Folks Of Interest Jerry Reed dies at 71

[rustynewyorker]

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs..../ENTERTAINMENT

There was a lot more to Jerry Reed than being a costar in Smokey & The Bandit, the man will be missed.

[RugBlaster]

One of my favorite songs is "Tuepelo Mississippi Flash"

[Chili Phil]

This is a huge loss. Jerry Reed was an OK actor. He was a glimpse at Heaven on the six string. RIP.

[A32Flathead]

Dammit.....

RIP Mr Reed

[last g-man]

....hell of a geetar player. Remember watchin' him on The Glen Campbell show a lot. He will be greatly missed/fondly remembered.

g

[Richard D]

LAME! Jerry was a great guitar picker, his were among my favorite songs. I liked his acting quite a bit as well, made lots of car movies.

[Midnight 50]

http://www.aktivinformasjon.no/reed/....php/Main_Page

Jerry Reed Hubbard was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on 20 March, 1937. He was the second child born to Robert Spencer Hubbard and Cynthia Hubbard. Jerry's birth strained an already troubled marriage, and four months later the couple separated. For the next seven years Jerry and his sister Patricia where shuttled between Georgia orphanages and foster homes. They finally returned home in 1944 when their mother married Hubert Howard, another mill worker.
Music provided a welcome diversion for the family. He was exposed to gospel music via his religious background, and a natural aptitude for singing gave him a yearning to become a musician at a very early age. Encouraged by her son's continuing passion for music, Cyntia Howard saved seven dollars to buy a no-name second-hand guitar from a neighbor. Using a nickel as a flat pick, she taught the nine-year-old his first chords.
By the time he entered Atlanta's O'Keefe High School, Reed was already writing and singing novelty songs. After completing his second year, Reed left school to work in an Atlanta cotton mill. He spent his free time honing his performing skills in local honky tonks. Jerry also developed skills as an entertainer, often stopping a show with his imitations of popular country artists.
In 1954 an Atlanta policeman introduced the youth to Bill Lowery, who helmed a popular live country music show Saturday mornings over WGST radio. Reed joined Lowery at WGST, working part-time as a disc jockey. At night he performed with a band Lowery managed, Kenny Lee and the Western Playboys.
On November 16, 1954, Reed performed at a gala country show in Atlanta honoring Faron Young, who had just been discharged from the Army. Capitol Records' country music chief Ken Nelson was there to celebrate the occasion, and Lowery encouraged him consider signing the young singer. Reed's first Capitol session was held in Nashville's Castle Studios on October 17, 1955, and Nelson recruited his front-line Nashville musicians to back him. Reed wrapped up his Capitol contract in May 1958. If Nelson had any intention of keeping him on Capitol, Reed ended any future association by joining the United States Army.
In 1961 Jerry Reed moved to Nashville and landed a Columbia contract, but his success proved only marginally better there than at Capitol. While Jerry didn't exactly sell a lot of his own records, he did develop as a writer. Johnny Cash did well with his "A thing called love" and Porter Wagoner took Reed's "Misery loves company" to #1 in 1962. Jerry also spent a lot of time as a studio musician and backing picker with various touring country artists. He now began sending demos of his guitar instrumentals to Chet Atkins at RCA Victor. Chet Atkins signed him to RCA Victor and started producing his albums.
In 1967, Reed notched his first chart hit with "Guitar Man," which Elvis Presley soon covered. After releasing the 1970 crossover hit "Amos Moses," Reed teamed with Atkins for the duet LP "Me & Jerry". During the 1970 television season, he was a regular on the Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour, and in 1971 he issued his biggest hit, the chart-topper "When You're Hot, You're Hot".
In the mid-1970s, Reed's recording career began to take a back seat to his acting aspirations. In 1974, he co-starred with his close friend Burt Reynolds in the film "W.W. and the Dixie Dancekings". While he continued to record throughout the decade, his greatest visibility was as a motion picture star, almost always in tandem with headliner Reynolds; after 1976's "Gator," Reed appeared in 1978's "High Ballin" and 1979's "Hot Stuff". He also co-starred in all three of the Smokey and the Bandit films; the first, which premiered in 1977, landed Reed a Number 2 hit with the soundtrack's "East Bound and Down."
In 1982, Reed's career as a singles artist was revitalized by the chart-topping hit "She Got the Goldmine (I Got the Shaft)," followed by "The Bird," which peaked at Number 2. His last chart hit, "I'm a Slave," appeared in 1983. After the 1986 LP "Lookin' at You" Reed focused on touring until 1992, when he and Atkins reunited for the album "Sneakin' Around" before he again returned to the road.
In 1998 he formed the group "Old Dogs" together with country superstars Waylon Jennings, Mel Tillis, and Bobby Bare. They recorded one album entitled "Old Dogs". In early 2008 he recorded his last album, "The Gallant Few," which was produced to raise funds for wounded veterans.
Jerry Reed passed away August 31, 2008.

