Kenny Rogers is a true music legend whose career spanned over six decades. Known for his husky baritone and incredible ability to tell a story through song, Rogers provided some of the most enduring love songs in history. Whether you are looking for a soaring power ballad like “Lady” or a fun, upbeat duet like “Islands in the Stream,” Kenny Rogers’ music brings a sense of warmth and tradition to any wedding celebration.

Kenny Rogers’ Essential Wedding Picks

The Ultimate Slow Dance: “Lady.” Written and produced by Lionel Richie, this 1980 hit spent six weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its lyrics, “Lady, for so many years I thought I’d never find you,” are the epitome of romantic devotion, making it a premier choice for a first dance.
The “Feel-Good” Duet: “Islands in the Stream” (with Dolly Parton). Produced by the Bee Gees, this 1983 classic is one of the most beloved duets of all time. Its infectious rhythm and joyful lyrics make it a perfect “party starter” or a fun way to get guests of all ages onto the dance floor.
The “Soulmate” Anthem: “Through the Years.” Released in 1982, this song is a beautiful tribute to a long-lasting relationship. It’s frequently used for Anniversary Dances or as a tribute to parents and grandparents during the reception.
The Passionate Duet: “We’ve Got Tonight” (with Sheena Easton). This 1983 cover of the Bob Seger classic is a powerhouse performance. It’s a great choice for a dramatic slow dance or a late-night romantic moment.

Expert DJ Tips for Kenny Rogers Tracks

The “Lady” Legacy: Because “Lady” was written by Lionel Richie, it has a R&B/Soul backbone that helps it cross genre lines. It’s one of those rare country songs that feels right at home in a pop or soul-leaning wedding.
The “Gambler” Finale: While not a love song, “The Gambler” (1978) is often one of the most requested “singalong” songs of the night. If you have a crowd that loves classic country, play this during the final 30 minutes of the reception to get everyone singing in a circle.
The Dottie West Duets: Don’t overlook his work with Dottie West. “Every Time Two Fools Collide” (1978) and “All I Ever Need Is You” (1979) reached #1 on the country charts and offer a more traditional, “Nashville Sound” for couples who love vintage country.

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Kenny Rogers Highest-Charting Billboard Hits

#1 Lucille, 1977
#1 Daytime Friends, 1977
#1 Every Time Two Fools Collide (with Dottie West), 1978
#1 Love or Something Like It, 1978
#1 The Gambler, 1978
#1 All I Ever Need Is You (with Dottie West) 1979
#1 She Believes in Me, 1979
#1 You Decorated My Life, 1979
#1 Coward of the County, 1979
#1 Lady, 1980
#1 I Don’t Need You, 1981
#1 We’ve Got Tonight (with Sheena Easton), 1983
#1 Love Will Turn You Around, 1982
#1 Islands in the Stream (with Dolly Parton), 1983
#1 Crazy, 1984
#1 Morning Desire, 1985
#1 Tomb of the Unknown Love, 1986
#1 Make No Mistake, She’s Mine (with Ronnie Milsap), 1987
#1 Buy Me a Rose (with Alison Krauss and Billy Dean), 1999
#2 Anyone Who Isn’t Me Tonight (with Dottie West) 1978
#2 Twenty Years Ago, 1987
#2 I Prefer the Moonlight, 1987
#3 Til I Can Make It on My Own (with Dottie West), 1979
#3 Don’t Fall in Love with a Dreamer (with Kim Carnes), 1980
#3 A Love Song, 1982
#3 Buried Treasure, 1984
#4 Love the World Away, 1980
#5 Share Your Love with Me, 1981
#5 Through the Years, 1982
#5 Scarlet Fever, 1985

Love Songs List

Songs to Include on Your Reception Playlist…

Love Lifted Me

Released in 2007 on the album Love Lifted Me

This classic has to be part of your Kenny Rogers wedding playlist. The memorable verse of “love lifted me when nothing else would do” will hit the spot of all guests and the bridal couple.

Love lifted me! Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help
Love lifted me

Sing Me Your Love Song

Released in 1997 on the album Across My Heart

This passionate song has the verse “When breath to breath I kissed her lips she said I must admit my soul remembers this.” It is perfect for newlyweds at their wedding reception, as well as all the couples in attendance.

Running her fingers through my rhyme
She smiled inside and said
Now play me one more time

You’re Not Asking Much

Released in 1997 on the album Across My Heart

This romantic inclusion talks of how, no matter what, anything she asks of him will never be asking too much. He will do anything to keep her happy, saying even if he needs to “surrender the secrets of my soul” he will do anything for her.

I know you wanna hear me say, “It’s you I’ll always love”
If that’s all you’re asking, you’re not asking much

After All This Time

Released in 1986 on the album They Don’t Make Them Like They Used To

Another song to add to a list of tunes that declare you two will never walk away from each other. Many women will be tearing up, as their lovers turn to them and sing along.

