R.I.P.: Jerry Kennedy, Nashville Guitarist, Iconic Record Producer

Jerry Kennedy (1940-2026)

Jerry Kennedy, the influential Nashville guitarist, record producer, and executive whose signature guitar work and productions shaped countless country and crossover hits in the 1960s and 1970s, died February 11, 2026, in hospice care in Franklin, Tennessee. He was 85. 

His death from congestive heart failure was confirmed by his son, Gordon Kennedy.

Kennedy's iconic contributions included the memorable opening riff on Roy Orbison's "Oh, Pretty Woman" (1964), the twangy intro to Tammy Wynette's "Stand By Your Man" (1968), and the distinctive dobro on Jeannie C. Riley's "Harper Valley P.T.A." (1968). 

As a top session player in Nashville's A-Team, he also played on Elvis Presley's "Good Luck Charm" (1962), Bob Dylan's Blonde on Blonde album (1966), and numerous other classics.

As a producer and Mercury Records' Nashville head from 1969 to 1984, Kennedy launched and guided major careers. He produced Roger Miller's breakthrough smashes like "Dang Me" (1964), "Chug-a-Lug," and the Grammy-winning "King of the Road" (1965). He transformed Jerry Lee Lewis's career with country hits such as "Another Place, Another Time" (1968) and "What's Made Milwaukee Famous (Has Made a Loser Out of Me)" (1968). Kennedy also produced Tom T. Hall's string of #1s, including "A Week in a Country Jail" (1970), "The Year That Clayton Delaney Died" (1971), "(Old Dogs, Children and) Watermelon Wine" (1973), and "I Love" (1974); Reba McEntire's early #1 "Can't Even Get the Blues" (1983); Johnny Rodriguez's debut "Pass Me By (If You're Only Passing Through)" (1972); and multiple albums for The Statler Brothers.

Born August 10, 1940, in Shreveport, Louisiana, Kennedy grew up performing on the Louisiana Hayride and moved to Nashville in 1960. He earned four Grammy Awards as a producer, was an inaugural inductee into the Musicians Hall of Fame (with its theater named in his honor), and later co-founded JK Productions in 1984. His legacy endures through his influence on the Nashville Sound and his sons—Gordon, Bryan, and Shelby—all active in music.

His Major Hit SongsKennedy's "major hits" span his dual roles: iconic guitar work on chart-toppers and productions that launched or sustained careers. Here are some of the most prominent, focusing on #1 country singles, crossover smashes, and enduring classics (with chart peaks noted where available; many were also Top 10 pop hits). I've grouped them by his primary contribution.As Guitarist (Signature Riffs and Session Work)Kennedy's playing—often twangy electric leads or haunting dobro—defined these tracks:

• Roy Orbison – "Oh, Pretty Woman" (1964): The instantly recognizable opening guitar riff; a #1 pop and country smash.
• Tammy Wynette – "Stand By Your Man" (1968): His empathetic, deep guitar intro sets the tone for this feminist anthem and #1 country hit.
• Jeannie C. Riley – "Harper Valley P.T.A." (1968): Reverberating dobro riffs that amplify the song's small-town satire; #1 country and pop.
• Elvis Presley – "Good Luck Charm" (1962): Featured guitar work on this #1 pop/country crossover.
• Bob Dylan – Tracks on Blonde on Blonde (1966): Guitar and dobro on songs like "Visions of Johanna" and "Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again."
• Others: Rex Allen's "Don't Go Near the Indians" (1962, his first Nashville hit); countless Jerry Lee Lewis country sides; Tom T. Hall tracks like "A Week in a Country Jail."

As Producer (Chart-Topping Productions)At Mercury/Smash and later JK Productions, he helmed albums and singles for a who's-who of country icons, often blending storytelling, soul, and pop polish. Key #1 country hits include:

• Roger Miller (launched his career in 1964):
  • "Dang Me" (#1 country, #7 pop; Grammy winner).
  • "Chug-a-Lug" (Top 10 pop).
  • "King of the Road" (1965; #1 country, #4 pop, million-seller; helped Miller win 11 Grammys total).
• Tom T. Hall (produced 9 LPs from 1968–1974, turning the songwriter into a star):
  • "A Week in a Country Jail" (1970, #1).
  • "The Year That Clayton Delaney Died" (1971, #1).
  • "(Old Dogs, Children and) Watermelon Wine" (1973, #1).
  • "I Love" (1974, #1).
  • "Country Is" (1974, #1).
  • "Faster Horses (The Cowboy and the Poet)" (1976, #1).
• Jerry Lee Lewis (orchestrated his country pivot in the late 1960s):
  • "What's Made Milwaukee Famous (Has Made a Loser Out of Me)" (1968).
  • "Another Place, Another Time" (1968).
  • Produced nearly all his country output, including Sings the Country Music Hall of Fame Hits albums.
• Reba McEntire (early breakthroughs):
  • "Can't Even Get the Blues" (1983, #1 country).
  • Albums like Feel the Fire, Heart to Heart, and Unlimited.
• Johnny Rodriguez (his 1972 debut):
  • "Pass Me By (If You're Only Passing Through)" (#1 country).
  • "Just Get Up and Close the Door."
• The Statler Brothers (multiple albums and hits):
  • "Elizabeth," "Guilty," "Flowers on the Wall" follow-ups, and others; produced Pardners in Rhyme, Maple Street Memories, etc.
• Roy Orbison: Produced the 1974 Mercury album I'm Still in Love with You.

Kennedy's work extended to artists like Charlie Rich, the Statler Brothers' gospel sides, and even international sessions (e.g., Johnny Hallyday). His productions emphasized clean arrangements, emotional depth, and commercial appeal, helping country music reach broader audiences. His influence endures in the DNA of modern Nashville.