Some may only know him as the cool cat that drove the rig in Smokey and the Bandit, but he was a great musician and a good guy.

[Crazy Backyard Builder]

Wow, what a loss.......RIP


CBB

[HOTRODSURFER]

RIP snowman

[Brewton]

Smokey and The Bandit is one of my all time favorites. My brother and I can re-sight it almost word for word. This is a sad day - the Snowman will be missed!

[rubberrodder]

I still got my "Smokey" sound track album! My cousin played steel, The fight played on, those are still some great instumental country tunes. Jerry,show them angels what pickens all about! r.i.p.

[T-Roy]

Man...Terrible news.

[oddrodgarage]

Bummer...see ya later Snowman...RIP...

[breeder]

that sucks~!!!! RIP mr.REED!!

[61TBird]

[Sparkswillfly]

That sucks !
RIP SNOWMAN !

[X--GASSER]

sucks to hear this...RIP.

[stillkruzn]

The best scene of Smokey and the Bandit, was right after the fight scene when he ran over all those bikes... I love that movie... Jerry Reed will be missed... prayers to his family...

[Engine Pro 5X]

When your Hot Your Hot one his best. Sad day>>>>.

[4t64rd]

Cledus Snow's Fred is one of the reasons we got our Elvis... We figured if Jerry could catch him in boots, we could catch one.

[fiftyfiveford]

Well doesn't that fuckin suck! RIP Snowman

[Bodacious]

I've always enjoyed Jerry, both on records and the screen. He's given me many smiles and much laughter. Farewell my friend.

[rockabillybus]

Man all the greats are slipping away. RIP Jerry, you will live on through music.

[BenD]

Keep 'em between the ditches Mr. Snowman. Over and out.

[Jigger]

Sad news. He was one of my favorites. God rest ye Mr. Reed.

[thirty7slammed]

R.I.P. Jerry Reed.

[067chevy]

Sad to here this. RIP Snowman, You will be missed

[blackmopar]

I guess Snowman is headed Northbound on this trip - RIP!

[fuel pump]

Sad to hear.... RIP Jerry

[fuel]

Man, that sucks. He was so funny, both in song and on the screen. Does anybody remember the song where he talks about smoking? That's a good one, too. I always loved "The Bird", "Amos Moses", and my favorite, "She Got the Gold Mine and I Got the Shaft" SAWN!!!! (Son, for you yankees...) He'll be missed.

[Casey]

That`s a shame he was great
we wore out a smokey and the bandit 8 track on a long road trip

[Bob Dobolina]

snonfabitch

R.I.P. and Godspeed Jerry.

[fab32]

Is it just me or are the good ones slipping away at an increasing rate? It's time to rest Jerry, you WILL be missed.

Frank

[Bman416]

I just heard "East Bound and Down" on the way to work the other day on Sirius and I wanted to put the pedal to the metal and the feet to the floor!
R.I.P. Jerry

[Cajun Kenny]

RIP Jerry.. you will be missed..

[KIRK!]

FUCK!

Seriously one of my faves since I was a kid.

[buckeye_01]

Jesus! All this dying shit needs to stop right god damn now!!!


He will be missed.

[loc8tor]

RIP Snowman......well all catch ya on the flipflop

[LSGUN]

I found this out a little while ago, very bummed. Jerry Reed will always be a legend.

[Dat Dirty Rat]

One of my top 3 favorite actors/singers/entertainers..f@ckin crushed!!

RIP Jerry Reed

[Midnight 50]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJbErRI25ig

http://www.youtube.com/results?searc...rch_type=&aq=f

http://www.youtube.com/results?searc...rch_type=&aq=f

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKEE5...eature=related

[Jeem]

What a shame! REAL STRANGE as the last week or so I haven't been able to get "East bound and down" outta my head. Yesterday I was singing it to everyone in the car with extra country twang just to try and be funny. ...We got a LONG way to go, and a SHORT time to get there, we're eastbound, just watch ol' bandit run..... CORNY, but Jerry Reed was COOL!!!

Hell, he even made a guest appearance on ScoobyDoo.

Hopefully, people will learn more about his music but the Bandit thing sure is stuck to him!

RIP

[Django]

NOOOOOOOOOO!

Godspeed Jerry.

Look up Jerry Reed and Chet Atkins on youtube... a SERIOUSLY UNDERATED guitarist!!

[falfas55]

What a great loss.He was a fine human being.Always smiling.He will be missed R.I.P JERRY.

[M.D.]

Reed was an all around cool dude. When I worked in the music biz in Nashville I had the chance to meet him. Sorry to hear it. A bunch of RIP's lately. Every day is a gift.

