A short list of Don Schlitz’s best songs reads like a short list of the greatest country songs ever recorded. Very few writers can claim so many timeless titles.
It began in 1978, when Kenny Rogers recorded “The Gambler.”A few others had tried the song before him, but hadn’t quite gotten it right. After a Grammy and CMA Award, Schlitz suddenly found himself very much in demand.
Read More: “The Gambler” Writer Don Schlitz Dead at 73
One figures he could have retired on the residuals from this single song, but Schlitz was just a young man and he had so much potential. Over the next decade he produced stories and lyrics for future Country Music Hall of Fame singers such as Randy Travis, Reba McEntire, Tanya Tucker, the Judds and Keith Whitley.
We’ll get to the actual songs in just a moment, but first appreciate the accolades:
- 25 No. 1 country songs.
- 50 Top 10 singles.
- Three CMA (and two ACM) Song of the Year Awards, plus two Grammys.
- Membership in the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Country Music Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry.
It’s hard to believe there’s a songwriter in Nashville who would have turned down a co-write appointment with Schlitz before his sudden death on April 16, 2026. SheDaisy’s “In Terms of Love” and Sara Evans‘ 2005 hit “Cheatin'” were among his late-career hits. He remained active, even recording his own album called Allergic To Crazy in 2010.
How Did Don Schlitz Die?
Don Schlitz’s exact cause of death was not shared alongside news of his passing. He reportedly contracted a sudden illness and was hospitalized.
Don is survived by his wife, Stacey; his daughter, Cory Dixon, and her husband, Matt; his son, Pete, and his wife, Christian; and four grandchildren.
Don Schlitz’s Best Songs
Kenny Rogers may have said it best when in 2012 he said, “Don doesn’t just write songs, he writes careers” at the Songwriters Hall of Fame in New York City.
This list of songs exemplifies that.
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Mary Chapin Carpenter, Garth Brooks, George Strait, Ronnie Milsap, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and more all benefited from a song of his. In addition to the accolades above, he was a four-time ASCAP Songwriter of the Year.
In 2022, he became the first non-artist to ever be granted Grand Ole Opry membership. The Opry will dedicate Saturday’s (April 18) show to him.
25 Iconic Country Songs Written By Don Schlitz
Country songwriter Don Schlitz wrote hits for many of country music’s biggest and most beloved artists. Let’s take a look at 25 incredible country songs written by the Country Music Hall of Fame member.
This list was updated after Don Schlitz’ death on April 16, 2026. He was 73 years old.
