Hall of Fame Songwriter, Musician, and Actor Jerry Reed Dies at 71
September 3 2008
Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member, three time Grammy winner, and star of television and movies, Jerry Reed died thispast weekend. Reed, who was 71, suffered from emphysema and was in hospice care.
Inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005, Jerry Reed's songs have been recorded by artists such as Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Porter Wagoner, Tom Jones, and Brenda Lee. As a recording artist, Reed had a string of hits in the 1970s and early 80s including the songs Lord Mr. Ford, Amos Moses, and When You're Hot Your Hot, for which he won a Grammy in 1971.
Reed was also an accomplished guitarist playing on sessions for Presley, Waylon Jennings, Bobby Bare, and many others. His instrumental recordings with Chet Atkins earned him two additional Grammy Awards.
Perhaps best remembered for his acting rolls, Reed appeared in over 20 movies and television shows including The Waterboy with Adam Sandler, and as Burt Reynolds' sidekick in the Smokey and The Bandit trilogy.
"Everything about Jerry was distinctive: his guitar playing, writing, voice, and especially his sense of humor. He was a larger-than-life personality, and I was honored to have worked with him," said Sony BMG Nashville Chairman Joe Galante.
For more on Jerry Reed's amazing career visit his Hall of Fame profile.