NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Jerry Kennedy, the influential guitarist, producer, and record executive whose work helped define the sound of modern country music for more than six decades, died February 11, 2026, in Nashville. He was 85.
Born August 10, 1940, in Shreveport, Kennedy displayed extraordinary musical talent from an early age, signing his first recording contract with RCA Records at just 11 years old. Growing up immersed in the rich musical heritage of the South, he attended the famed Louisiana Hayride broadcasts, where he witnessed performances by future legends including Elvis Presley and Hank Williams.
By the early 1960s, Kennedy had relocated to Nashville, quickly becoming one of the city’s most sought-after session musicians. His distinctive guitar and dobro work can be heard on some of the most iconic recordings of the era, including Oh, Pretty Woman by Roy Orbison, Harper Valley PTA by Jeannie C. Riley, and Stand By Your Man by Tammy Wynette. His artistry left an unmistakable imprint on countless hits that shaped the sound of country and popular music across generations.
Kennedy’s influence extended beyond the recording booth. By 1969, he was leading the country division of Mercury Records on Nashville’s famed Music Row, where he guided the careers of major artists such as Roger Miller, Tom T. Hall, Reba McEntire, Johnny Rodriguez, and The Statler Brothers. Under his leadership, the label became a powerhouse for crossover country success, broadening the genre’s reach to new audiences.
After leaving Mercury in 1984, Kennedy co-founded JK Productions and continued producing influential recordings, including collaborations with Jerry Lee Lewis. Over the course of his career, he earned four Grammy Awards as a producer and was honored as an inaugural inductee into the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum, which later named its performance venue the “Jerry Kennedy Theater” in recognition of his enduring contributions.
Tributes have poured in from across the music world, with leaders and artists praising Kennedy’s rare ability to bridge genres and generations. Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, remembered him as a visionary whose work elevated the entire industry and whose understanding of music’s power transcended boundaries.
Kennedy’s legacy also lives on through his family, including his sons Gordon, Bryan, and Shelby Kennedy, all accomplished figures in the music industry. Gordon Kennedy notably co-wrote Change the World, the Grammy-winning hit recorded by Eric Clapton.
As Nashville and the wider music community mourn his passing, Jerry Kennedy is remembered not only for the timeless recordings he helped create but for the generations of artists he inspired. His sound, leadership, and devotion to music leave behind a legacy that will resonate far beyond the stage and studio