One of my first childhood memories of movie stars were Burt Reynolds, Jackie Gleason and Jerry Reed from "Smokey and the Bandit". I was young when I first saw the movie (probably too young considering Bufurd T. Justice's language) and I didn't know who the "snowman" really was.
As I grew up and developed a love of music, I came across one of his most famous songs at church camp at Sumatanga (near Oneonta, Al.). The camp had created a dance to the song "Amos Moses." When I figured out that the guy singing the song was the guy who drove the truck behind the bandit, I was intrigued to say the least. I was listening to "She Got the Goldmine, I Got the Shaft" before I even knew what divorce was.
After getting past the comedy of "When Your Hot, Your Hot" and "Lord, Mr. Ford" (I still laugh at them today), I began to realize what an incredible guitar player Jerry Reed was. About two months ago, I did a search on him to see what he was up to and how he was doing and I found out he was in very bad health. Unfortunately, he died late August 31, 2008. He was one of the last great guitar pickers.
Here are a couple of links for more info:
Matt sent me this obit on the snowman....... click here.
Jerry Reed- "Amos Moses"........................... click here.
Jerry Reed- "She Got The Goldmine" (live) click here.
Jerry Reed- "Alabama Jubilee" (live).......... click here. (check out the solo starting around 2:20)
Jerry and Chet Atkins- "Jerry's Breakdown" click here (more great picking)
RIP Jerry...... you will be missed.
Jerry Reed 1937-2008
