Donald Alan Schlitz Jr. (born August 29, 1952) is an American

country music Country (also called country and western) is a genre of popular music that originated in the Southern and Southwestern United States in the early 1920s. It primarily derives from blues, church music such as Southern gospel and spirituals, ...

songwriter. For his songwriting efforts, Schlitz has earned two

Grammy Award The Grammy Awards (stylized as GRAMMY), or simply known as the Grammys, are awards presented by the Recording Academy of the United States to recognize "outstanding" achievements in the music industry. They are regarded by many as the most pres ...

s, as well as four

ASCAP The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) () is an American not-for-profit performance-rights organization (PRO) that collectively licenses the public performance rights of its members' musical works to venues, broadca ...

Country Songwriter of the Year awards. In 1993, he was inducted into the

Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame was established in 1970 by the Nashville Songwriters Foundation, Inc. in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. A non-profit organization, its objective is to honor and preserve the songwriting legacy that is u ...

. Later in 2012, he was inducted into the

Songwriters Hall of Fame The Songwriters Hall of Fame (SHOF) is an American institution founded in 1969 by songwriter Johnny Mercer, music publisher/songwriter Abe Olman, and publisher/executive Howie Richmond to honor those whose work, represent, and maintain, the her ...

. Furthermore, in 2017, he was inducted into the

Country Music Hall of Fame The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, Tennessee, is one of the world's largest museums and research centers dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of American vernacular music. Chartered in 1964, the museum has amass ...

. During the Saturday night broadcast on June 11, 2022, Schlitz was invited by

Vince Gill Vincent Grant Gill (born April 12, 1957) is an American country music singer, songwriter and musician. He has achieved commercial success and fame both as frontman of the country rock band Pure Prairie League in the 1970s and as a solo artist b ...

to become a member of the

Grand Ole Opry The ''Grand Ole Opry'' is a weekly American country music stage concert in Nashville, Tennessee, founded on November 28, 1925, by George D. Hay as a one-hour radio "barn dance" on WSM. Currently owned and operated by Opry Entertainment (a divis ...

. He will be officially inducted on August 30, 2022.

Songwriting career

Schlitz' first hit as a songwriter was

Kenny Rogers Kenneth Ray Rogers (August 21, 1938 – March 20, 2020) was an American singer, songwriter, and actor. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2013. Rogers was particularly popular with country audiences but also charted mo ...

's " The Gambler", which became a crossover country hit upon its release in 1978, later becoming one of Rogers's

signature song A signature (; from la, signare, "to sign") is a Handwriting, handwritten (and often Stylization, stylized) depiction of someone's name, nickname, or even a simple "X" or other mark that a person writes on documents as a proof of identity and ...

s. Since then, Schlitz has written numerous country songs and penned several hits for other country artists. Among his biggest hits are two Number One songs which he co-wrote with

Paul Overstreet Paul Lester Overstreet (born March 17, 1955) is an American country music singer and songwriter. He recorded 10 studio albums between 1982 and 2005, and charted 16 singles on the ''Billboard (magazine), Billboard'' country charts, including two ...

, "

Forever and Ever, Amen "Forever and Ever, Amen" is a song written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz, and recorded by American country music artist Randy Travis. It was released in March 1987 as the first single from the album '' Always & Forever'' and became Travis's t ...

" by

Randy Travis Randy Bruce Traywick (born May 4, 1959), known professionally as Randy Travis, is an American country music and gospel music singer, songwriter, guitarist, and actor. Active from 1978 until being incapacitated by a stroke in 2013, he has recor ...

and "

When You Say Nothing at All "When You Say Nothing at All" is a country song written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz. It was a hit song for four different performers: Keith Whitley, who took it to the top of the ''Billboard'' Hot Country Singles chart on December 24, 19 ...

" by

Keith Whitley Jackie Keith Whitley (July 1, 1954 – May 9, 1989) was an American country music singer and songwriter. During his career, Whitley released only two albums but charted 12 singles on the ''Billboard'' country charts, and 7 more after his death. ...

