Jerry Reed Stories: -How He Got One Over On Elvis- (Guitar Man)

Elvis Presley recorded Jerry Reed's song, Guitar Man. The sessions guitarist players were having a hard time getting the feel of the song right, so Elvis' producer, Felton Jarvis asked Jerry Reed to come in and play the guitar part. Jerry showed up and did a great job. Elvis loved it and knew he had a hit single. When the session was over, Elvis' business people got into an argument with Jerry Reed over a publishing dispute. This is the story of that session and the dispute.
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Jerry Reed
Elvis Presley
Jerry Reed Guitar Man
Elvis Presley Guitar Man
Elvis Guitar Man
Elvis Jerry Reed
Jerry Reed Elvis
Guitar Man
Amos Moses
Felton Jarvis

[@otisgibbs]

More Jerry Reed stories at this link! I interviewed Jerry's friend, John Knowles and he shared some great stories about Jerry. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYK9Ynulbbt7q8U

[@kookamonga2]

Good to find you on KZbin, Otis! Great stories about my favourite Country singer & picker, Jerry Reed! No wonder people like Burt & Chet loved him! I am a sax player and have always been influenced by Boots Randolph, who used to be in Elvis' band. I think he was one of the only musicians that Elvis let do a solo on his songs. I think the song was "Reconsider Baby" if I'm not mistaken. Of course, Boots & Jerry were friends and performed together. I love their live duet of "Honky Tonk" which can be found on KZbin. The Masters of Country Music once came to Vancouver, BC, Canada to do a show and it consisted of Chet, Floyd & Boots, but Jerry was there too. It was a show I will never forget.

[@otisgibbs]

@@kookamonga2 Thanks, Mike!

[@ramueegoowmadongagarmagara2938]

@@otisgibbs het laatst bewerkt op

[@79tazman]

Here is a link to Elvis and Jerry Reed guitar session with a few takes of Guitar man kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5OQqHaqrZ2WjKc

[@jeffreypetree7163]

So Jerry didn't sign any papers. He must of gotten something out of Elvis using his song ?

[@debbiechapman7032]

I got a killer Jerry reed story about my father in the hospital with a hernia. Jerry came in his room by accident made him laugh so hard he was in pain. And came back every day for a week just to watch him laugh till he cried

[@linnymaemullins3319]

Wow😂😜

[@bettyahlheitt8812]

bs

[@Mike583]

@@bettyahlheitt8812 That's a pretty harsh reply Betty. It might be true or not. No one really knows but him. I'll never call someone a liar (which in essence you did), unless I know for a fact it is!

[@TheSpitmitt]

haha great story.

[@waynejohnson4960]

Love that story

[@midlifemotox]

Favorite Jerry Reed Story. I ran a guitar rental business in North Hollywood. One day Jerry Reed walked in to rent a Tele for a session. He picked out a guitar from the wall. I asked if he wanted to plug into an amp and try it first. He said,,"I know what a Tele sounds like son". About an hour later he returned the guitar, smoking a cigar and drinking a Heineken.

[@otisgibbs]

That's tremendous, Jerome! : )

[@midlifemotox]

@@otisgibbs I've worked with and met every rock star, I've worked with the who's who of the business. I don't get star struck. I don't care, but meeting Jerry was a thrill. He showed up at the shop, unannounced on a Saturday. My first thought was "hollyshit, Thats Jerry Reed. I had 6 Teles on the wall. He just grab the first one, and played the hell out of it,,, With Jerry, what you saw was what you got. No pretense. Just a bad ass player.

[@pennyreagan3590]

My favorite Jerry Reed song was "She got the gold mine, I got the shaft". Creative song writing. I miss this talented man.

[@otisgibbs]

I'm with ya, Penny!

[@JesseBookout]

Always knew how to tell a story with his music

[@perkins1439]

I got a Jerry Reed mix and it's got that song on it man he can fit some words into a song

[@hellodave6929]

Amos moses

[@rodneyadderton1077]

I like The Coin Machine. Hearing that song always makes me smile.

[@Zacharia503]

Apparenttly, Parker tried that on Dolly with 'I will always love you'. But she held out, and Elvis never did record it. Dolly said that she cried all the way home from her meeting with Parker, but she was proud of herself, and still is.

[@marcuspfister2047]

Good girl

[@janhaire2667]

We were big Jerry Reed fans growing up, thanks to my mom. She had learned to knit, and made guitar “sweaters”, and sent one to Jerry Reed. He sent a funny letter of thanks, saying that was the most interesting gift he’d gotten from a fan. My brother stumbled across that letter just the other day after going through her closet. Just shows what a great guy Jerry was to his fans💕

[@dennisjohndreher7258]

Most underrated guitar player of our time. Pickin 1999

[@scotthorning1180]

I respect JerryReed on guitar and he is certainly under rated but most underrated goes to The motor city madman Ted Nugent. He shreds the guitar and gets very little recognition.

[@scooty77punx]

@@scotthorning1180 Ted also played the 16 year olds. Roy Clark, was a great picker!!! He could play anything with strings!!!

[@NicRidic]

@@scooty77punx I came to the comments looking for this comment. Roy Clark was a god.

[@perkins1439]

He was an incredible guitar player in every sense of the word

[@gracehawley9628]

I've heard the story about Elvis having to get Jerry Reed to come in to the studio because nobody could get the guitar sound right.

[@marktoken6052]

Jerry Reed was a class act and sorely missed.

[@brianowens889]

Jerry’s breakdown with Chet Atkins is amazing... the fact they each have an album “me and jerry” and “me and Chet” are incredible.

[@templer46]

Chet Atkins was Jerry Reed's father-in-law.

[@thomaslemon3971]

@@templer46 Prissy was Chet’s daughter??

