Jerry Reed was a multi-talented musician, singer, songwriter, and actor who left an indelible mark on the world of country music. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 20, 1937, Jerry Reed Hubbard had a long and fruitful career, spanning several decades. He is known for his fingerstyle guitar playing, his smooth vocals, and his humorous and often irreverent lyrics. In this article, we will explore some interesting facts about the life and career of Jerry Reed. See how much you really know about country singer and actor Jerry Reed via the facts below:
12 Interesting Jerry Reed Facts
#1) Jerry Reed was born as Jerry Reed Hubbard on March 20, 1937 in Atlanta, Georgia.
#2) He became a successful American country music singer, guitarist, composer, and songwriter, as well as an actor.
#3) Reed appeared in more than a dozen films including 1978’s High-Ballin’ and 1979’s Hot Stuff. In addition to his music career, Jerry Reed was also an accomplished actor. He appeared in numerous films and television shows over the years, often playing humorous or offbeat characters. Some of his most famous roles include Cledus Snow in the “Smokey and the Bandit” film series and Bama McCall in “The Waterboy.” Reed was praised for his natural acting abilities and his ability to bring humor and authenticity to his performances.
#4) Reed gained fame for his “East Bound and Down” tune that served as the theme song for the 1977 film Smokey and the Bandit. Reed co-starred in all three Smokey and the Bandit films with Burt Reynolds and Sally Field
#7) In July 1967, Reed had his best showing on the country chart (No. 53) with his self-penned “Guitar Man”, which Elvis Presley covered. Reed played the Guitar with his unique picking style for the Elvis recording. Jerry Reed was a prolific songwriter, penning hits for many other artists in addition to recording his own material. One of his most famous compositions was “Guitar Man,” which he wrote in 1967. The song was a hit for Reed himself, but it also caught the attention of Elvis Presley, who recorded his own version of the tune in 1968. The song became a top 40 hit for Presley and helped cement Reed’s reputation as a songwriter.
#8) Reed’s discography comprises 50 albums and 59 singles.
#9) Jerry won 3 Grammy Awards and had three songs reached #1 on the Billboard Country Music chart. He won a Grammy Award in 1971 for his instrumental tune “When You’re Hot, You’re Hot.” The song was a major hit for Reed and showcased his exceptional guitar playing skills. The Grammy win was a significant moment in Reed’s career and helped solidify his reputation as one of the most talented and innovative musicians in country music.
#10) Jerry Reed was announced as an inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame on April 5, 2017, and was officially inducted by Bobby Bare
#11) Jerry Reed passed away on September 1, 2008 of complications from emphysema at the age of 71.
#12) East Bound and Down reached #1 on the Billboard Country Music chart. Watch the video and see the written lyrics below.
Jerry Reed East Bound and Down Live Performance Video
East Bound and Down was written by Jerry Reed and Dick Feller.
East Bound and Down Lyrics
East bound and down, loaded up and truckin’
A-we gonna do what they say can’t be done
We’ve got a long way to go, and a short time to get there
I’m east bound, just watch ol’ “Bandit” run
Keep your foot hard on the pedal
Son, never mind them brakes
Let it all hang out ’cause we got a run to make
The boys are thirsty in Atlanta
And there’s beer in Texarkana
And we’ll bring it back no matter what it takes
East bound and down, loaded up and truckin’
A-we gonna do what they say can’t be done
We’ve got a long way to go, and a short time to get there
I’m east bound, just watch ol’ “Bandit” run
East bound and down, loaded up and truckin’
A-we gonna do what they say can’t be done
We’ve got a long way to go, and a short time to get there
I’m east bound, just watch ol’ “Bandit” run
Ol’ Smokey’s got them ears on
He’s hot on your trail
And he aint gonna rest ’til you’re in jail
So you got to dodge ‘im and you got to duck ‘im
You got to keep that diesel truckin’
Just put that hammer down and give it hell
East bound and down, loaded up and truckin’
A-we gonna do what they say can’t be done
We’ve got a long way to go, and a short time to get there
I’m east bound, just watch ol’ “Bandit” run
Jerry Reed was a talented musician, songwriter, actor, and all-around entertainer who left an indelible mark on the world of country music. His fingerstyle guitar playing, smooth vocals, and humorous lyrics continue to inspire and delight fans around the world. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to his music, there’s no denying that Jerry Reed was one of the most interesting and accomplished artists of his time.
