Jerry Kennedy has died at the age of 85.
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The musician and producer was a member of the "Nashville 'A' Team," a group of session musicians that were known for shaping the "Nashville Sound" from the late 1950s through the 1970s. The news was reported by Saving Country Music.
Among his peers were guitarist Chet Atkins, pianist Floyd Cramer, and guitarist Grady Martin, who backed everyone from Roy Orbison to Bob Dylan.
Jerry Kennedy Grew up Surrounded by Music
Born in August. 10, 1940, in Shreveport, Louisiana, Kennedy was known for making music on anything he could find around the house. His frustrated parents then ordered him a Silvertone guitar when he was only 9.
Mentored by the legendary Tillman Franks, Kennedy became quite proficient on the six-string. Like many in his generation, when he saw Elvis Presley perform, his life changed.
However, his fascination wasn't with the "Hound Dog" singer's charisma. He loved hearing Scotty Moore, the King of Rock and Roll's guitarist.
Kennedy was under contract with RCA when he was just 11. He worked with Atkins on several songs and eventually sang backup for numerous artists on Mercury Records.
Kennedy Made His Living as a Session Player
Kennedy was never a big star himself. However, he built a prolific career performing on albums with a number of legendary musicians. Not only did he work with Presley, but he also played with Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Cash, Tammy Wynette, Ricky Skaggs, Charlie Rich, and more.
The versatile Kennedy also played on Dylan's landmark album Blonde on Blonde as well as Jeannie C. Riley's "Harper Valley PTA." He also produced or performed on most of Jerry Lee Lewis' country albums.
The "Nashville 'A' Team" has collectively recorded over 130,000 sessions. Kennedy was part of many of those. He was also a songwriter and a composer, releasing several instrumental albums with Tommy Tomlinson.
Kennedy eventually became a producer and executive at Mercury Records in Nashville, leading its country music division. He had a hand in the success of Roger Miller, Reba McEntire, The Statler Brothers, and many more.
Kennedy left the label in 1984. He would continue to serve as a producer, working with McEntire, Connie Smith, Mel McDaniel, and others. He received four Grammys throughout his career.
His three sons are also songwriters and session players. His son, Gordon, co-wrote the Eric Clapton hit, "Change the World."