. He has 24 number 1 hits on the Country Charts. United States President

George H. W. Bush George Herbert Walker BushSince around 2000, he has been usually called George H. W. Bush, Bush Senior, Bush 41 or Bush the Elder to distinguish him from his eldest son, George W. Bush, who served as the 43rd president from 2001 to 2009; pr ...

also commissioned Schlitz to write a theme song for his "

Points of Light Points of Light is an international nonprofit, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Georgia, United States dedicated to engaging more people and resources in solving serious social problems through voluntary service. Each year, Points ...

" program. This song, "Point of Light", was a No. 3 country hit for Randy Travis in 1991. Schlitz also worked with Kenny Rogers again in 1998. Rogers joked at the time that "every 20 years I will record a Don Schlitz song". The result was a

baseball Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each, taking turns batting and fielding. The game occurs over the course of several plays, with each play generally beginning when a player on the fielding tea ...

-themed hit single called "` The Greatest". Rogers also recorded several more of his songs in 2013 for his best-selling ''

You Can't Make Old Friends "You Can't Make Old Friends" is a song by Kenny Rogers in duet with Dolly Parton from Roger's 2013 album of the same name. It was written by Ryan Hanna King, Don Schlitz, Caitlyn Smith. The song was released as a digital download on September 3, ...

'' album.

Musicals

He composed the music for the musical ''

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer ''The Adventures of Tom Sawyer'' is an 1876 novel by Mark Twain about a boy growing up along the Mississippi River. It is set in the 1840s in the town of St. Petersburg, which is based on Hannibal, Missouri, where Twain lived as a boy. In the nov ...

''.

Recordings

In addition to writing hit singles for other artists, Schlitz has recorded three albums of his own. The first, titled ''Dreamers' Matinee'', was released in 1980 on

Capitol Records Capitol Records, LLC (known legally as Capitol Records, Inc. until 2007) is an American record label distributed by Universal Music Group through its Capitol Music Group imprint. It was founded as the first West Coast-based record label of note ...

. A live compilation, titled ''Live at the Bluebird Café'', was released in 2001. In 2010, Schlitz released another studio album of new material, ''Allergic to Crazy''.

Singles

Singles co-written by Don Schlitz

Singles written or co-written by Don Schlitz include the following. Asterisks denote songs which reached Number One on the U.S. ''

Billboard A billboard (also called a hoarding in the UK and many other parts of the world) is a large outdoor advertising structure (a billing board), typically found in high-traffic areas such as alongside busy roads. Billboards present large advertise ...

'' country charts. *"

40 Hour Week (For a Livin') "40 Hour Week (For a Livin')" is a song written by Dave Loggins, Don Schlitz and Lisa Silver, and recorded by American country music band Alabama. It was released in April 1985 as the second single and title track from Alabama's album '' 40-Hour W ...

" by

Alabama (We dare defend our rights) , anthem = "Alabama (state song), Alabama" , image_map = Alabama in United States.svg , seat = Montgomery, Alabama, Montgomery , LargestCity = Huntsville, Alabama, Huntsville , LargestCounty = Baldwin County, Al ...

* *" Almost Goodbye" by

Mark Chesnutt Mark Nelson Chesnutt (born September 6, 1963) is an American country music singer and songwriter. Between 1990 and 1999, he had his greatest chart success recording for Universal Music Group Nashville's MCA and Decca branches, with a total of ei ...

* *"

And So It Goes "And So It Goes" is a song written by Billy Joel in 1983, though it was not released until six years later. It appeared as the tenth and final track of his 1989 studio album '' Storm Front''. The original 1983 demo was released on the 2005 box se ...

" by

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band is an American country rock band formed in 1966. The group has existed in various forms since its founding in Long Beach, California. Between 1976 and 1981, the band performed and recorded as the Dirt Band. Constant ...

with

John Denver Henry John Deutschendorf Jr. (December 31, 1943 – October 12, 1997), known professionally as John Denver, was an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, actor, activist, and humanitarian whose greatest commercial success was as a solo singe ...

Ball and Chain A ball and chain is a physical restraint device historically applied to prisoners, primarily in the British Empire and its former colonies, from the 17th century until as late as the mid-20th century. A type of shackle, the ball and chain is de ...