[@ToddDavis-p3u]

I met Jerry Reed once. I was a cook at Candle-Glo restraunt in Smithville,TN and Jerry came in for lunch.I introduced myself and told him what a fan I was.He said"Yeah Im Jerry Reed, what's left of him." I shook his hand and thats one of the best memories I have. He was a true artist. What a character.WE LOVE JERRY REED! R.I.P.

[@anthonyfreeman5858]

I’m glad to hear that Jerry Reed had the courage to stand up for himself & get what was rightfully his. Good job Jerry Reed. Loved the story. Anthony

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks, Anthony!

[@ernieevans9664]

When I think of jerry reed I think about him and burt I grew up in the 70s and they were the definition of cool it's sad there gone RIP Jerry and burt

[@mikeschiavone7336]

Dollie Parton refused Parker for the song I Will Always Love You

[@clark9992]

@@mikeschiavone7336 As I was listening to this Jerry Reid story, I knew there was going to be a major plot point coming up, about the publishing rights. I knew that because I had heard a similar story years ago concerning another song writer, but damned if I could remember who it was. Maybe it was Dolly.

[@gojoe36]

Jerry Reed would be in my top 5 Guitar players of ALL TIME...he really was incredible. I play mostly 60-70 rock music so I am not a hard core country fan, although I love it. But if you look at Jerry Reeds Guitar skills...he is one of the best that ever lived, and was a song writer that was second to none. So much talent, not many like that ever.

[@lizc6393]

Ditto, and I listen to a lot of classical and flamenco guitar, so it's saying something that this country boy is among the world's greats

[@timothyhall7153]

I realize this is all about one of the best guitar players of all time but just want to put it out there that if you don't know, Vince Gill and Glen Campbell and Travis Tritt can smoke a fret board

[@simonvanderheijden432]

@@timothyhall7153 They are great players but they don't even come close to Jerry's technical skills. If Chet Atkins had trouble figuring out a finger pickin' part he'd call Jerry..

[@BobbyTucker]

I started playing guitar when I was 9 years old, 1958, Jerry Reed was one of the singer/songwriters I followed, he was good and I was good too but in my 70s now, I'm getting a little rusty. Just wanted to share that.

[@BobbyTucker]

@@notbraindead7298 , I appreciate you sharing a 'snapshot' of your musical talents, if it were possible it would be nice to get together and brush up on our pickin' & grinnin' over the years. Good luck to you and try using some WD-40 on those knuckles, it works for me. Be safe, my friend. 🎸🎻

[@davesmith3237]

I drove the new Custom bus that was built by Florida coach and was delivered to jerry Reed. My name is Dave Smith. I help build the Custom Coach Bus that was bought by Jerry Reed. I drove Jerry for about 2 weeks until he found a driver. That was about around 40 years ago. One night about 2 in the morning Jerry could not sleep and he sat in the jump seat up front cab where I was driving. I said do you want to drive and he said ok. As the bus was traveling we switch seats. As he was driving the bus was swaying right and left. I told Jerry he was looking too Close to the front of the bus and he needed to look further down the road. The bus straightens out. I said you got all these trucker awards after the Smokey and the bandit, what the hell is going on. He said I never drove a big rig and the whole movie was done on a Flat bed. I then told him I will have to charge you double and I will teach you how to shift and drive. I drove for many bands and have a ton of stories. The bus company that I work and drove the lease busses for was Florida Coach owned by the Calhoun Twins (Jack & Jerry) that played at the Grand Ole Opry along time ago.

[@otisgibbs]

That's tremendous, Dave! Thanks for sharing this!

[@cymbalom]

Man, you could write a book!

[@tskidfit]

The bus drivers probably have some of the best stories. We are all just people, Jerry sounds like a good man

[@jasonweaver6714]

Great story, Dave! Tell us- did he take you up on the driving lessons?😎

[@jacksfan08]

I know the driver that Jerry hired for that coach. He was a Florida Coach driver who was primarily driving Jimmy Buffet's first coach. His name is also Jerry (last name withheld for his privacy) and he was the best driver I ever rode behind.

[@karenthompson1663]

I never was a big Elvis fan. But, my favorite was Guitar Man. I didn’t know that Jerry had written and played it until I was watching an old program and Jerry was on it and told the story. I can’t imagine anyone not liking Jerry Reed😄

[@garywilliams6611]

And a great actor as well.

[@StephyM.C.]

I could listen to Jerry Reed stories all day long

[@tobysgamingworld1550]

Jerry Reed singing “I’ve got a name” is the sweetest sound you’ll ever hear. He did a whole record of Jim Croce and it’s just a perfect blend.

[@elizabethpiccolo5534]

Wow I hadn’t heard about this. That’s interesting, thanks for sharing!

[@CountryDoublePlay]

Amos Moses is my favorite, but he did so many I liked.

[@danhopcus1314]

“... And he'd just use one hand That's all he got left 'cause an alligator bit it Left arm gone clear up to the elbow” They’re just not written like that anymore!

[@SgtStickyTits]

Same, The Ballad of Gator Mcklusky is a close second.

[@johnmickens152]

gator mcklusky sittin on a stump hammer pulled back on a 12 gauge pump watchin that swamp looking out for the law while he makes the best corn liquor you ever saw.

[@SgtStickyTits]

@@johnmickens152 :D

[@davesmith3237]

Amos Moses was released in October 1970 as the fourth and final single from the album Georgia Sunshine and was certified gold for sales of 1 million units by the RIAA. It was #28 on Billboard's Year-End Hot 100 singles of 1971.

[@scottieray]

I watched "Gator" recently. Man, Jerry Reed was straight up believable in his role. Elvis may have been handsome, but Jerry Reed had a certain charisma.

[@perkins1439]

I watch Gator recently also man it's good

[@joq702]

Jerry Reed was real. That's all that needs to be said - about as pure as a personality as I have ever seen play or interviewed, act. whatever.

