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Jerry ReedAmerican country musician, singer, guitarist, songwriter and film actor
Date of Birth: 20.03.1937
Country:  USA |
Content:
Biography of Jerry Reed
Jerry Reed Hubbard, better known as Jerry Reed (Jerry Reed Hubbard or Jerry Reed, March 20, 1937 - September 1, 2008), was an American country musician, singer, guitarist, songwriter, and actor.
Early Life and Career
Reed was born in Atlanta, Georgia. He was the second child of Robert and Cynthia Hubbard. His grandparents lived in Rockmart, and he would visit them occasionally. Even as a young child, he loved to be around the guitar and promised that he would become a star in Nashville in the future. Jerry's parents divorced four months after his birth, and he and his sister spent seven years in orphanages and foster homes. In 1944, Reed reunited with his mother and stepfather, and his love for music helped the new family through difficult times.
In his high school years, Reed began writing music and singing. At the age of eighteen, he signed a contract with producer Bill Lowery. Soon after, he released his first album, "If the Good Lord's Willing and the Creek Don't Rise." Under the wing of Capitol Records, Jerry recorded both country and rockabilly, but went unnoticed for quite some time. His situation changed when his studio colleague Gene Vincent covered his song "Crazy Legs."
Rise to Fame
In 1958, Lowery secured a contract for Reed with the National Recording Corporation, where he became both a performer and a member of a new group that included Joe South and Ray Stevens. In the same year, Jerry married Priscilla Mitchell, who was part of the folk group "Appalachians." Reed's single "Soldier's Joy" charted in "Billboard's" "Bubbling Under The Top 100" and the country charts of "Cashbox" in 1959. After serving in the army for two years, Reed moved to Nashville to pursue his songwriting career.
Reed quickly became a popular guitarist and in 1962, he released two successful singles, "Goodnight Irene" and "Hully Gully Guitar." These caught the attention of legendary jazz musician Chet Atkins, and in 1965, Reed recorded the composition "If I Don't Live Up to It" with him. In 1967, Elvis Presley covered Reed's "Guitar Man," which reignited interest in him. This collaboration led to three more Elvis recordings of Jerry's songs - "U.S. Male," "A Thing Called Love," and "Talk About The Good Times."
Success and Later Career
By the 1970s, Jerry Reed had reached the peak of his career. His hit song "Amos Moses," which combined elements of rock, country, funk, and Cajun melodies, quickly climbed to the eighth spot in the American charts. Reed gained the interest of Chet Atkins again, and he also became a regular on the TV show "Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour" for most of the year. In 1971, he released another hit, "When You're Hot, You're Hot," which sold over a million copies and earned him a gold record from the RIAA.
Reed's career declined in the 1980s, but the success of the hit "She Got the Goldmine (I Got the Shaft)" gave it a new boost. In 1982, he appeared in the comedy film "The Survivors" alongside Robin Williams and Walter Matthau. In 1986, Jerry released the unsuccessful album "Lookin' at You," leading him to focus on concert tours for some time. It was only after another joint project with Atkins that he returned to recording.
Legacy
Jerry Reed's music continued to gain recognition even after his passing. His song "Amos Moses" was featured in the popular video game "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas" in October 2004, introducing him to a new and unusual fan base. American guitarist Eric Johnson paid tribute to Reed by including a composition titled "Tribute To Jerry Reed" in his 2006 album "Bloom." Reed remained active on television, making guest appearances on shows such as "Bill Dance Outdoors."
Jerry Reed passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, on September 1, 2008, due to complications from emphysema. His contributions to country music and his memorable hits continue to be appreciated by fans worldwide.
