Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

Before “The Gambler,” There was “Six Pack”

by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

In 1982, the movie “Six Pack” starred a debuting newcomer in the film industry, Kenny Rogers. For most of us today, the movie may not have a significant impact or we could have probably not known that it existed. However, it was one of the movies that were the most awaited back in the day.

Kenny Rogers first gained his popularity as a singer. Songs like “The Gambler,” “Lady,” “I Don’t Need You,” and “Through the Years” gave Rogers a great commercial success. Following this momentum, Rogers played the lead role as a racecar driver named “Brewster Baker.”

“Six Pack” and Country

Brewster Baker was re-aligning his thoughts about his return to the racetrack after facing defeat in his last race. He eventually met 6 kids that stole some auto parts. After chasing them, Brewster found out that the kids were orphans. Despite the several misadventures along the road, Brewster and the kids formed a bond. At the end of the movie, Brewster was able to pull out a successful comeback as a racer and the kids were able to find a home.

More than showcasing Rogers’ acting chops, “Six Pack” also highlighted the best of country music. Excluding the fact that one of the brightest stars in country music was playing the role, the movie used several country songs as soundtracks.

In a scene where Baker enters a bar, Merle Haggard’s “Rainbow Stew” was played in the background. Another country song was also played on one of the movie’s iconic scenes. This was when Baker, along with the six kids, was driving across the Tennessee border. The kids started singing an acapella version of “Rocky Top.”

More Movies

Along with the numerous hit songs he released, Rogers could be remembered for the long list of movies where he was featured, especially his role on “The Gambler.” The 1982 “Six Pack” film might not be his biggest movie role, but it showed what a Kenny Rogers could do on the big screen. He’s done a great job portraying the role of a rugged troubadour who was driven by big inspirations, but with a great mix of a tender spirit.

No one truly starts at the peak of success. You might have to face times of not bearing fruit, but just like with the late, great, Kenny Rogers, your first opportunity, no matter how small, deserves to be given a maximum effort. You’ll never know if that minimal opportunity is the key that will open up a greater path for you in the future.

Latest Stories

8-Year-Old Annafaith Wows with Cover of Willie Nelson's "Always on My Mind"

8-Year-Old Annafaith Wows with Cover of Willie Nelson’s “Always on My Mind”

Willie Nelson’s “Always on My Mind” is one of those rare songs that seems to transcend time, weaving its way into the hearts of listeners for decades. Covering such an ...

Garth Brooks' Daughter Allie Colleen Scores Her First Top-40 Country Hit

Garth Brooks’ Daughter Allie Colleen Scores Her First Top-40 Country Hit

In 2021, Allie Colleen, the youngest daughter of country legend Garth Brooks, proved that musical talent runs in the family. With her single “Ain’t the Only Hell (My Momma Raised),” ...

Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton's "Does He Love You" Is the Collaboration We've Been Waiting For

Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton’s “Does He Love You” Is the Collaboration We’ve Been Waiting For

When Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton team up, it feels like the stars have aligned over Nashville. These two queens of country music, with careers that have shaped the genre ...

Ben Haggard's "As Haggard as They Come" Honors His Father While Defining His Own Path

Ben Haggard’s “As Haggard as They Come” Honors His Father While Defining His Own Path

In 2019, Ben Haggard delivered a performance at the Grand Ole Opry that felt like a love letter to his roots and a bold step toward his future. His song, ...

Mo Pitney's "Borrowed Angel" Is a Love Letter to Traditional Country

Mo Pitney’s “Borrowed Angel” Is a Love Letter to Traditional Country

In a time when country-pop dominates the charts, Mo Pitney stands out as a refreshing reminder of what makes traditional country music timeless. In an episode of Country Road TV ...

Hannah Kay Honors Loretta Lynn in Powerful "Coal Miner's Daughter" Performance

Hannah Kay Honors Loretta Lynn in Powerful “Coal Miner’s Daughter” Performance

In a world where country music continually evolves, some voices remind us of its timeless roots. In 2019, then-18-year-old Texas singer Hannah Kay did just that with her moving rendition ...

Zach Top’s Journey from Farm Life in WA to Breakout Country Music Star

Zach Top’s Journey from Farm Life in WA to Breakout Country Music Star

Zach Top didn’t just stumble into country music fame; he built his way there from the ground up, starting on a modest farm in Sunnyside, Washington. Far removed from Nashville’s ...

Morgan Wallen’s “Love Somebody” Tackles Real Romance with a Fresh Sound

Morgan Wallen’s “Love Somebody” Tackles Real Romance with a Fresh Sound

Morgan Wallen’s new single, “Love Somebody,” has arrived, and it’s not just another love song—it’s an honest look at the complicated, often bumpy road to finding real connection. After years ...

Morgan Wallen Sets New Records Outshining Dolly Parton and Taylor Swift

Morgan Wallen Sets New Records Outshining Dolly Parton and Taylor Swift

Morgan Wallen’s career continues to reach impressive heights with his latest achievement. This historic milestone solidifies his place among country music’s most celebrated figures. His new single, “Love Somebody,” has ...

Jelly Roll Gets Emotional Sharing a First Look at His Expansive 500-Acre Dream Property

Jelly Roll Gets Emotional Sharing a First Look at His Expansive 500-Acre Dream Property

Country music star Jelly Roll recently shared an emotional video on social media, revealing his purchase of a sprawling 500-acre plot of land. The video, filled with raw emotion and ...