[@gregamerson9172]

Jerry didnt have shit over ELVIS as far as charisma goes

[@rogerfournier3284]

Jerry Reed had much more charisma than Elvis had.

[@gregamerson9172]

@@rogerfournier3284 nope, there's a difference in charisma n sence of humor. Jerry had a great sence of humor but he didn't have shit on ELVIS bout nothing

[@johnbaker5538]

Tupelo Mississippi flash. First heard that song when I was about 24. I’m now 76. Loved it then and love it even more now. Did Elvis ever make comment on that song? I’m quite sure he would have loved it

[@All4fundude]

My mother in law told me a story once about Elvis. Way back in the late 60’s my mother in law (mind you that she was a kid back then) and her father went up to the guard at Graceland and asked if they could take a look around. The guard got on the phone, talked for a moment then said go on ahead. She said they walked up to the front door and rang the door bell but nobody answered so she looked up in the window and saw Elvis looking down at them! It was nice that he let them have a look around. Elvis was one of a kind and I wished that he could have lived longer than he did and could have made more music. Long live the king of rock n roll! His legacy will never die

[@otisgibbs]

That's beautiful, Jeremy! : )

[@redwandennaoui4508]

So jerry reed got one over Tom Parker not Elvis, he only wanted to sing the song. Thank you for posting it I’m glad Tom Parker didn’t get it his way

[@lokisgodhi]

@@aburrows4655 That's why you have a killer manager to look after the money. .Led Zeppelin had Peter Grant to make sure they got every penny they could get.

[@TheSpitmitt]

Yes..I am glad too. Love Elvis but Jerry did the right thing.

[@DramaMustRemainOnTheStage]

Tom Parker was a ... Pos 💩

[@redwandennaoui4508]

DramaMustRemainOnTheStage hope he is rotting in hell, long live the king!

[@mightymikethebear]

@@DramaMustRemainOnTheStage and then some

[@markables6054]

I was not have I ever been a Jerry Reed fan but his song The Bird has me in stitches everytime I hear it .He was one hell of a musician and actor .

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Mark!

[@anthonykaiser974]

"That's MY bird!"

[@thejerseyj9422]

"East bound and down", my all time favorite Jerry Reed song. As a trucker of 40 years I dig that Jerry was also a trucker at heart. He made a lesser known movie called "High Ballin" with Peter Fonda that although Fonda was the "star", Jerry steals the show.

[@louisshotton8560]

AMOS MOSES,OR EAST BOUND AND DOWN, OH HELL THEY WERE GREAT!°

[@perkins1439]

I started to say Eastbound and Down but Amos Moses is engraved in my brain

[@wyattearp7082]

My dad drove little over 53 yrs died last November brother drove 39 yrs he passed away in august this yr. I can remember going and watching the bandit at the theatres and snowman may have not been the lead role but bandit wasn’t nothing without him. Great shows

[@irishman6124]

That's a 10/4

[@rogerfournier3284]

Jerry did steal the "show"

[@staceytumoth80]

This will be the first, and probably last, time I’ve ever felt the need to comment on a KZbin video. When I was a kid, some 50 years ago, I fell in love with Jerry Reeds’ music. My favourite uncle gave me the Georgia Sunshine album and a really crappy suitcase type record player. I’m not sure which wore out first, the needle of that 5 dollar record player or the album, but I know this, I played the hell out of that record. So, not to be long-winded, the story you just told made me smile. Thanks for telling it.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Stacey!

[@waynemyers2469]

I just had to add here that the first time I ever heard Jerry was one night at my brothers house, he played Amos Moses and I loved it: The bass, the guitar, Jerry's manic way of telling the story, I became a fan immediately. Funny thing though, 20 years later when I brought up this incident my brother didn't remember it happening, barely knew who Jerry Reed was...weird.

[@timsendsit]

Man I never listened to him much until recent years I was on here watching different videos and east bound and down came on. Jerry is on stage sitting on a stool, no shoes feet propped on a box and that was the first time I saw him play lead on anything. When he and his lead guitarist done the solo on that song I was mesmerized. I’ve never seen anybody so natural on the guitar and on stage for that matter. Well except for Jerry Lee Lewis. More Jerry And Jerry Lee!!!! Thank you for the continuance of the great stories Otis. You are the truth!

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you!

[@gwag8410]

It amazes me that so many folks don’t know how great of a guitar player Jerry was.. he and Chet actually recorded records together.. he like all the great players had a style all his own, and had unorthodox ways of playing that made him unique. He had a lot of great songs, like Alabama Wild Man, and so many others.. he came from very humble beginnings, like so many of the greats, he picked cotton, like my dad and his family did. Jerry grew up in the delta, and was deeply influenced by the black people he worked side by side with.. I was fortunate enough to live in that area and worked with old black gentleman that grew up in share cropper families.. when I was very young, I started working when I was 12 or 13.. I treasure those experiences, and the relationships I had. Sorry for the rambling..

[@otisgibbs]

I'd love to sit and listen to the stories those gentlemen might tell. I envy you getting to sit under their learning tree!

[@gwag8410]

@@otisgibbs it really was an awesome experience. One older black gentleman, his name was Ernie, we became close friends. He would sing as he worked, and it would send chills down your spine.. he was one of the finest men I have ever known..even tho he had experienced a lot of injustices in his life, there wasn’t a bitter bone in his body... there are a ton of life lessons out there, if we will only pay attention...

