Jerry Kennedy, who helped shape country music for more than six decades has tragically passed away.
He was born on August 10, 1940 in Shreveport, Louisiana, and grew up in a region steeped in early country and rock ‘n’ roll history, attending iconic “Louisiana Hayride” shows as a boy.
In 1960s, he moved to Nashville, and started working as a session musician, played guitar and dobro.
By 1969, he was running Mercury Records’ country division on Music Row guiding the careers of legendary artists like Roger Miller, Tom T. Hall, Reba McEntire, Johnny Rodriguez and The Statler Brothers.
He also produced and co-founded JK Productions after leaving Mercury in 1984.
Throughout his career, he earned four Grammy Awards as a producer and was an inaugural inductee into the Musicians Hall of Fame, which named its performance space the “Jerry Kennedy Theater” in his honor.
Jerry Kennedy Passed Away At 85 After Dedicating Six Decades To Country Music
The sources confirmed that who helped country music for over six decades tragically passed away on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee at the age of 85.
However, the cause of death has not been revealed yet.
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum took to their official Facebook handle and mourned the loss of Jerry.
Jerry Kennedy (1940–2026)
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
“Before an artist ever sang the first line of “Stand By Your Man,” “Harper Valley P.T.A.,” or “Oh, Pretty Woman,” Jerry Kennedy’s masterful guitar playing had already marked the song as a hit. Jerry Kennedy was soft-spoken and understated, but his permanent impact on American music was anything but quiet.”
Kyle Young, CEO
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
A famous songwriter Dillon Weldon also offered his heartfelt condolences. He said,
Saddened to hear about the passing of country music legend, Jerry Kennedy! Those iconic resonator guitar licks on Harper Valley PTA and all of those Tom T. Hall songs are just a small part of the contributions Jerry made to country music. May he rest in peace.
Dillon Weldon
Moreover, a rock and roll music icon, Roy Orbison also mourned the loss of Jerry.
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of legendary guitarist, producer, and Nashville A-Team icon Jerry Kennedy on February 11, 2026, at the age of 85.
Roy Orbinson
Other famous personalities and closed ones have also offered their heartfelt condolences and sent prayers to Jerry’s family to stay strong in this difficult time.
The funeral service schedule has not been revealed by Jerry’s family. He will always be remembered for his unforgettable contributions as a record producer, songwriter, and guitarist.
Rest in Heaven, Jerry Glenn Kennedy!
Jerry Glenn Kennedy Leaves Behind His Wife Linda And Three Sons
Record producer Jerry Glenn was married to Linda Brannon, who was a singer on the show with her own recording career.
They both moved to Nashville hoping to advance their careers.
Linda and Jerry were blessed with three sons: Gordon, Bryan, and Shelby Kennedy. They are also an accomplished songwriters, musicians, and industry figures.
Gordon was born on November 1959, in Louisiana. He is an American songwriter, musician, and record producer whose most successful compostion is the internation hit song “Change the World,” recorded by Eric Clapton.
He was also a member of the Brentwood Academy Board of Trustees from 2006 until 2010. In 1997, he was indicted into the Southern Songwriters Guild Hall of Fame.
Leave a Comment