‘CMT Giants’ Special Honoring Kenny Rogers To Benefit MusiCares

Kenny Rogers. Photo: Piper Ferguson

CMT is holding “CMT GIANTS Kenny Rogers: A Benefit For MusiCares,” an uplifting celebration to honor the life and music of the late Kenny Rogers. The special will premiere Wednesday, April 8 at 8 p.m. ET on CMT.

The tribute will feature special virtual performances and interviews from Rogers’ friends including Dolly Parton, Gavin DeGraw, Jason Isbell & Amanda Shires, Jennifer Nettles, Lady Antebellum, Lionel Richie, Michael McDonald, Randy Houser, Rascal Flatts, Vince Gill and more, all filmed directly from their homes and blended alongside rare archival photos, interviews and performances, with clips and commentary from Rogers himself.

“Kenny Rogers transcended genres and generations with his musical versatility, legendary collaborations and timeless appeal, and we’re honored to pay tribute to his legacy,” shared Margaret Comeaux, Executive Producer and Vice President of Production, Music & Events, CMT. “Particularly in these turbulent times, we’ll stop and take a moment to allow the memory of our dear friend Kenny to bring us together and inspire us to lend support to those in the music community who are most in need.”

Throughout the special, fans will have the opportunity to honor Rogers’ life and donate directly to MusiCares^® COVID-19 Relief Fund, which was established to provide critical funds to the thousands of music creators and industry professionals who have the greatest need due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Half of all funds raised will go directly to the Nashville country community.

“The resilience and strength of the country music community is heartwarming,” said Debbie Carroll, Vice President, Health and Human Services MusiCares. “Our deepest gratitude to the Rogers Family and CMT for designating MusiCares as the beneficiary of this broadcast. Their support will help the thousands of music professionals in need of assistance with rent, utilities, food and other basic necessities. I’m proud to call Nashville home and I’m so fortunate to be a member of this community.”

Viewers can visit musicares.org/kennyrogers and text KENNYCARES to 41444 during the broadcast to contribute, and members of the music industry needing assistance can visit musicares.org.
Rogers has a celebrated history with CMT and was honored in 2015 as “Artist of a Lifetime” during the CMT Artists of the Year ceremony. In 2005, he collaborated with close friend Lionel Richie for an episode of CMT Crossroads and also appeared alongside Dolly Parton at CMT 100 Greatest Duets to sing “Islands in the Stream,” which earned the No. 1 spot on CMT’s prestigious list.

“CMT GIANTS Kenny Rogers: A Benefit For MusiCares,” will encore on both MTV Live at 8 p.m. ET on April 10 and again on CMT at 12 p.m. ET on April 11.

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Lorie Hollabaugh

Hollabaugh, a staff writer at MusicRow magazine, has over 20 years of music business experience and has written for publications including American Profile, CMA Close Up, Nashville Arts And Entertainment, The Boot and Country Weekly. She has a Broadcast Journalism and Speech Communication degree from Texas Christian University, (go Horned Frogs), and welcomes your feedback or story ideas at lhollabaugh@musicrow.com.

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