[@jerryoshea3116]

There's plenty of nonsense and BS spoken on the NET,but ur brief story was so far from a ramble-most interesting would be more accurate!..So no apologies necessary!👍

[@gwag8410]

@@jerryoshea3116 thanks Jerry! 👍🏼

[@jerryoshea3116]

@@gwag8410 U should always give credit where it's due and ur comments were most interesting! 👍

[@hmsuk527]

I always loved Jerry Reed's music. He was a masterful musician with his own distinctive style. I like the song, 'Good Lord Mr Ford' which in many ways is just as relevant now as it was when he recorded it in 1973. Another favourite of mine was his cover of 'Wabash Cannonball'. He performed this song on the Porter Wagner Show, and you can see not only how talented he is as a guitarist, but also what an intuitively spontaneous entertainer he was. At one point when he's about to play the solo, he calls to the studio band, "Quit out-loudin' me. I'm gonna pick!" He was truly a unique talent, and a very gifted man.

[@otisgibbs]

Very well said, my friend!

[@kbchaffin53]

I started playing guitar when glen campbell first had the TV show so I became a big fan of jerry reed. I followed him for years. My theory was he had perfect pitch (glen campbell did). That story about weird tunings clinched it. In 1980 I was writing press releases for the state fair of Oklahoma and I got to spend a whole day reading his press packet and getting paid for it. He said in a "practice day" he would practice for as long as eleven hours. I went to the arena that night and saw the show (I had an employee badge) and he rode around the arena on top of a stage coach right up against the wall wearing a buckskin coat high fiving anybody who could reach him. I was an employee so I went and leaned out and high fived him. I was pretty thrilled. When I heard he was dying I wrote him a long nostalgic email about how long I'd admired him and his playing but it didn't go through. Such is life. Thanks for the stories. It made me laugh. Take care.

[@arthurrose6473]

I'll just say like Jerry, my parents disappeared when I was a baby, went from my grandparents back to my re-married mother and new stepfather when I was almost 9 years old. Hands down (I too, have been playing guitar for over 50 years) among all the musical gifts he gave us, Papa's Knee hits home.

[@waynestarnes8029]

I love they way he played and sung “Don’t Think Twice, it’s alright “

[@harrylazard805]

I think Tony Rice listened to Jerry's version of this song before he recorded it. It sounds like Jerry's arrangement....

[@finoroverato7640]

Dolly Parton would not sign over her publishing to Elvis for her song " I Will always Love you" One of my fav Jerry Reed songs " The Claw"

[@finoroverato7640]

@@floydthebarber9956 yes she did.

[@757optim]

That's true. Dolly had a #1 hit with the song in 1974, then it hit #1 again in 1982 after it was on the sound track for "Best Little Whorehouse In Texas". When she was approached for Elvis to record it, she refused to give up her publishing rights, so Elvis didn't record the song. Because Dolly didn't give up her rights and as she was the sole songwriter, when Whitney Houston had an international hit with it, Dolly made millions on it - again - and probably still.

[@bobwallace1880]

@@finoroverato7640 NO she did not sign it over.

[@otisgibbs]

At the end of the video I mentioned going to Jerry's grave, but I got the time frame wrong. I said it was 15 or 16 years ago, but it was actually 9 or 10 years ago. It seems like 30 years ago, but that's a whole other story. All apologies! : )

[@ronaldwellman4046]

Marry the "Wrong One" we all do Lol

[@StanLaundon]

Wonderful to hear your story. It brings back great memories for me!

[@Mozart1220]

I love your stories, but I did think to myself "Has it REALLY been that long?". Casual fan here of Jerry reed, as I'm more of an ol rocker, but I grew up on old IMO REAL) country like Johnny Cash and Hank Williams the original model. But I can say I have never heard a Jerry Reed song I DIDN'T like. Jerry did a song with another artist, I only heard it once and it had something to do with "why worry about staying in shape, you're gonna die anyway" WHat is that song?

[@otisgibbs]

@Bill Cook Thanks, Bill and same to ya! : )

[@dianefiske-foy4717]

We all forget things in our later years. I know I do. I even forgot the day I saw Elvis in concert. Remember the month & year, but not the day. Great concert though!!! Elvis sang “Hurt” twice in a row and sounded the same both times. Loved him since before I was 10, and I’m 67 now.

[@jerryreed1044]

Loved Jerry Reed, all of his songs. My wife and son and daughter got to meet and talk to him. They said he was a very sweet and a character. My son and I carry the same name, Jerry Reed!!

[@GodseyKnives]

I saw Mr. Reed at the Jackson county (Indiana ) fair cant remember the year wasn't too long before he passed he had a 16 yr old banjo picker with him that was fire . always wondered were that boy went . AMOS MOSES Is my favorite MR. REED was a talent and down home person I always felt .Thank you Mr.Gibbs

[@twfujii60]

Got to the rodeo late; came to this video via the recent Beatles video, but here's my two cents: One afternoon in the early 90's I was having a drink at a bar that I also happened to worked at, when Jerry Reed sat down next to me and struck-up a conversation. I wouldn't call myself the biggest country fan in the world, rock 'n' roll being my first love, but of course I recognized Jerry Reed. Not only from the movies, but he's a music legend even a casual fan would know. He asked me if I was from around here, and when I told him I was usually on the other side of the plank at this very joint, we talked about the bar business. I didn't ask him about his work at all, I get the feeling that's what most people who meet celebrities want to talk to them about; but I sure as hell was curious. He eventually finished his drink and said it was nice to meet me and left.

[@GodsUnrulyFriends]

Wow! That's a great story, and a real lesson in music business! My favorite Jerry Reed song? Hard to say, there are so many. But I saw him on TV where he was doing a duet with Chet Atkins. Now, Atkins was a monster on guitar. Nobody would argue this. But Reed and him were going toe to toe, and it looked like Jet Li and Jackie Chan fighting, except with big smiles on their faces. At the end, Reed takes off the raggedy beaten-to-death fishing hat he was wearing, and hangs it on the headstock of Atkins' guitar! Both of them laugh.

[@violinmke]

East bound and Down was written the night before it had to be included in Smokey and the Bandit

[@rogerfournier3284]

Yup, yes sir!

[@simonauckerman4727]

Solid chunk of knowledge there..Bud!