After all this time, did you think I let you slip away from me
Girl, we’ve come too far just to turn our love into a memory

You’re My Love

Released in 1986 on the album They Don’t Make Them Like They Used To

A simplistic, yet heartfelt, declaration of “baby, you’re my love, and I love everything you do to me” is another must to celebrate your new marriage. You won’t let anyone down by playing this song at your wedding reception.

It’s funny but we didn’t seem to care
The only thing we cared about
Was keeping you out, our strong
As long as you’re there
I’ll always care

We’ve Got Tonight

Released in 1973 on the album We’ve Got Tonight

Even though this song does not talk about lasting forever with someone, it is such a classic Kenny Rogers love song it must be included on your reception song list. This perfect duet with Sheena Easton is sure to set passion in motion on the dance floor, for both newlyweds and long-term married couples.

We’ve got tonight, who needs tomorrow?
We’ve got tonight babe
Why don’t you stay?

A Love Song

Released in 1982 on the album Love Will Turn You Around

Even though the lyrics speak of how love songs can make you cry if your heart is broken, this song also talks about how a love song can bring back memories. It is a romantic addition to any wedding love song list.

They say all the things you feel
And they make it sound so real
In a love song

The Good Life

Released in 1981 on the album Share Your Love

What better way to celebrate your new life than with a song that states “I know problems will come, but I know I can make it with you by my side.”

I know problems will come
but I know I can make it with you by my side

Lady

Released in 1980 on the album Greatest Hits

Classic lyrics make this song perfect for any day you are celebrating love and even more so on the day you are committing to waking up to your partner for the rest of your life. Lady is also a well-recognized song that will bring people to the dance floor.

Lady, for so many years I thought I’d never find you
You have come into my life and made me whole
Forever let me wake to see you each and every morning

Endless Love

Released in 1980

No Kenny Rogers’ love song list for weddings would be complete without his rendition of this classic passionate song. Hold your life partner close as you both revel in finding your perfect endless love. You are sure to be joined on the dance floor by other couples reminiscing about their special day.

‘Cause you
You mean the world to me
I know I found in you
My endless love

All I Ever Need Is You

Released in 1978 on the album Every Time Two Fools Collide

Just one verse, “You’re my first love, you’re my last. You’re my future, you’re my past. Oh, loving you is all I ask, honey. All I ever need is you.” is enough for it to be included on your wedding playlist. The other verses are just as heart-tugging and are sure to add to the ambiance of love.

You’re my future, you’re my past
And loving you is all I ask, honey
All I ever need is you

After All (I Live My Life)

Released in 1970 on the album Tell It All Brother by Kenny Rogers & The First Edition

This is a perfect song if you and your lover have been through rough times to make it where you are today. The lyrics “I still remember when your kiss was so brand new. Every memory repeats every step I take retreats. Every journey always brings me back to you” show how the strongest couples make it through the roughest times and can never give up on each other.

After all that we’ve been through
It all comes down to me and you
I guess it’s meant to be, forever you and me, after all

Tracks to Avoid

The Stranger

Released in 2012 on the album What About Me

Another major song to avoid on the night of your nuptials, this heart-wrenching song tells the story of a man coming back to his hometown to see an old love. Once there, he finds out she died some time ago, from his childhood he has never seen before.

Of the things I promised you
I can see now through my tear filled eyes
No love on your face

I’m Gonna Sing You A Sad Song Susie

Released in 2010 on the album Tell It All Brother

The lyrics “Oh girl, you know you lied to me. You said you love me more than anything and all the time I was just a fool another fool in your care” are not words to celebrate on your wedding day with your loved ones. Even if your name happens to be Susan, strike this off any song list your DJ has.

Oh girl, you know you lied to me. You said you love me more than anything and all the time I was just a fool another fool in your care

A Stranger in My Place

Released in 1995 on the album Kenny Rogers, Pt. 1

This is not a song to listen to on anyone’s wedding day. It talks about his past love, regrets, and pain of seeing a new person with her. It is heartbreaking and sad, too sad for one of the happiest days of your life.

I see mem’ries of a love gone bad
That time cannot erase,
But I just can’t see

(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song

Released in 1981 on the album Urban Chipmunk

Unfavorable lyrics have no place on the day you declare your forever love for one another.

Play another somebody done somebody wrong song and make me feel at home while I miss my baby, while I miss my baby

Lucille

Released in 1977 on the album Kenny Rogers

This needs to be left off the list, even though everyone would sing along to “You picked a fine time to leave me, Lucille.” Talking about a mother who leaves her four hungry children and hardworking husband, this song is one huge bummer.

You picked a fine time to leave me, Lucille
With four hungry children and a crop in the field

This is just a sampling of the awesome Kenny Rogers wedding love songs to play on your big day, and a few to avoid. Use it as inspiration to create your perfect wedding song list to celebrate your unique love story.