Introduction:
In 1979, Kenny Rogers released “She Believes in Me” as the second single from his landmark album The Gambler. Written by Steve Gibb, the ballad resonates deeply, portraying a talented but insecure songwriter who persists in his dreams thanks to his partner’s unwavering faith in him. On June 9, 1979, the song soared to No. 1 on both the Billboard Country and Adult Contemporary charts—a milestone that made it Rogers’ first single to top both charts concurrently.
Beyond its country roots, “She Believes in Me” achieved significant crossover success, reaching No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, and even charting in the UK at No. 42. Its universal appeal lay in its stirring lyrics and emotional sincerity—qualities amplified by Rogers’ warm, mature vocal delivery.
Steve Gibb, the song’s composer, was a classically trained, polio-stricken musician from Virginia who overcame adversity to establish himself as a songwriter in Nashville. “She Believes in Me” elevated his career and became his signature composition, subsequently recorded by a diverse array of artists—from Johnny Mathis to T.G. Sheppard. Notably, the song was also recognized at the 1979 Country Music Association Awards, where Gibb earned a Song of the Year nomination for it.
Kenny Rogers himself regarded “She Believes in Me” as a personal favorite. Over the years, he frequently revisited it—including a memorable 2005 performance alongside Lionel Richie for CMT Crossroads—and featured it on numerous compilation albums such as The Kenny Rogers Singles Album, 20 Greatest Hits, and The Best of Kenny Rogers.