Kenny Rogers

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

The partnership began with Rogers as a guest on Parton's variety show in 1976, leading to their 1983 reunion on "Islands in the Stream," which became a number one hit. When Rogers contacted Parton in late 1983 about a Christmas album, she jumped at the idea, noting that while it was her first holiday project, they loved singing together. According to Billboard, recording took place in August 1984 and mixing was finished by late September. Rogers described their collaboration as "the whole being even greater than the sum of its parts," citing his Baptist upbringing and how Christmas brings families together. Parton praised Rogers' "real Santa Claus spirit" and noted that their vocal blend created a real electricity on record.

In Their Own Story

In August 1984, the duo entered the studio to record Once Upon a Christmas, finishing mixing by late September. The project launched with three simultaneous singles in November 1984: "The Greatest Gift of All," Parton's solo "Medley: Winter Wonderland/Sleigh Ride," and Rogers' solo "The Christmas Song." A television special directed by Bob Giraldi aired on CBS on December 2, 1984, viewed by 30 million people. The special featured all ten songs from the album, ranging from a USO party in World War II London to a finale in a country church. While "The Greatest Gift of All" peaked at number 40 on the Adult Contemporary chart, Parton's medley did not initially chart until reaching number 70 in 1999.

Reader's Guide

Kenny Rogers produced Once Upon a Christmas with David Foster for RCA Records, releasing it on October 29, 1984. The album was certified Gold and Platinum by the RIAA on December 3, 1984, eventually reaching 2× Platinum in 1989. In Canada, it achieved 5× Platinum status by April 13, 1988, for shipments of 500,000 copies. The album peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and number 31 on the Billboard 200. Billboard praised the record as "devoid of schmaltz" and full of warmth. A 1997 reissue on the BMG Special Products label rearranged tracks, omitting Rogers' solos but adding Parton's 1982 recording of "Hard Candy Christmas."

Did You Know?

• Kenny Rogers contacted Dolly Parton in late 1983 to propose a Christmas album after their success with "Islands in the Stream."
• The CBS television special Kenny & Dolly: A Christmas to Remember was viewed by 30 million people.
• Dolly Parton's solo medley on the album did not chart upon release but peaked at number 70 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in January 1999.
• The album received 2× Platinum certification from the RIAA for shipments of 2 million copies by October 25, 1989.
• Rogers described their collaboration as a case where "the whole being even greater than the sum of its parts."