Country singer known as Smokey's' comic foil

Burt Reynolds' film sidekick was prolific songwriter, guitarist

Jerry Reed, whose roles in three "Smokey and the Bandit" Southern comedy films opposite Burt Reynolds often overshadowed his gifts as a prolific country singer-songwriter and virtuoso guitarist, died Monday at his home outside Nashville of complications from emphysema. He was 71.

Mr. Reed gained fame as Reynolds' wisecracking foil starting with "W.W. and the Dixie Dancekings" in 1975, followed the next year by "Gator" and then, in 1977, the first of three "Smokey and the Bandit" movies in which he played Cledus "Snowman" Snow.

But before his jump to Hollywood, he had established himself as one of the most sought-after guitarists in Nashville, a songwriter who wrote hits for Elvis Presley and many others. He became a regular on the pop and country charts in the 1970s and '80s with hits including "When You're Hot, You're Hot," and "Amos Moses."

"The general population might recognize him most as Snowman in the 'Smokey' films, but they should be aware of so many important contributions he made in music," Michael Gray, museum editor for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, said Tuesday.




Country singer known as Smokey's' comic foil