[1935Ron]

Rip

Jerry Reed

[Tony]

Man, i made mention of him today at the shop i work at....referencing one of his song's..how strange..
What a huge loss and too young at that.
He'll be sorely missed...I alway's enjoyed his music and role's.

Django you've got that right!!

R.I.P "Snowman"

[Bill.S]

Lord Mr Ford say it ain't so, RIP Jerry

[mikhett]

Damn! MY HERO has passed on. Anyone who strives to play guitar is always amazed at jerry fingerpickin style. Loved his music,movies and the man himself. RIP JERRY.

[plymouth1952]

Hay snow man drop the hammer son. rest in peace,

[rockabillybassman]

One of my all time favourites....... RIP Jerry.

[Customline Vicky]

Went to a private party in a barn in Palatka FL about 21 years ago. Jerry was the entertainment. What a dude! And in that environment was just a regular dude. Will remember him always ... damn!!

[studematt]

I liked him in the scooby doo cartoons.

[Von Rigg Fink]

sonofabitch..this sucks..
dam bummer

[gooseta2]

GODSPEED......

[Goztrider]

"Hey Bandit, what's she got on... her mind?"

"95? I didn't know this old truck would do 95!"

Just watched it again for the millionth time this last weekend. What a loss.

Snowman, you will be missed. Godspeed Jerry!

On a side note.. anyone else notice that, at 3:04, the diesel sign that showed diesel fuel at 47.9 cents per gallon?

[Irish Dan]

Jerry also wrote a lot of "behind the scenes hits" for others. Brenda Lee turned "All you gotta do" into gold in the late 50's;....Jerry wrote and produced the hit. He was a great down-to-earth guy who never seemed to let his celebrity status go to his head. May he rest in peace.

[SamIyam]

East bound and down... loaded up and truckin'... RIP

Sam

[62rebel]

one of the earliest songs i recall from my childhood was Amos Moses. Jerry had a voice you could not forget once you heard it. IMHO he was the best part of Smokey all along. tip of my hat, Mr Reed.

[Irish Dan]

What was the cause of his death?

[thatredcaroutside]

He always put a smile on my face whether he was playing, picking, singing, talking or acting. SHINE ON!!

[J. Cougar]

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

[Thumper]

Time to slide into the old rockin chair.........RIP Snowman

[zman]

RIP... he will be missed...

[Heepster]

RIP....You just can't get any cooler than the Snowman.

[BenD]

died yesterday of emphysema.

[decayed40]

looks like he will be makeing a stop at the local choke and puke in the sky! god speed and tell ol waylon we said hello!! rip jerry

[fiat128]

I was just reading in one of the English sportscar rags where one of the regular writers remembering riding shotgun with Jerry Reid in the "Great American Truck Race" (anybody else remember this, they used to race semi tractors around Road Atlanta back in the 70s & 80s?). The guy said something to the effect that he was "sucking the buttons off the upholstery" as Reid came off the corner at over 100 in a Peterbuilt.

[Weaverville Studios]

Thanks to our fellow HAMBers for all the great clips and links. I am also thankful that in today's age, we can so swiftly celebrate someone's life through technology.

Thank you Jerry Reed for all the great music, movies and laughs. From everything I've ever read, he was the epitome of talent, generosity and modesty. Such a talented man in many fields; we should all hope to live a life so full.

One of my favorite automotive moments was a few years ago when my wife and I hosted a group of friends who drove up from the east coast for the Woodward Dream Cruise...After a rather full day of cruising Woodward in my buddy's 64 Galaxie, we loaded up the Galaxie, dropped Jerry Reed's Greatest Hits in the tape player and we all had a great little Jerry Reed singalong all the while cruising along my favorite backroads far from Woodward and a great time was had by all. Thanks Jerry.

RIP Jerry and many prayers for you and your family. Godspeed Snowman.

[lostforawhile]

this sucks dammit!!! I know he did a lot of different things but smokey and the bandit will always be my favorite. the song made the entire movie. this is the best video of it i've seen yet. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnRwQjTYfGI

[mr57]

Quick! Someone get me a BB gun! RIP.

[Django]

Originally Posted by fiat128

I was just reading in one of the English sportscar rags where one of the regular writers remembering riding shotgun with Jerry Reid in the "Great American Truck Race" (anybody else remember this, they used to race semi tractors around Road Atlanta back in the 70s & 80s?). The guy said something to the effect that he was "sucking the buttons off the upholstery" as Reid came off the corner at over 100 in a Peterbuilt.

Wow, I forgot all about that!