[@brandonmuir8944]

Written AND recorded?

[@mr.intensity2685]

I can't remember the whole story of the song, but I don't think he was too sure about it, but director Hal Needham said, "DON'T YOU DARE change a thing!" It's in the director's commentary of the Smokey and the Bandit DVD.

[@michaelgrimmett7474]

I have been a Jerry Reed Hubbard fan for as long as I can remember. I like them all,but my favorite is Amos Moses. RIP Jerry

[@otisgibbs]

I'm with ya, Michael!

[@1rudyjrios]

Ko Ko Joe, is shockingly overlooked. It's composed and delivered exquisitely, and the message is universal...

[@vanlittle5893]

How could you not like Jerry Reed? "East Bound and Down."

[@tomwigal8856]

My son is into hip-hop that's all he listens to I played him THAT SONG WHEN WE WERE DRIVING IN MY CAR AND HE LOVED

[@alanaadams7440]

Yup that's my favorite. Jerry was very funny

[@muhrvis]

Jerry Reed was a bona fide guitar genius. I love "Lord Mr. Ford" for the super witty lyrics and social commentary, and the smoking licks in open tuning.

[@jamesbeshears6717]

Can you imagine if Elvis had a manager who wasn't chasing a dollar and respected the music instead? The thought blows my mind. It's a shame that Parker didn't respect Elvis' vision. I love how Elvis came back STRONG in 68...in spite of it all. I can't leave without a shout out to Jerry Reed. I love the mental picture of the two of them working out Guitar Man in the studio. I could feel the energy. I have to say that was one of my favorite songs at the time...still is to honest. Take care be safe on this December Friday afternoon. 2020 has been probably the craziest year I've seen. I don't think many would disagree. When things look dark...music lights your heart. R I P Elvis and Jerry Big love for being a part of my yesterdays

[@fk4515]

That session would of been as awesome as the "million dollar quartet"

[@randythompson1957]

"The guitar man" , really hits home for me , because in the song, it all comes together in Mobile,Alabama , at a club called "Big Jack's".Not far from where I live. It sounds like a true life's story song. "Mr. Guitar " himself, Jerry Reed was one of a kind .

[@briteness]

My two favorite Jerry Reed songs are kind of two ends of the spectrum: Amos Moses & Today is Mine. I love both of those songs. They were on a cassette tape of Jerry Reed that my dad bought in maybe 1973. He had a cassette player in this 3-wheeled former Post Office delivery vehicle that he had purchased and converted into a car of sorts. My brother and I would sit on the floor in the back where the mail used to go, and we rode all around Lexington, KY, with him, listening to music. We would also listen to Johnny Cash, Bobby Gentry, Glen Campbell, Andy Williams, and others. These trips around town listening to music are possibly the happiest memories I have of my childhood years.

[@yourobertholt263]

What a great story for Fathers' Day!

[@waynemyers2469]

By far, my favorite Jerry Reed song has always been "Eight more miles to Louisville", #2. Muleskinner Blues, #3. The Preacher and the Bear, and # 4. Oh what a Woman...

[@JimStembridge]

Chip Young (Jerry Stembridge) was my uncle and I just love this story since he and Jerry Reed grew up in Atlanta together (southside in Hapeville)! Thanks for the great telling of it!

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks for the kind words, Jim! You have to be proud of your uncle! : )

[@rodmcdonough6111]

Otis, thank you for sitting down and taking the time to tell us these Jerry Reed stories. It was like you were sitting on our front porch (just as cold). What a history you must have along with being a truly great story teller. Cheers! tal

[@andrewelliott123]

I met him in person to some years ago. I need you to read was a musician but I did not realize how good he actually was. Not to mention how hilarious he was. He was going around the dinner theater telling jokes about everybody came across. He came up behind me yes my wife is this your husband. She explained I was. He said I was going to tell a joke but he's in way too big and I might get hurt. The entire show was absolutely amazing. I have to say it was one of the best that I've ever been to. Other people may have had pyrotechnics visual effects of all kinds Jerry had his personality It shined better than any of those things. I love every song to he is ever done I can't put my finger on the favorite. I love the Smokey and the Bandit theme. The bird, She Got the Goldmine I got the shaft, Amos Moses. Well you can see what I mean I love everything he did. May God bless his family and I know God is having a heck of a time with him up in heaven. I just thought I would share that with you guys. Forever a fan

[@demef758]

The line I heard was "My God, you're a beautiful man!" Which I think would crack up just about any superstar. The one thing I always noticed about every TV appearance that ol' Jerr was on was that no matter who the other people were on stage with him, it wasn't long before they were ALL trying to be like Jerry. Without exception. His attitude was infectious. The best there ever was in my book!

[@briantaylor8197]

I have 2 favorites- 500 Miles Away From Home, & Early Morning Rain. Jerry Reed was no doubt, remembered as one of the greatest guitarists, but he could really sing too. In those 2 songs, I believe that you get some of the best of, BOTH voice and guitar. God bless Jerry Reed's family, and may Jerry rest in peace. I'm certain that there's an endless jam session going on in heaven right now, because most of the best, EVER are there, jam'in away!

[@StanLaundon]

I interviewed Jerry in Nashville, Tennessee in 1974 and again in Douglasville, Georgia in 1982 and both times he mentioned playing guitar for Elvis. When I saw Jerry in concert, we met again afterwards, and he gave me a signed photograph and a Gator belt buckle. Needless to say "The Ballad of Gator McKlusky" is one of my favourites!

[@evdallas123]

My mom went to high school with him she said he would skip class and they would send her to find him and he would be off somewhere playing his guitar

[@jimmysapien9961]

Haaaaaaa

[@5050TM]

No wonder he played so dang well!

[@5050TM]

@shannon dove Ha! 😂

[@johnbourdeau895]

Hmmm sending a girl in..... Whose your father?

