Artist Biographies - Jerry Reed

	Jerry Reed Biography

Jerry "The Guitar Man" Reed (b. 3-20-37 Atlanta, GA) was not only a very successful solo artist and session player, but along the way he built a pretty decent acting career. Reed got his first guitar when he was a child. At 18, he recorded his debut album, "If The Good Lord's Willing and the Creeks Don't Rise." In 1961 after two years in the military, Reed moved to Nashville and became a very successful session and touring guitarist. In 1962 Reed found recording success with "Goodnight Irene" and "Hully Gully Guitar." Chet Atkins produced Reed's next release, 1965's "If I Don't Live Up To It." His first charting hit, "Guitar Man," was covered by Elvis, and in 1970 he teamed up with Chet Atkins on "Me and Jerry." Jerry was a regular fixture on the Glen Campbell Good Time Hour, and in 1971 he scored a #1 hit with "When You're Hot, You're Hot." The Grammy-winning musician also played with other top artists like Ringo Starr and Joan Baez. But music wasn't the only thing Jerry did well. He gained mainstream notoriety in 1977 when he co-starred with Burt Reynolds and Sally Field in the truck driving movie, "Smokey and the Bandit." His song from the sountrack, "Eastbound and Down," shot to #2 on the country charts. Jerry gained household recognition again in 1998 when he was cast in Adam Sandler's "The Waterboy" as Coach Red Beaulieu. Sadly, in September of 2008, Jerry passed away after complications from emphysema. Jerry Reed's memorable style and music will forever leave a lasting impression on country music fans for generations to come. View our Jerry Reed Discography Watch Jerry have a "breakdown" with Chet Atkins:

Jerry Reed Biography