Breaking News: Jerry Reed Passes Away At Age 71

As reported by Peter Cooper of The Tennessean, country music legend Jerry Reed has passed away today at age 71.

“Jerry Reed, country music’s howling virtuoso and a star of stage, studio and screen, has died. Born Jerry Reed Hubbard, Mr. Reed suffered from emphysema and was in hospice care. He was 71, and he leaves an unparalleled legacy of laughter and song.”

More reaction to Reed’s passing:

CMT:

“Although he was nicknamed “The Guitar Man,” Reed was also known for his comedic roles in the films Smokey and the Bandit and The Waterboy. Elvis Presley recorded two of Reed’s songs, “U.S. Male” and “Guitar Man,” and was invited by Presley’s producer to play his distinctive “claw-style” guitar licks on the studio recordings as well.”

Michael Corcoran from Austin360.com:

“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.”

Jack Ryan from The Post Chronicle:

“Jerry was one of the best players ever. I remember watching him and Paul Yandell on TV years ago. He had fingers faster than lighting!”

Pollstar:

“Before he became “The Snowman” sidekick in “Smokey & The Bandit,” he was already regarded as an accomplished musician, known for his syncopated guitar work…”

John Gerome from AP:

“Born in Atlanta, Reed learned to play guitar at age 8 when his mother bought him a $2 guitar and showed him how to play a G-chord.

He dropped out of high school to tour with Ernest Tubb and Faron Young.

At 17, he signed his first recording contract, with Capitol Records.”

Reed’s booking agent, Carrie Moore-Reed (no relation) via AP:

“He’s one of the greatest entertainers in the world. That’s the way I feel about him.”

Jerry Reed, from a 2007 interview with The Tennessean (Via Arbogast on Film)

“We live this life like what’s down here is what it’s all about. We’re temporary, son, like a wisp of smoke.”