened by Rogers’ passing and immediately took to social media to share a musical tribute to him after hearing the news of his death.

It was only fitting for Houser to honor Rogers during CMT Giants Kenny Rogers: A Benefit for MusiCares on Wednesday (April 8), where he reprised his rendition of Rogers’ iconic song, “The Gambler.”

Houser explained that he first heard the song while “riding in my daddy’s Cutlass Supreme” and shared why he feels a deep connection to Rogers and his music.

“A lot of my memories associated with my father have to do with Kenny Rogers’ music and his career as an actor,” Houser said.

Click below to watch Houser’s performance of “The Gambler.”

Kenny Rogers died of natural causes on Friday, March 20 at the age of 81.

The CMT Giants Kenny Rogers: A Benefit for MusiCares special also included performances by Jennifer Nettles, Lady Antebellum, Dolly Parton and more. The broadcast also included rare photos, interviews and performances, with clips and commentary from Kenny Rogers himself.

Donations can be made by texting KENNYCARES to 41444 or visiting musicares.org/kennycares during the broadcast. Members of the music industry who are in need of assistance can visit musicares.org.