Wednesday, September 03, 2008

One of My Childhood Heroes, Jerry Reed


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