" by

The Battle Hymn of Love "The Battle Hymn of Love" is a song written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz, and recorded by American country music artists Kathy Mattea and Tim O'Brien. The song was recorded for Mattea's 1987 studio album ''Untasted Honey''. It was released ...

" by

Kathy Mattea Kathleen Alice Mattea (born June 21, 1959) is an American country music and bluegrass singer. Active since 1984 as a recording artist, she has charted more than 30 singles on the '' Billboard'' Hot Country Songs charts, including four that re ...

and Tim O'Brien *" The Center of My Universe" by

The Bellamy Brothers The Bellamy Brothers are an American pop and country music duo consisting of brothers David Milton Bellamy (born September 16, 1950) and Homer Howard Bellamy (born February 2, 1946), from Dade City, Florida. The duo had considerable musical succ ...

*" Cheatin'" by

Sara Evans Sara Lynn Evans (; born February 5, 1971) is an American country music singer and songwriter. She is also credited as a record producer, actress, and author. She had five songs reach the number one spot on the '' Billboard'' country songs ch ...

*" Crazy from the Heart" by

*" Crying Shame" by Michael Johnson *" Daddy's Come Around" by Paul Overstreet* *" Deeper Than the Holler" by

* *"Didn't We Shine" by

Waylon Jennings Waylon Jennings (June 15, 1937 – February 13, 2002) was an American singer, songwriter, musician, and actor. He pioneered the Outlaw Movement in country music. Jennings started playing guitar at the age of eight and performed at age f ...

" by Randy Travis* *" The Gambler" by

Give Me Wings "Give Me Wings" is a song written by Kye Fleming and Don Schlitz, and recorded by American country pop artist Michael Johnson. It was released in September 1986 as the second single from the album ''Wings A wing is a type of fin that prod ...

" by Michael Johnson* *" Good as I Was to You" by

Lorrie Morgan Loretta Lynn Morgan (born June 27, 1959) is an American country music singer and actress. She is the daughter of George Morgan, widow of Keith Whitley, and ex-wife of Jon Randall and Sammy Kershaw, all of whom are also country music singers. Mo ...

*" The Greatest" by Kenny Rogers *"

Guardian Angels A guardian angel is a type of angel that is assigned to protect and guide a particular person, group or nation. Belief in tutelary beings can be traced throughout all antiquity. The idea of angels that guard over people played a major role in ...

" by

The Judds The Judds were an American country music duo composed of lead vocalist Wynonna Judd and her mother, Naomi Judd. The duo signed to RCA Nashville in 1983 and released six studio albums between then and 1991. The Judds were one of the most success ...

*" He Thinks He'll Keep Her" by

Mary Chapin Carpenter Mary may refer to: People * Mary (name), a feminine given name (includes a list of people with the name) Religious contexts * New Testament people named Mary, overview article linking to many of those below * Mary, mother of Jesus, also calle ...

*"Heart of the Matter" by

The Kendalls ''The'' () is a grammatical article in English, denoting persons or things already mentioned, under discussion, implied or otherwise presumed familiar to listeners, readers, or speakers. It is the definite article in English. ''The'' is the m ...

(1980),

Loretta Lynn Loretta Lynn (; April 14, 1932 – October 4, 2022) was an American country music singer and songwriter. In a career spanning six decades, Lynn released multiple gold albums. She had numerous hits such as " You Ain't Woman Enough (To Take My M ...

(1983) *"

Heroes and Friends "Heroes and Friends" is a song co-written and recorded by American country music artist Randy Travis. It was written with Don Schlitz. It was released in January 1991 as the second and final single from his album of duets, ''Heroes & Friends'' ...

" by Randy Travis *" Houston Solution" by

Ronnie Milsap Ronnie Lee Milsap (born Ronald Lee Millsaps; January 16, 1943) is an American country music singer and pianist. He was one of country music's most popular and influential performers of the 1970s and 1980s. Nearly completely blind from birth, ...

*" I Could Be Persuaded" by The Bellamy Brothers *"

I Feel Lucky "I Feel Lucky" is a song co-written and recorded by American country music artist Mary Chapin Carpenter. It was released in May 1992 as the first single from the album ''Come On Come On''. The song reached number 4 on the '' Billboard'' Hot Coun ...

