Kenny Rogers, with the white in his beard matching his jersey, caught the pass at the left elbow on his home court near Athens, Ga. The famous country singer faced off against Michael Jordan, who leaped to block the shot, only for Rogers to outwit him with a fake move, earning praise from the broadcaster Chick Hearn. Rogers then sank a 21-foot jumper, leaving MJ in the dust.
The crowd erupted, and Rogers basked in the glory. The event, known as the “Kenny Rogers Classic Weekend,” was a unique gathering of 15 sports stars and television celebrities for basketball, golf, tennis, and bass fishing, all televised by NBC with big sponsors.
Among the attendees were Larry Bird, Julius Erving, Isiah Thomas, Charles Barkley, John McEnroe, and numerous other celebrities like Mark Harmon and Woody Harrelson. The camaraderie was unmatched, with performances by Rogers, Smokey Robinson, Dolly Parton, and Gladys Knight after the day’s competitions, creating unforgettable memories.
Later, during the basketball games, golf pros like Calcavecchia and Wadkins tried their best against NBA stars like Jordan, leading to competitive and unforgettable moments. The event showcased the unique mix of talent and camaraderie rarely seen in similar gatherings.
The concept of the event emerged after Rogers moved to Georgia and decided to host a sports competition similar to an earlier tennis tournament he organized in Beverly Hills. With stars from different fields competing in various sports on his sprawling ranch, the event became a resounding success, drawing admiration from all participants.
As the competitions progressed, the sports stars’ competitive spirits came to the fore, displaying their skills in different disciplines while sharing lighter moments off the field. The event showcased both the competitive edge and camaraderie of the participants, making it a unique and unforgettable experience.
In the climax of the 1989 event, Woody Harrelson clinched victory for his team with a crucial putt, overshadowing his Emmy nomination. The Rogers Weekend was filled with memorable moments and ended with a successful and exciting finish, leaving lasting impressions on all participants.
The event was a one-of-a-kind experience bringing together diverse talents and creating lifelong memories for those involved. While similar events may be hard to replicate today, the legacy of the Rogers Weekend lives on through the cherished memories of all who were part of it.
(Photo illustration: Dan Goldfarb / The Athletic; photos courtesy Kelly Junkermann)