Don Schlitz, a Hall of Fame songwriter whose catalog of country classics helped define modern country music, has died at the age of 73 following a sudden illness. His most famous hit was "The Gambler," which became a career-defining hit and launched country music into mainstream. Other notable contributions include "Forever and Ever, Amen," "On the Other Hand," and "When You Say Nothing at All". Schlitz was named ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year four consecutive years from 1988 to 1991 and inducted into both the Songwriters Hall of Fand the Country Music Hall of Hall of Famished. He is survived by his wife, Stacey, daughter, Cory Dixon, son, Pete Schlitz; and two siblings.