" by Mary Chapin Carpenter *" I Know Where I'm Going" by The Judds* *" I Take My Chances" by Mary Chapin Carpenter *" I Think About It All the Time" by John Berry *"

I Think About You ''I Think About You'' is the fourth studio album by American country music artist Collin Raye. Released in 1995 on Epic Records, ''I Think About You'' was also Raye's fourth consecutive album to receive a platinum certification by the RIAA. The ...

" by

Collin Raye Floyd Elliot Wray (born August 22, 1960) is an American country music singer, known professionally as Collin Raye, and previously as Bubba Wray. Under the latter name, he recorded as a member of the band The Wrays between 1983 and 1987. He made ...

*" I Watched It All (On My Radio)" by

Lionel Cartwright Lionel Burke Cartwright (born February 10, 1960) is an American country music artist. Between 1988 and 1992, Cartwright charted twelve singles on the ''Billboard'' Hot Country Singles & Tracks charts, including a 1 single in 1991's "Leap of Fait ...

I Won't Take Less Than Your Love "I Won't Take Less Than Your Love" is a song written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz, and recorded by American country music artist Tanya Tucker with Paul Davis & Overstreet. It was released in October 1987 as the second single from the album ...

" by

Tanya Tucker Tanya Denise Tucker (born October 10, 1958) is an American country music singer and songwriter who had her first hit, "Delta Dawn", in 1972 at the age of 13. Over the succeeding decades, Tucker became one of the few child performers to mature int ...

with Paul Overstreet and Paul Davis* *" If I Could Bottle This Up" by Paul Overstreet *"If I Never See Midnight Again" by Sweethearts of the Rodeo *" If You Can Do Anything Else" by

George Strait George Harvey Strait Sr. (born May 18, 1952) is an American country music singer, songwriter, actor, and music producer. Strait is considered one of the most influential and popular recording artists of all time. In the 1980s, he was credited for ...

*" I'll Be Lovin' You" by

Lee Greenwood Melvin Lee Greenwood (born October 27, 1942) is an American country music singer-songwriter. He also plays the saxophone. Active since 1962, he has released more than 20 major-label albums and has charted more than 35 singles on the ''Billboa ...

*" In Terms of Love" by

SHeDAISY SHeDAISY () was an American country music vocal group from Magna, Utah. The group consisted of sisters Kristyn Robyn Osborn (born August 24, 1970), Kelsi Marie Osborn (born November 21, 1974), and Kassidy Lorraine Osborn (born October 30, 1976). ...

*" Learning to Live Again" by

Garth Brooks Troyal Garth Brooks (born February 7, 1962) is an American country music singer and songwriter. His integration of pop and rock elements into the country genre has earned him popularity, particularly in the United States with success on the co ...

*"Leaving's Not an Option" by

Chris Cummings Christopher Allen Thomas Cummings (born August 11, 1975) is a Canadian country music artist. In his career, he has released five studio albums, one compilation album, and one extended play. Several of his singles have charted on the Canadian cou ...

*" Like Father Like Son" by Lionel Cartwright *"

Long Shot In photography, filmmaking and video production, a wide shot (sometimes referred to as a full shot or long shot) is a shot that typically shows the entire object or human figure and is usually intended to place it in some relation to its surrou ...

" by Baillie & the Boys *"Looking for a Sign" by

*" Loved Too Much" by

Ty Herndon Boyd Tyrone Herndon (born May 2, 1962), known professionally as Ty Herndon, is an American country music singer and songwriter. His music career began in the 1980s as a member of the Tennessee River Boys, a predecessor to the country band Diamon ...

*" Midnight Girl/Sunset Town" by Sweethearts of the Rodeo *" My Arms Stay Open All Night" by Tanya Tucker *" Not Too Much to Ask" by Mary Chapin Carpenter with

Joe Diffie Joe Logan Diffie (December 28, 1958 – March 29, 2020) was an American country music singer and songwriter. After working as a demo singer in the mid 1980s, he signed with Epic Records' Nashville division in 1990. Between then and 2004, Diffie ...

