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Home > Austin Music Source > Archives > 2008 > September > 02 > Entry
“Guitar Man” Jerry Reed 1937- 2008
I can’t forget the first time I heard “Amos Moses” on the radio in late 1970. Tony Joe White (“Polk Salad Annie”), Dusty Springfield (“Son of a Preacher Man”), Bobbie Gentry (“Ode To Billy Joe”) and Creedence had pioneered the “rural contemporary” sub-genre, bringing the deep down south to the top of the pop charts, but nothing prepared me for that chompin,’ searin’ bayou riff rock that sprung from the guitar and vocals of Jerry Reed. After I picked myself off the floor, I went to the BX at Mountain Home AFB in Idaho, and let out a squeal when I found “Amos Moses.” It was my favorite record for a long time.
Reed, who was, sadly, better known as a character actor in Burt Reynolds movies, died Monday of complications from emphysema. He was 71. Most folks don’t realize Reed was a sensational guitar picker before he started having hits with “Amos Moses,” “When You’re Hot, You’re Hot,” “She Got the Goldmine (I Got the Shaft),”and “The Bird.” But the legendary Chet Atkins had always said that Reed was the better fingerpicker.
He also wrote “Guitar Man,” which became a hit for Elvis Presley in 1967. When Presley’s producer couldn’t get the right guitar sound for the sessions, he brought in Reed, who proved to be the only one who could nail that part.
Reed is survived by his wife of 49 years and two daughters.
Comments
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By GREGG COX
September 2, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
I was greatly saddened by the news of Jerry Reeds death, seems like all the great ones are leaving us. Most of the new ones are just “manufactured” stars, but Jerry was one of the greats. I’ll miss you very much.
May God shed his grace on thee.
By Steve
September 2, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
Jerry Reed invented rap and hip-hop! :)
RIP, my Georgia homeboy.
By wayne
September 3, 2008 7:00 AM | Link to this
very talented and funny,will remember him most from smokey&the bandit. RIP, GOD BLESS!
By Bill Starrett
September 3, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this
Jerry also wrote a pretty song, “A Thing Called Love”. He had his own spin on the Merle/Chet playing style. He was an original. Check out Eric Johnson’s “Tribute To Jerry Reed”.