R.I.P. Jerry Kennedy

[Willie G. Moseley]

Nashville icon player and producer, died Wednesday at age 85.

Got his start in Shreveport alongside James Burton.

He played guitar on Roy Orbison's "Pretty Woman", Tammy Wynette's "Stand By Your Man" and played dobro on "Harper Valley PTA" (Jeanie C. Reilly).

Won four Grammys.

Produced Roger Miller's and the Statler Brothers' hits in the '60s and '70s.

Was the head of Mercury Records' Nashville operation from 1969 to 1984.

Was a member of the inaugural group of musicians (including Scotty Moore) inducted into the Musicians' Hall of Fame.

Later, the Museum named that facility's onsite theater after him. Attendees at the ceremony included Ray Stevens, Ricky Skaggs and Steve Wariner.

Owned some classic instruments that played on classic songs.

All three of his sons are in the music business in Music City. The oldest, Gordon, owns John Sebastian's 'Burst, and was a member of Christian rock band Whiteheart. Later, Gordon used to gig regularly  with Peter Frampton.

Jerry was a consummate professional. 

And I never tire of listening to Lester 'Roadhog' Moran  and His Cadillac Cowboys--Live at the Johnny Mack Brown High School.  That album, now over 50 years  old, still gives my tear ducts a workout because I'm laughing so hard. In particular, "The Saturday Morning Radio Show No. 2" should be mandatory listening for any musician who grew up listening to small-town country bands.

 

 

Edited February 13 by Willie G. Moseley

[Feynman]

Okay, I'll ask ... what's with with the telegraph unit on his guitar?

[Willie G. Moseley]

It's a palm pedal, invented by a Nashville guitrarist and tinkerer named Dean Porter. Only two originals were ever made; the other one went to Grady Martin. Some of the parts are plumbing hardware. Gibson made a limited edition Jerry Kennedy model that also had the gizmo.

[specialk]

Love me some Grady:

 

[Spinaltap]

quite the player, huge loss

 

RIP

[hamerican gigolo]

One of the last members of old Nashville. Great producer & musician. His son, Gordon, has stated that JK probably played/owned most any vintage guitar we now consider classics.

R.I.P.  😞

[Willie G. Moseley]

I got that photo from an October 2007 in Vintage Guitar. Lotsa cool instruments. Here's the link; enjoy:

https://www.vintageguitar.com/3698/jerry-and-gordon-kennedye/