*" Oh Heart" by Baillie & the Boys *" Old School" by

John Conlee John is a common English name and surname: * John (given name) * John (surname) John may also refer to: New Testament Works * Gospel of John, a title often shortened to John * First Epistle of John, often shortened to 1 John * Second E ...

On the Other Hand "On the Other Hand" is a song written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz, and recorded by American country music artist Randy Travis. It was first released as a single in July 1985, peaking at number 67 in the United States. It was Travis' first s ...

" by Randy Travis* *"

One Promise Too Late "One Promise Too Late" is a song written by Dave Loggins, Don Schlitz and Lisa Silver, and recorded by American country music artist Reba McEntire. It was released in May 1987 as the third single from the album ''What Am I Gonna Do About You ' ...

" by

Reba McEntire Reba Nell McEntire (born March 28, 1955), or simply Reba, is an American country music singer and actress. Dubbed " the Queen of Country", she has sold more than 75 million records worldwide. Since the 1970s, McEntire has placed over 100 single ...

* *" Point of Light" by Randy Travis *"

Richest Man on Earth "Richest Man on Earth" is a song co-written and recorded by American country music artist Paul Overstreet. It was released in April 1990 as the fifth single from his 1989 album '' Sowin' Love''. The song reached No. 3 on the '' Billboard'' Hot C ...

" by Paul Overstreet *" The River and the Highway" by

Pam Tillis Pamela Yvonne Tillis (born July 24, 1957) is an American country music singer, songwriter, record producer, and actress. She is the daughter of country music singer Mel Tillis and ex-wife of songwriter Bob DiPiero. Tillis recorded unsuccessful p ...

*"Ready and Waiting" by

Deborah Allen Deborah Allen (born Deborah Lynn Thurmond on September 30, 1953) is an American country music singer and songwriter. Since 1976, Allen has issued 12 albums and charted 14 singles on the ''Billboard'' Hot Country Songs chart. She recorded the 1 ...

Rockin' with the Rhythm of the Rain "Rockin' with the Rhythm of the Rain" is a song written by Brent Maher and Don Schlitz, and recorded by American country music duo The Judds. It was released in May 1986 as the third single from the album ''Rockin' with the Rhythm ''Rockin' wi ...

" by The Judds* *" Satisfy You" by Sweethearts of the Rodeo *"

Say What's in Your Heart "Say What's in Your Heart" is a song written by Donny Lowery and Don Schlitz, and recorded by American country music group Restless Heart. It was released in July 1989 as the fourth and final single from their album '' Big Dreams in a Small Town'' ...

Restless Heart Restless Heart is an American country music band established in 1984. The band's members are Larry Stewart (lead vocals), John Dittrich (drums, vocals), Paul Gregg (bass guitar, vocals), Dave Innis (piano, keyboards, guitar, vocals), and Greg Je ...

*"Say Yes" by

Dusty Drake Dean Buffalini (born February 23, 1964), known professionally as Dusty Drake, is an American country music artist. Drake played various venues in his native Pennsylvania for several years before moving to Nashville, Tennessee, co-writing a 1996 ...

*" She Deserves You" by Baillie & the Boys *"

Sowin' Love ''Sowin' Love'' is the second studio album by American country music artist Paul Overstreet. The album was released by RCA Nashville in 1989 (see 1989 in country music). The album reached #13 on '' Billboards Top Country Albums chart and charted ...

" by Paul Overstreet *" Stand a Little Rain" by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band *"

Strong Enough to Bend ''Strong Enough to Bend'' is the seventeenth studio album by American country music artist Tanya Tucker, released in 1988. The album contains three singles that made the Billboard Top Ten Country singles charts: "Strong Enough to Bend" at number ...

" by Tanya Tucker* *"

True Heart ''True Heart'' is a 1997 American adventure film directed by Catherine Cyran and starring Kirsten Dunst as Bonnie and Zachery Ty Bryan as Sam. Plot summary ''True Heart'' tells the story of a brother and sister who survive a plane crash that kill ...

