This is possibly the best example of a song that knows no bounds, and one that virtually everyone on the planet either liked, or still likes today. What makes this song so important is that it was out in an era that we didn't have a lot of really big hits that people liked, bought, and brought us a lot of attention. This one did beyond any measure or anyone's imagination. It was a world wide number one country hit and sold millions. It was Kenny Rogers second #1 pop hit, (Lady) and Dolly's as well (9 To 5). It was written by the Bee Gees, and produced by Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees. You may know the title is from the Ernest Hemingway novel, but you many not know it was written for pop diva Diana Ross, but it somehow ended up here. There were also rumors it was written for Marvin Gaye. No matter, it became the biggest pop country hit of the 1980's, and the quintessential Pop Country song of the era. I'm not so sure that this is a country song, but I am sure it was the best thing to happen to country, and country radio in a good long while. I played this song as a hit, and then for years on various radio stations. This song also is on what I feel may be Rogers best studio album, Eyes That See In The Dark. A great song, sung by two music icons, in a format that was just begging for a record of this magnitude.