[@allanrussack2844]

Made him more money than the schoolwork did! Me also!

[@notebender5073]

Thanks for posting this story. I'm a huge fan of Elvis and Jerry Reed. I became very familiar with both when I was a kid. I come from one of those families where everyone plays a musical instrument. I'm a guitar player, so Guitar Man is naturally one of my favorites. I had heard a bit about how Jerry was asked to play on the Elvis recording, but the more detailed version of this is so interesting to hear. Very enjoyable.

[@brachashighhopeshomestead226]

yes...

[@genewert9767]

My favorite Jerry Reed song, " Lord Mr. Ford, what have you done."

[@socaleyes8684]

Amos Moses, absolutely one of my favorite Jerry Reed songs! In addition, I think it would have been great if Elvis recorded Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You" Dolly stuck to her guns by saying no.

[@sinatraplaylist2502]

Thank you so much for doing this. Jerry Reed was an American original, a legend, and sadly, there's been little said or done about him since his passing, probably bcz many of his contemporaries preceded him in death

[@sandralybrand9407]

I loved Jerry Reed! I wish all the songwriters had went against Parker in front of Elvis! Elvis really liked Jerry Reed. Parker kept the good songwriters or anybody that could open his eyes to how Parker was hurting his career away from Elvis! Can you imagine all the great new songs he could've had that would've been hits? It's a shame he waited until the last few years of his life that he Finally went against Parker and said He was going to pick his songs and didn't care about publishing rights! He did 5 or 6 songs that Red West wrote that were fantastic! That might've been why Parker busted up the Memphis mafia to get control of Elvis again! It's a shame that this man smothered Elvis creativity and took advantage of him so brazenly!

[@WorldWarThree]

I totally agree about Col. Parker. This is why Leiber and Stoller stopped writing songs for Elvis. Also, Elvis only did two concerts outside the US. Both in the same week in Toronto.

[@tomgaffney740]

Yep, Parker wasted so much of Elvis's talent. About the only good thing Parker did was bringing Elvis to the masses. Beyond that he was a drunk, bad gambling POS and Elvis should've dumped him after the first year of fame.

[@taratupa73]

My favorite Jerry Reed song is, by far, 'The Preacher And The Bear'. Great song, and I listen to it to this day. Good for you, Jerry! Rest In Peace.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, David!

[@theamputeewoodworker1473]

Amos Moses and East bound and down. I am a retired truck driver for 27 years and those songs got me through many late night sessions, God bless Jerry Reed. Ya know he's playing for the almighty in heaven. They don't make them like that anymore, but not too sure today's society would have that.

[@alwayscrazy1]

Every line he speaks in Smokey and the Bandit is simply gold!

[@otisgibbs]

Definitely! : )

[@jimmysapien9961]

Oh yesssss

[@NickValdezRRPhotography]

Jerry Reed is always there when I turn on music. But with me, my favorites from him vary from time to time. There's the usuals like "Eastbound and Down", "Caffeine, Nicotine, Benzedrine", "Take a Walk" etc, but lately I've been all over "The Man With The Golden Thumb", and his version of "Wabash Cannonball"-probably my favorite version of that classic song. I even recall a time where I thought "Guitar Man" was the be all end all Jerry Reed song forever. But all of his music never fails to disappoint!

[@otisgibbs]

I agree with all of that, Nick! It's impossible for me to be in a bad mood when I listen to his music.

[@39thala]

I'm glad you cleared up that Elvis didn't really care about the publishing and all that. I was going to say, the title of your video should read, "Jerry Reed Stories: - How He Got One Over on Col. Tom Parker and his money men'! ...It worked to Jerry's favor that they got "Guitar Man" (and "Big Boss Man".Both were done in that session) before they came to him about his publishing. The songs were in the can, they sounded awesome Elvis loved them, and that gave Jerry the leverage he needed. If they had approached him beforehand, the songs never would have happened. As for my favs by Jerry Reed, "Amos Moses" and "When You're Hot You're Hot"

[@mackhollowpoint]

I met Jerry Reed, Buck Owens and Roy Clark back in the late 70s at a Woolworth store in Dayton, Ohio. I was just a young kid and these guys were all holding up bib overalls to themselves and I was eating a grill cheese sandwich that I had got from the lunch counter. Just then Jerry looks up at me and says, what do you think? All the other guys were smiling, I replied, well it has a nice pocket on your chest for extra picks and candy. He smiled and said I'm sold. They were very down to earth, nice men.

[@joey9309]

Thank You Sir for the history lesson..... I do believe, that sounds like, what Mr. Reed would have done! ONE OF THE GREATEST GUITAR ARTIST!!@@ STRAIGHT FOWARD GENUINE MAN! GOD LOVE HIM..... RIP

[@kingcormack8004]

Chet Atkins had a tight circle of player friends he dubbed CGPs: Certified Guitar Pickers. It was a small group, the cream, and it included Jerry Reed.

[@dougnichols2347]

I believe the other CGP’s were Tommy Emmanuel, John Knowles, and Steve Wariner, along with Jerry.

[@ChadRevels]

Paul Yandell was added by Chet’s daughter ... I believe about 10 years ago.

[@user-bn3zo3mh5v]

@@dougnichols2347 Those are all great. Chet used to play with Mark Knophler of Dire Straits too. I don't know if he got CGP or not but he was really good too. Like all those finger pickers over the pick players. I had read somewhere where Chet said that the only person that he knew that could out play him was Jerry Reed. That's high praise!

[@dougnichols2347]

@@user-bn3zo3mh5v yes Chet and Mark put out an album called “Neck and Neck”

[@user-bn3zo3mh5v]

@@dougnichols2347 Never realized that but have seen them play together. A good finger picker is in a league of their own. I can't play a wet noodle, but my youngest boy is learning to finger pick and it's awesome knowing that something that came from me can play guitar, piano, trombone, etc. Right now he is specializing in the opening 20 seconds of each song, because I ask him to mostly.

