Welcome back to Country Music 4 Ever! This morning I woke up to the news that we lost one of the greatest songwriters on the planet. Don Schlitz passed away in Nashville, Tennessee at age 73 due to a sudden illness. I want to take a minute to look over the amazing career Don had.

Don was born and raised in Durham, North Carolina. He briefly attended Duke University before moving to Nashville in 1973. His first recorded song, "The Gambler," won a GRAMMY Award for the best country song in 1978 and the CMA "Song of the Year" award.

Don regularly played shows at the Grand Ole Opry and even became an Opry member. He was loved by the country music community and became close friends with many country stars.

The list of songs Don wrote throughout his career would take forever to list, but just to give you an idea of what an amazing songwriter he was, here is a list of just a few of his songs.

"On the Other Hand," "Forever and Ever, Amen," "Heroes and Friends," and "Deeper Than the Holler" by Randy Travis

"When You Say Nothing At All" by Keith Whitley

"He Thinks He'll Keep Her," "I Feel Lucky," and "I Take My Chances" by Mary Chapin Carpenter

"Rockin' With the Rhythm of the Rain," "Turn it Loose," and "I Know Where I'm Going" by The Judds

"Forty Hour Week" by Alabama

"You Can't Make Old Friends" by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton

Thanks for reading. I'll be back soon!