Jerry Reed Album: “RCA Country Legends”

Like the Dolly Parton volume, this entry into the RCA Country Legends series is a well-chosen intro to a highly enjoyable artist. I had heard a couple of Reed's songs before (the utterly delightful "Tupelo Mississippi Flash," "When You're Hot, You're Hot," "Alabama Wild Man"), but here I found out for the first time how versatile he really is. There are instrumentals ("Navy Blues," "Nervous Breakdown"), sad songs full of self-mockery ("The Likes of Me"), down-home tunes ("Are You From Dixie," "She Got the Gold Mine"), even cynical social commentary ("Lord, Mr. Ford"). If you're unfamiliar with Reed, this is a great stepping stone to curing the shortfall.

While I do not consider Jerry to be a top-notch singer, there is noone who can pick a guitar like Mr Reed (and that includes Chet, as far as I'm concerned), and noone could deliver a line like him. Jerry Reed had a fairly long career that began in the '60's, but is best known for his humorous songs, such as "Amos Moses", "Goldmine", and "Lord, Mr Ford", which are all included here (along with 13 other hits). Very few country artists have this much talent, but Jerry was not only the finest guitarist to grace the "70's, but was also a well-recognized actor whose fame included Smokey and the Bandit, and here lately, "The Waterboy". This album will bring a smile to your face, and make you shake your head in awe at the ability this man has with six-strings.

I happened to get this about a week before Jerry Reed passed away. Sad timing, but as I had taken it in to listen at work, several other people borrowed it to listen. For some, they had no idea he had so many hits, and enjoyed learning about them. It turned into a great education in the music of Jerry Reed.