Jerry Reed: Tribute to the Guitar Man
September 3rd, 2008 | 5:45 pm est |
Jerry Reed had a way with a corny joke and a complicated guitar. Both gifts were instrumental in turning Reed into a star, probably because they both came so naturally to the Georgian Guitar Man. That quick, easy touch wound up downplaying his instrumental virtuosity, making that intricate fingerpicking seem like something anybody can do — and nothing could have been further from the truth — while emphasizing the goofy, infectious humor that helped Reed make a smooth transition from recording star to an all-around entertainer, popping up on TV shows and movies all through the ’70s. Of all those, he was of course best known as Burt Reynolds sidekick Cledus “Snowman” Snow in Smokey & The Bandit, a film that rivaled Star Wars at the box office in 1977, the kind of success that makes a superstar out of supporting players. And so it was with Jerry, who now was known to more people as an actor – or better still, a personality – than a musician, and not just any musician but one of the greatest guitarists of the 20th Century. For most musicians, losing their core identity as a player would be a disservice, but for Jerry Reed it somehow didn’t matter. Sure, Jerry wasn’t as good an actor as he was a picker or songwriter, but he had the same personality on camera that he did on record — a back-slapping, chicken-picking, gregarious, stubborn redneck that was the best drinking or fishing buddy you’d ever have.
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In his day the best gut-string guitar player in Nashville. YouTube some of his stuff with Chet Atkins. And of all places in a Joan Baez album recorded in Nashville. Can’t remember the album title but it was a double album with a white cover. Some of the backup music makes you want to ask her to just be quiet for a minute. No disrespect to Joan…just damned good picking.
“Lord Mr. Ford” in many ways is just as potent a funny, barbed criticism of the automobile lifestyle today, as it was in 1973. And there aren’t too many acts in (country) music with as much of a sense of humor to match his anymore: goofy, barbed, but not crass or stupid. I’ll trade the Cable Guys, redneck comics and southern funnymen for a Jerry Reed anytime. That’s why iTunes was invented (where his hits are).
To paraphrase one of his songs, God got the goldmine, and we got the shaft the day Jerry Reed died.
I never knew Jerry Reed was an awesome guitar picker and composer until I took fingerstyle guitar lessons from an old guy who loved him…My first song I learned by Jerry Reed Hubbard was The Claw….and that song changed my perspective on what you can do with a guitar. I’ve since learned several other of his tunes…no doubt he’d turn over in his grave if he heard me, but no other composer or player has influenced me so much. Thank you Jerry Reed for giving me a reason to stick with my guitar! You were an incredible talent, and like so many talented people, very self-effacing. Your music will live on…
Paul, the album you’re thinking of is probably “Any Day Now”, an album of Dylan covers - and very good in its own right. Reed is given credit as a player, but like so many albums of that time, there are no credits given for individual songs. There’s a very tasty solo in the song “Shoes of Spanish Leather” that I think could be Reed.
Jerry reed wasa a monster guitar player who somehow did not get the recognition he deserved. He took country and blues and a lot of rythym and made unique music. he will be missed.