[@jamesmarquis5615]

Thank you for sharing. Huge influence past down to me from my dad n Thank you for sharing!! Gerry was a huge influence for me through my dad whom played the guitar for 35+ years. Chet had a charisma about him that had nothing to prove to anybody.... a style and finesse in his own dimension of his time.. Gerry & Chet, to me were like father and son......Let’s have fun doing it , and as long as were having fun doing it , well son .... we’re doin it right.!!!

[@mjkrbjcw]

He didn’t get 1 over on Elvis he stopped himself getting robbed is what he did

[@db90990]

The narrator said he got 1 over on colonel tom parker not his pal Elvis

[@cuzz63]

Not robbed...the song would make more money if released by Elvis...keeping 100% of nothing or 50% of millions...

[@BobbyTucker]

@Elvis NotPC , The colonel wanted more money for his gambling debts and to play more, that's what the Colonel's intentions were, strictly selfish reasons.

[@TimAwolz]

@@BobbyTucker yup. Just said this to someone else. Guy was an actual piece of shit. No talent, no skill, just riding coattails off of actual once-in-a-lifetime talent.

[@zamiel3]

@@cuzz63 100% of nothing? Do you know who Jerry Reed is?

[@brentcoll77]

My favorite Jerry Reed song.. would have to be Concrete Sailor. Im a long haul trucker and I have listened to that song probably more than any. Its got me down the road more time than once.. I been a fan since I was a kid I always wanted to meet him but never got the chance. .. thanks for the story

[@otisgibbs]

Safe travels, Brent!

[@jaygooch1190]

East bound and down is my favorite. It took me a couple of months to learn it and its one of my favorites to play live and the crowd from young to old loves it

[@mojo-media]

Cool story, thanks for sharing. There was another incident where a songwriter got the deal he wanted with Elvis - that was for "Suspicious Minds" recorded at American Sound Studios in 1969. There was a standoff between producer Chips Moman, Mark James the songwriter & Elvis' publishing company Hill & Range. It turned out to be the big international comeback hit he needed at that time.

[@alanfowler1446]

Thing called love Jerry teached me this song on the guitar first I learned about tunning down the guitar my guitar teacher new him for years is real name was Jerry Hubbard thanks for the video your right on that story about Elvis I heard him tell the story I person I also went fishing with him at lake Lanier cat fishing lol he was a wonderful person

[@keithread6350]

Thanks for the story of Jerry - my favorite track is " Today is mine " he ticked all the boxes - Great singer , Songwriter , actor , Personality , & incredible guitarist.

[@ninagarcia4521]

Stop and Smell the Flowers and Kentucky, love those songs

[@gd5043]

Love Jerry Reed! Thank you for this story. I heard Dolly Parton say once Col. Tom called her and said Elvis wanted to record "I Will Always Love You." When he explained the publishing deal, she refused. He was apparently shocked she didin't just fold over, but she stuck to her guns. My favorite Jerry Reed song is "A Thing Called Love"

[@donny_doyle]

Otis, dude- I love your presentation, your stories, everything about this channel. Thanks for this labor of love and keeping the oral tradition alive. The history and stories are so important and add so much to the music we've based our lives around. Peace...

[@allencreekoutdoors5896]

I love them all but “Patches” was a great one too.

[@otisgibbs]

That's a good one, Allen!

[@jvalentif]

I allways cry.

[@95Everan]

it was a cover. but i love Jerry' s rendition of it to. i shed a tear on that track.

[@darrinlindsey]

Dickey Lee was the original singer of Patches. Written by Barry Mann and Larry Kolber. I love that song.

[@defaultusername123]

@@darrinlindsey The most well-known radio played version of "Patches" is by Clarence Carter who is a legend in and of himself

[@rick00770]

Great story. As a lead guitar player most of my life. I can relate. I have a friend who was kin to Jerry, has one of his guitars.

[@bringyourownbrilliance4353]

Thank you, for sharing this great story. I am one of those of many Elvis fans who first learned of this story, many years ago of course, through those Elvis magazines. Before The Internet, etc. Many of us first discovered the magic of Mr. Jerry Reed by way of, "Smokey & The Bandit." I was a teenager, 14 years old in 1977. Thanks again. Be safe. Best wishes for every success from London, Ontario, Canada.

[@knowglobal-Redwoman]

Thanx very sweet told. Love it. I discovered elvis only in 2021. Great musician and greatest entrepeneur for 100 dreds of artist!!!!

[@kevinboothgospelministries]

There was one major song and writer that got over on the colonel! Elvis had recorded “ Suspicious Minds” in 1969. They did the same thing to writer Mark James! Chips Moman who was producing the session threatened to scrap the whole thing if the Colonel and his goons didn’t beat it out of the studio. They were arguing about the publishing! Elvis did the same thing and said “ F the old man, we are releasing that song!

[@clayplaysguitar7731]

Chips had the publishing rights. Elvis' last #1.

[@richardmusgrove1867]

Thank you so much for your stories, sir. You are a talented storyteller- I know what a talented storyteller is and you are DEFINITELY one of them! Thank you for taking the time to record your stories.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Richard!

[@markwatson9349]

Elvis wanted to record "I Will Always Love You" by Dolly Parton. Everything was looking great until Dolly was informed about the publishing mandate. That ended the deal.

[@jimmysapien9961]

Yep - Tom didn’t get his way 👍🏻

[@giraffesareselfish9563]

@@jimmysapien9961 But Tom did get his way many, many times and that's why Elvis was a mega star and a multimillionaire.

[@janlassensession4209]

"Shenandoah". Beautifully sung & picked. Lively tempo. From his album "A good women's love" You know Jerry, Chet, Roy, Glen, Les, the skill in these men the likes we'll never see again.