[lostforawhile]

Originally Posted by Django

Wow, I forgot all about that!

theres some of that in the beginning of smokey and the bandit 2

[lostforawhile]

Originally Posted by fiat128

I was just reading in one of the English sportscar rags where one of the regular writers remembering riding shotgun with Jerry Reid in the "Great American Truck Race" (anybody else remember this, they used to race semi tractors around Road Atlanta back in the 70s & 80s?). The guy said something to the effect that he was "sucking the buttons off the upholstery" as Reid came off the corner at over 100 in a Peterbuilt.

heres some clips of it in the beginning of this video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKEE5...eature=related

[Steve-Cook]

That sucks, I was making plans on attending the yearly showing of Smokey and the Bandit at the local drive in this past weekend.

http://raleighroaddrivein.com/_wsn/page3.html

[Royalshifter]

Dammmm Jerry was a cool cat...RIP.

[Weaverville Studios]

Here's a few you might like that focus on Jerry's amazing abilities with the guitar-and I believe he wrote most of these songs as well.

I apologize if someone posted these already. Again, thanks to all who posted these for us all to enjoy!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ng__W...eature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ni8KBhnebwE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLqyN...eature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOGiW...eature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oh1Rw...eature=related

http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...92286064&hl=en

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXnLx...eature=related

Enjoy the great talent of a true American icon. He will be missed but his work thankfully lives on.

[48ford]

RIP snowman,A sad day for everyone
Russ

[BillBallingerSr]

One of my all time favorites. He had that swamp stomp, Chet Atkins thing going that you just didn't get tired of. I saw him with Bobby Bare and Hoyt Axton on TV once and I don't know who was funnier, they all had a sense of humor that was way beyond funny, never dirty, but Mr Reed would make your face hurt when he was telling stories. Music, comedy, and story telling lost a great man. His songs make you just want to pull the car over and listen when they would come on the radio. I have been playing guitar most of my life and you were a big influence on me, even when country wasn't "cool" Keep it clean, and play and sing it like you mean it. RIP Sir. Now what was that lick again to "When You're Hot You're Hot"...?

[Richard Head]

Jerry Reed was one of the only country singers that I could stand to listen to. Whenever I heard one of his songs, it put a smile on my face. This year at the Hotrodarama, I heard a "Lord Mr. Ford" playing over the PA and then the band started their sound check. I was disgusted by their lack of respect.

He was pretty good in The Waterboy too.

Dave

[lostforawhile]

he's not gone he's just at the greatest country front porch pickin' party there ever was and ever will be

I remember the year that Clayton Delaney died
Nobody ever knew it but I went out in the woods and I cried
Well, I know there's a lotta big preachers that know a lot more than I do
But it could be that the good Lord likes a little pickin' too
Yeah, I remember the year that Clayton Delaney died from Tom T hall

[Mike53]

Bad ass guitar picker,saw him live at the Country music network unveiling in Maumee Ohio.R.I.P.Jerry,you will be missed!

[CadillacKid]

Damn...The first concert I ever saw was Jerry Reed at the Walworth Co. Fair in Elkhorn, Wisconsin....22 years ago...I was 10...Thanks Mr. Reed for the inspiration to become a musician myself....One of my absolute favorite people...you'll be sorely missed....Godspeed

[lostforawhile]

don't forget the songs he played with elvis, like guitar man, he said they couldn't figure out how to play it right, he told them the only way for it to sound like Jerry reed is for Jerry Reed to play it. and that he had his guitar tuned all kinds of crazy ways.

[Tony]

Here's a link to another very cool song by him...
Played at the beginning of Smokey and the Bandit..
It's funny many people can't remember it..just East Bound and Down..
Both a great tunes...but i'm actually partial to this one

The song, 'The Legend'.. fitting for the man as well.

http://www.imeem.com/bigelvis/music/...it_the_legend/

[bigmike]

Originally Posted by lostforawhile

don't forget the songs he played with elvis, like guitar man, he said they couldn't figure out how to play it right, he told them the only way for it to sound like Jerry reed is for Jerry Reed to play it. and that he had his guitar tuned all kinds of crazy ways.

I heard an interview with Jerry on Sirius and he said that Elvis sent Scotty to find out how he played it, Jerry was out fishin' and Scotty came out in a boat to get him to come and show him how to play it... lot's of stuff on youtube just do a search and enjoy!

[lostforawhile]

he was a very unique and unusual guitar player,and like anybody else who plays that way,it's very hard to duplicate. It's like Hendrix,there are still things he did that people cannot figure out to this day. Jerrys playing was like that ,great sound,but it's impossible to duplicate.

[raceron1120]

Damn, he was good! Seems nobody does it anymore like he did.

[lostforawhile]

well i just buried my best buddy yesterday,was a really good "git-tar" picker and a true good ole boy. He always liked Jerry and maby now they will get a chance to pick on that big front porch in the sky. Bluegrass has always been about the good things in life, so I figure they must have some up there. First funeral where they played free bird in the service,his last request. Look out Jerry!! here he comes!!