Four #1 Hits to Remember Don Schlitz

Songwriting is a fickle beast. Some artists swear it is a science while others claim it is an art. Whatever the case, it seems that songwriting is a struggle for most and comes a bit easier for others. Don Schlitz was one that made it look easy. For nearly half a century, Schlitz was one of the preeminent songsmiths of Music City, scoring over 20 #1 hits. Sadly, Don Schlitz was called home in April of 2026 at the age of 73.  

A Country Music Hall of Famer, Don was born in Durham, North Carolina in 1952. After a short stint at Duke University, the songwriter set out for Nashville in 1973 to try his hand in the burgeoning country music scene. It all came to fruition for Schlitz in 1978 when he had his first hit recorded. The artist was Kenny Rogers. The song was “The Gambler.” A generational number to say the least, “The Gambler” earned Don his first Grammy, his first CMA Award, and lifetime legend status.

In the years after his initial hit, Schlitz enjoyed tremendous success. From 1988 through 1991, Don was named ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year. He also became the only non-artist inductee in the 100-year history of the Grand Ole Opry. His talent was obvious and his achievements were vast. But people who knew Don will miss the man more than the artist.

American Music legend Randy Travis says of his friend, “Don could turn an ordinary moment in life into a lyrical masterpiece. [One] that filled our hearts and souls with happiness, hope, and healing.” Country Music Association CEO Sarah Trahern professes, “Don loved his family, his home state of North Carolina, and above all, songs and songwriters. He carried that love into every room, every stage and every lyric he ever wrote.” Here are four #1 hits to remember Don Schlitz.   

“The Gambler” – Kenny Rogers

There are a few essential songs in the annals of country music. “The Gambler” is one of them. Schlitz was only 23 when he penned the tune which, in large part, is about the wisdom that comes with age. After being released by Bobby Bare, Schlitz himself, and Johnny Cash, the song failed to make a dent in the charts. Enter country crooner extraordinaire Kenny Rogers. Released in mid-November 1978, Kenny’s version became a genuine phenomenon. Not only did the tune skyrocket to #1 on the country tally, but it also reached #16 on the Billboard Top 100. The careers of Schlitz and Rogers would be forever linked and never the same. 

“On the Other Hand” – Randy Travis

This tune appears on Keith Whitley’s debut album in 1985 but never gained traction. A year later, “On the Other Hand” became Randy Travis’ first single from Warner Records. It also became the first of Randy’s 16 career #1 songs. Co-written with frequent collaborator Paul Overstreet, this number adheres to the tenets of many of Schlitz’ hits, strong morals and inherent decency. The only thing preventing the song’s protagonist from committing adultery is his marriage vows, represented by his wedding band. The message must have resonated. “Other Hand” won ACM song of the year, CMA song of the year, and Nashville Songwriters Association International song of the year.

“I Know Where I’m Going” – The Judds

The Judds, comprised of mother Naomi and daughter Wynonna, are one of the most revered country music duos of all time. Members of the Country Music Hall of Fame, they charted fourteen #1 singles in their career including this one from 1987. Written by Schlitz, Craig Bickhardt, and Brent Maher, “I Know Where I’m Going” appeared on The Judds’ third studio album Heartland. The tune hit the top of the charts in both the United States and Canada. Speaking to the spiritual tone of the song, Don remarked, “we did not want to hit anybody over the head with it. Sometimes, the less you say – or the more subtly you say something – the more effective it is.”

“One Promise Too Late” – Reba McEntire

Reba absolutely dominated the 1980s and according to country music historian Kevin John Coyne, this tune “might be her best single of the entire decade.” Released in May 1987, “One Promise Too Late” was included on Reba’s eleventh studio album What Am I Gonna Do About You. It scored the top spot later that summer. Don co-wrote the number with Dave Loggins and Lisa Silver and represents the only McEntire/Schlitz collaboration to reach #1. In a 2025 interview, Reba revealed that “One Promise” does not make the short list of her most preferred songs. “I had a hard time memorizing the lines,” she confesses. However, she also says it is her fiancé Rex Linn’s favorite of her tunes.