" by

The Oak Ridge Boys The Oak Ridge Boys are an American country and gospel vocal quartet originating in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The group was founded in the 1940s as the Oak Ridge Quartet. They became popular in Southern gospel during the 1950s. Their name was change ...

Turn It Loose "Turn it Loose" is a song written by Craig Bickhardt, Don Schlitz and Brent Maher, and recorded by American country music duo The Judds. It was released in January 1988 as the fourth single from the album ''Heartland Heartland or Heartlands ma ...

" by The Judds* *"

" by

* (later covered by

Alison Krauss & Union Station Alison Krauss & Union Station is an American bluegrass and country band associated with singer Alison Krauss. It was initially composed of Krauss, Jeff White, Mike Harman and John Pennell. Later additions included Tim Stafford, Ron Block, Ada ...

and

Ronan Keating Ronan Patrick John Keating (born 3 March 1977) is an Irish singer. He debuted in 1993 alongside Keith Duffy, Michael Graham, Shane Lynch, and Stephen Gately, as the co-lead singer (with Gately) of Irish pop group Boyzone. His solo career start ...

. Keating's version was in the film ''

Notting Hill Notting Hill is a district of West London, England, in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Notting Hill is known for being a cosmopolitan and multicultural neighbourhood, hosting the annual Notting Hill Carnival and Portobello Road M ...

'', and made it to number one on the British charts.) *"

Why They Call It Falling "Why They Call It Falling" is a song written by Don Schlitz and Roxie Dean, and recorded by American country music artist Lee Ann Womack. It was released in April 2001 as the third single from her third studio album, ''I Hope You Dance''; it peaked ...

" by

Lee Ann Womack Lee Ann Womack Liddell (; born August 19, 1966) is an American country music singer, songwriter, and musician. Her 2000 single, "I Hope You Dance" was a major crossover music hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Country Chart and the Top 15 ...

You Again ''You Again'' is a 2010 American comedy film produced by John J. Strauss and Eric Tannenbaum and directed by Andy Fickman with music by Nathan Wang and written by Moe Jelline. The film stars Kristen Bell, Jamie Lee Curtis, Sigourney Weaver, Odett ...

" by

The Forester Sisters The Forester Sisters were an American country music vocal group consisting of sisters Kathy, June, Kim, and Christy Forester. Having performed together locally in their native Lookout Mountain, Georgia, since the 1970s, the four sisters began si ...

* *" You'll Never Be Sorry" by The Bellamy Brothers

Awards

* 1979 –

Country Music Association The Country Music Association (CMA) was founded in 1958 in Nashville, Tennessee. It originally consisted of 233 members and was the first trade organization formed to promote a music genre. The objectives of the organization are to guide and enha ...

– Song of the Year (The Gambler) * 1979 –

Grammy The Grammy Awards (stylized as GRAMMY), or simply known as the Grammys, are awards presented by the Recording Academy of the United States to recognize "outstanding" achievements in the music industry. They are regarded by many as the most pre ...

– Country Song of the Year (The Gambler) * 1986 –

– Song of the Year (On the Other Hand) * 1986 –

Academy of Country Music The Academy of Country Music (ACM) was founded in 1964 in Los Angeles, California as the Country & Western Music Academy. Among the founders were Eddie Miller, Tommy Wiggins, and Mickey and Chris Christensen. They wanted to promote country music ...

– Song of the Year (On the Other Hand) * 1986 – Nashville Songwriters Association International—Song of the Year (On the Other Hand) * 1987 –

– Song of the Year (Forever and Ever, Amen) * 1988 –

– Country Song of the Year (Forever and Ever, Amen) * 1988–1991 –

– Country Songwriter of the Year * 2010 – Inducted into the

North Carolina Music Hall of Fame The North Carolina Music Hall of Fame is a non-profit organization and museum in Kannapolis, North Carolina that was created to honor musicians, composers and artists with ties to North Carolina that have made significant impact in the music indus ...

. * 2017 – Inducted into the

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Schlitz, Don 1952 births Living people Musicians from Durham, North Carolina Country musicians from North Carolina Country Music Hall of Fame inductees American country singer-songwriters Grammy Award winners Singer-songwriters from North Carolina