Jerry Reed Hubbard (March 20, 1937 – September 1, 2008) was a multi-talented American artist known for his prowess as a singer, guitarist, composer, songwriter, and actor. He left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, starring in over a dozen films and leaving behind a legacy of timeless music.
Signature Songs and Achievements
Jerry Reed’s career was marked by several iconic songs that resonated with audiences across the country. His notable hits include “Guitar Man,” “U.S. Male,” “A Thing Called Love,” “Alabama Wild Man,” “Amos Moses,” and “When You’re Hot, You’re Hot,” which earned him a Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Performance, Male.
Reed’s musical catalog also includes classics like “Ko-Ko Joe,” “Lord, Mr. Ford,” and “East Bound and Down,” the memorable theme song for the 1977 film “Smokey and the Bandit,” where Reed played a starring role. Other noteworthy songs in his repertoire are “The Bird” and “She Got the Goldmine (I Got the Shaft).”
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to music, Jerry Reed was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum.
Country Music Hall of Fame Induction
In April 2017, it was announced that Jerry Reed would be posthumously inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, a testament to his enduring influence on the country music genre. The official induction took place on October 24, with Bobby Bare doing the honors.
Early Life and Musical Journey
Jerry Reed was born in Atlanta[1] on March 20, 1937, as the second child of Robert and Cynthia Hubbard. His early years were marked by a love for music, even as a young child. He often expressed his determination to become a star, vowing to go to Nashville and make it big. Sadly, his parents separated just four months after his birth, leading Jerry and his sister to spend seven years in foster homes and orphanages.
In 1944, Jerry Reed’s life took a turn when he was reunited with his mother and stepfather. He would go on to graduate from O’Keefe High School, an Atlanta city school. The O’Keefe building, where he attended school, still stands today as part of the Georgia Tech campus.
Jerry’s musical journey began at an early age. By the time he reached high school, he was already writing and singing music, having learned to play the guitar as a child. His talent caught the attention of publisher and record producer Bill Lowery, who signed him at the age of 18 to record his first song, “If the Good Lord’s Willing and the Creek Don’t Rise.”
Jerry Reed’s career continued to flourish when he joined Capitol Records. He gained recognition as a “teen-age sensation” and recorded his rockabilly composition “When I Found You” in 1956. His music spanned both country and rockabilly genres, and he found success as a songwriter, with his song “Crazy Legs” covered by label mate Gene Vincent in 1958.
In 1958, Bill Lowery signed Jerry Reed to his company, National Recording Corporation (NRC). Jerry not only recorded as an artist but also played a significant role in NRC’s staff band, which included other notable artists like Joe South and Ray Stevens.
Personal Life
In 1959, Jerry Reed married Priscilla “Prissy” Mitchell. The couple had two daughters, Seidina Ann Hubbard and Charlotte Elaine (Lottie) Zavala. Priscilla Mitchell was a member of the folk group The Appalachians and, along with Roy Drusky, co-credited on the 1965 country No. 1 hit, “Yes, Mr. Peters.”
