Keith Whitley Memory Inspired Kenny Rogers’ Cover of ‘There’s a New Kid In Town’

Kenny Rogers included his version of "There's a New Kid In Town" on his new Once Again It's Christmas album, and he did it with the man who made it famous in mind. In this video exclusive, Rogers remembers Keith Whitley singing the song while opening for him during a Christmas tour.

"He had this magic, wonderful voice," Rogers says, recalling the late country singer. “When I started putting this album together, I remembered that moment I heard him sing this.”

"There's a New Kid In Town" is one of 12 songs on Once Again It's Christmas. "The Light" is the only original song, although Rogers recently told Taste of Country he started the recording process thinking he'd make an album of originals. Jennifer Nettles, Home Free, the Time Jumpers and Alison Krauss join him on select songs. Winfield's Locket joins him on "There's a New Kid In Town," a song he admits he avoided for years because Whitley's version was so good.

“There’s something about sister’s harmonies that you don’t get with two girls," Rogers says in the above video. “They really added that special touch that you don’t get anywhere else.”

The Once Again It's Christmas Tour runs through Dec. 23, wrapping up in Westbury, N.Y.

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