The First Edition – ’69 (1969)

Artist: The First Edition
Title: ’69
Year: 1969
Format: LP
Label: Reprise

“The late 1968 release, “But You Know I Love You”, (composed by Settle) had a country-folk sound which broadened their fan base. According to Mickey Jones’ book “That Would Be Me”, Thelma was fired from the group in late 1968 after missing too many gigs and rehearsals. Camacho was replaced by her roommate Mary Arnold an Iowa born singer who beat out Karen Carpenter for the job.

By the end of the 60′s Rogers had long brown hair, an earring, and pink sunglasses. Known affectionately in retrospect as “Hippie Kenny”, Rogers had a much smoother vocal style at the time. In the summer of 1969, they had another Top Ten hit, with “Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town”, which was a global smash. Mickey’s drumming was part of the hook, but it was Kenny who made the song his own.

At Kenny’s current shows, the song is often clapped along to, or joked around with. However, telling the story of a crippled veteran was daring at the height of the Vietnam conflict. In order to release “Ruby” at the same time as the single “Once Again She’s All Alone”, the group renamed themselves “Kenny Rogers and The First Edition”. When “Ruby” became the hit the name stuck. Terry later claimed this made him feel like one of Gladys Knight’s Pips, but Kenny had sung the hits, and had the most identifiable voice.” (Wikipedia excerpt)

Track Listing

1. But You Know I Love You
2. I Just Want To Give My Love To You
3. It’s Gonna Be Better
4. The Last Few Threads Of Love
5. All That I Am
6. Trying Just As Hard As I Can
7. Run Through Your Mind
8. It’s Raining In My Mind
9. Sleep Comes Easy
10. Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love To Town