Don Schlitz is an acclaimed American songwriter born as Donald Alan Schlitz Jr. on August 29, 1952, in Durham, North Carolina. Renowned for his significant contributions to country music, Schlitz has penned more than twenty number one hits on the country music charts. His most famous work includes "The Gambler," performed by Kenny Rogers, which became a defining song of Rogers's career and was later preserved in the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress for its cultural significance. Schlitz also co-wrote "Forever and Ever, Amen" by Randy Travis and "When You Say Nothing at All" by Keith Whitley, both of which reached number one on the charts.

Throughout his illustrious career, Schlitz has been honored with two Grammy Awards and four ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year awards. His exceptional talent has earned him inductions into several prestigious halls of fame, including the national Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame. On August 30, 2022, he was inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

In addition to his songwriting for artists, Schlitz was commissioned by U.S. President George H. W. Bush to compose a theme song for the "Points of Light" program, resulting in the song "Point of Light," which became a hit for Randy Travis in 1991. Schlitz's career, active since 1978, continues to influence the country music genre profoundly.