[@johnperun232]

Thanks for your time and Videos Have a Great Day God Bless America 🇺🇸

[@bigjim8088]

Amos Moses by far is my favorite. I had it for a ring tone for a long time. Everyone always enjoyed it when they heard it. Didn't matter if they was young or old.

[@ralphfurley123]

Mr. Gibbs, thank you so much for sharing this awesome story! Jerry Reed and Elvis were one of a kind artists! Col. Parker proposed the same deal to Dolly Parton for the song “I Will Always Love You” which Elvis really wanted to record. Ms. Parton refused to sign away any part of her song and so Elvis never recorded it! Too bad! ☮️🖖🏽

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks, Ralph!

[@rojachi7847]

Seems like kind of a bully move to demand half publishing. I say good for Dolly for sticking to her guns. She seems to have done alright with the song without Elvis covering it.

[@ralphfurley123]

@@rojachi7847 Dolly Parton did extremely well with the song, especially when Whitney Houston reached #1 on the charts with the song! It was one of Whitney’s biggest hits if not the biggest! The odd thing is the Whitney’s mother, Cissy Houston, use to sing backup for Elvis! It’s just strange how things are interwoven in one way or another! Regarding your comment about the tactics used by the Colonel to squeeze as much money out of the composers, yes, I agree it is “bullying”! It’s a shady part of the music business back then! ☮️🖖🏽

[@timramsay95]

01/15/2021 Thank You God Bless Great story RIP Jerry Reed 🇺🇸

[@julieduggan1468]

How wonderful! What a lovely story, thank you so much Otis Gibbs, may you live to be 101years, with the best of health. Man, I thank you for sitting in the cold wind, Otis Gibbs.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Julie!

[@TheCrankProject]

I can’t be convinced that Jerry Reed doesn’t have the best cover of City of New Orleans...

[@otisgibbs]

My cats and I are gonna have a little listening party this afternoon and we'll try to get to the bottom of it. ; )

[@TheKiller-yh3pi]

I never knew he recorded that I’ll bet it’s good tho

[@calindesmoines1]

Jerry Reed (Hubbard) had tons of non-novelty, fantastic recordings. From "Remembering" in 1968, "A Good Woman's Love" in 1974, "Age" (my favorite) 1980, to "She's Ready For Someone To Love Her" in 1983. Damn, this man was a giant in the music world. More people should have discovered him and his awesome talent. RIP - Mr. Hubbard.

[@g.p.stickler3293]

I definitely enjoy, and have watched it many times on KZbin, His version of “Don’t think twice it’s alright” with Chet Atkins. Jerry’s guitar wasn’t plugged all the way in, and he looks at Chet and Chet says, “How long you been doing this, boy?” I laugh every time.

[@CC-te5zf]

Smokey and The Bandit was filmed around where we lived at the time. My father got to watch allot of the filming. That movie was my introduction to Jerry. It wasn't until some years later when I picked up the guitar that I learned of his immeasurable talent. My pick for a song would be East Bound and Down. As for Jerry's standing tall against the Colonel, there was a certain confidence that men carried back then. He made sense to me because my father was just like him. I can't tell you how many times my father made the impossible happen in our lives by making a simple to understand and compelling argument. It starts by convincing yourself. And that's who Jerry was - a man that was down to earth and stood behind what he said. In other words he was the real deal and man could he play!

[@joseywales7930]

Jerry was country, not stupid lol. Great story. Thanks for sharing. 'Alabama Wild Man' with Jerry Clower as his Dad is one of my all time favorites.

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you!

[@jameschristiansson3137]

My favorite Jerry Reed song has already been claimed by others, so my second favorite is Jerry's instrumental version of "I Never Promised You a Rose Garden". Sensitive guitar man Jerry, he brings out that melody so beautifully.

[@benallen7793]

Hands down patches is my favorite song Jerry did. Very cool video and thanks for freezing your butt off to bring us this amazing story.

[@wareidav]

A thing called love... Awesome song, covered by Elvis and Jonny Cash had a hit with it... Just wonderful.

[@dgtippens]

The first live performance I remember seeing was Jerry Reed and his band when I was about 4 years old. It was in Atlanta, Ga. at a Southern RR event. I learned later that he was our neighbor and lived in the same apartment complex in Hapeville, Ga. I've always been a huge Jerry Reed fan. Always felt like he was never fully appreciated for his awesome talent. I love all his music but if I have to choose a favorite it would be Jerry's Breakdown!

[@StrongBarnes90]

I'm just getting around to discovering Jerry Reed and how awesome he was. I have not listened to all of his music yet but right now I really love 'Amos Moses' and 'East bound and down' The more I look in to his life, the more I wish he was still alive so I could meet him. Waterboy was one of my favorite movies growing up lol

[@joebrewer4529]

When you're hot you're hot. I was born in 74 and so it's hard to remember which would have been the first song I would have heard by Jerry Reed. The only thing I do remember is that I knew watching Scooby-Doo that the guy on there singing pretty Mary sunlight? I knew who he was. And then probably saw Smokey and the bandit. But I know I remember when you're hot you're hot being played on the radio. And then it was just sort of a through the years and then on a record store. I was blown away by his version of guitar Man. And then I've had an own most of his albums. But the coolest thing I've enjoyed about him has been watching videos here on KZbin. That BB King video is awkward. As a player he was very much a gentleman . He was holding back so hard playing with BB King. Of course BB King's got his own style but Jerry Reed was like a manic finger picking madman. There's that one part where he starts to fumble the strings with his fingers and even just that it looks like he just wants to go crazy. The other thing I love about Jerry Reed as I saw a 1982 show. The charisma that he had on stage and this that whole thing was mind blowing. I know a lot of musicians love Jerry Reed. But sadly you'd have to say he's underrated.