Jerry Reed Has Died at 71

Jerry "The Guitar Man" Reed died yesterday of complications from emphysema; the country singer/actor had been undergoing treatment in a hospice before his death. The Atlanta,Georgia native had produced over 40 albums during his career, starting at the age of 18.

She Got The Goldmine (I Got the Shaft)


When You're Hot You're Hot


In the 1970's he teamed up with his friend and fellow actor Burt Reynolds in the "Smokey and the Bandit" movies. Reed played sidekick "The Snowman" to Reynolds' "Bandit. He wrote and performed the hit song "East Bound and Down" from the first movie in the series.

East Bound and Down


Later he was cast as Coach Red Beaulieu in the 1998 movie "The Waterboy" with Adam Sandler.

The Waterboy


Two of Reed's early songs, "U.S. Male" and "Guitar Man" were recorded by Elvis Presley and Reed played his distinctive "claw-style" licks on the studio recordings. He also played with country star Chet Atkins and was a regular on the "Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour" in 1970, as well as writing songs for Johnny Cash, Brenda Lee and many others.

Jerry Reed on Scooby Doo


Reed is survived by his wife Priscilla, and two daughters, Charlotte Elaine "Lottie" Reed Stewart, and Seidina Ann Reed Hinesley.