The Gambler songwriter Don Schlitz dead aged 73 Award-winning country songwriter Don Schlitz, whose work defined an era and shaped major artists' careers, has died following a sudden illness in Nashville. 19 April 2026 Don Schlitz, the influential country songwriter behind The Gambler, has died at the age of 73 after a sudden illness. Don Schlitz, the influential country songwriter behind The Gambler, has died at the age of 73 after a sudden illness Raised in Durham, North Carolina, the musician passed away on Thursday (16.04.