It was released in December 1981 as the fourth single from the album Share Your Love. Taken from the album Share Your Love and released as a single in 1981, it went on reach Number One on the adult contemporary chart and Number Five on the country chart. 'Through the Years' is a song written by Steve Dorff and Marty Panzer, and recorded by American country music artist Kenny Rogers. Though not among Rogers’ country chart-toppers, the Steve Dorff and Marty Panzer-penned “Through the Years” was nonetheless a massive song for him with non-country audiences. Their version is built off a soft, programmed drum rhythm and electric piano, with Gary LeVox singing it in his own style rather than trying to imitate Rogers as his bandmates supply some pristine, subtly shifting harmonies in the background.
The trio of Gary LeVox, Joe Don Rooney, and Jay DeMarcus originally performed the song as part of the special “CMT Giants Kenny Rogers: A Benefit for MusiCares,” which aired in early April. The song also reached the top spot on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and the 16th spot on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 chart. Country Music Hall of Fame member Rogers died March 20th of natural causes. The chart-topping country hit was released in November 1978 and went on to win a GRAMMY-award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance two years later in 1980.
Rascal Flatts have recorded a poignant tribute to Kenny Rogers, releasing their cover of the late singer’s “Through the Years” to streaming services on Friday. This month in 1989, Kenny Rogers released the studio album SOMETHING INSIDE SO STRONG, which included guest vocal appearances by Gladys Knight, Holly.