Jerry Reed Net Worth

What Is Jerry Reed’s Net Worth?

Jerry Reed, the multifaceted American country music singer, songwriter, musician, and actor, had a net worth of approximately $2 million at the time of his death in September 2008. This wealth was accumulated through his successful and diverse career in the entertainment industry.

Sources of Jerry Reed’s Wealth

Reed’s income was derived from various avenues, showcasing his diverse talents and entrepreneurial spirit:

Music Royalties: As a successful songwriter, Reed earned significant royalties from his compositions. Notably, Elvis Presley’s recording of Reed’s song “Guitar Man” generated steady income. In July 1967, Reed’s self-penned “Guitar Man” reached No. 53 on the country chart. Royalties would have continued to accrue over the years as the song was replayed.
Music Sales and Performances: Reed released 49 studio albums, with several singles reaching the top of the US Country and Canadian Country charts. “When You’re Hot, You’re Hot” reached #1 in 1971, earning him a Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance. Also, “Lord, Mr. Ford” (1973) and “She Got the Goldmine (I Got the Shaft)” (1982) hit #1 on the US Country charts.
Acting Roles: Reed transitioned into acting, starring as Cledus Snow in the Smokey and the Bandit film franchise. He also appeared in movies such as Gator, High-Ballin’, Hot Stuff, The Survivors, and The Waterboy. In 1974, he co-starred with Burt Reynolds in the film *W.W. and the Dixie Dancekings*.
Business Ventures and Investments: Reed was an early investor in the Nashville Sounds, a minor league baseball team, along with other country stars including Conway Twitty, Cal Smith, Larry Gatlin, and Richard Sterban. The team began play in 1978.

Career Highlights and Earnings

Jerry Reed’s career was marked by several key milestones that significantly contributed to his financial success:

Early Songwriting Success: After serving two years in the United States Army, Reed moved to Nashville in 1961 to pursue his songwriting career. Brenda Lee recorded “That’s All You Got to Do” in 1960, sparking his interest in songwriting. By 1958, Bill Lowery signed Reed to his company, National Recording Corporation (NRC).
“Guitar Man” and Elvis Presley: In September 1967, Elvis Presley recorded in Nashville nine days after Reed recorded “Tupelo Mississippi Flash”. Presley became especially excited about “Guitar Man”, further boosting Reed’s earnings.
Film Soundtracks: In 1977, the film *Smokey and the Bandit* landed Reed a No. 2 hit with the soundtrack’s “East Bound and Down”.
TV Appearances: Reed hosted a syndicated TV special, *Jerry Reed and Friends*, in 1982. The special, filmed at the Hermitage Landing TN, included guest stars Burt Reynolds, Louise Mandrell, Brenda Lee, Jimmy Dean, Glen Campbell, Vicki Lawrence, Faron Young and the Statler Brothers.
Awards and Recognition: Reed won a Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance for “When You’re Hot, You’re Hot” in 1971. He also won a People’s Choice Award in 1979 for Favorite Motion Picture Supporting Actor. In April 2017, Reed was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Certified Guitar Player: Reed was named a “Certified Guitar Player” by Chet Atkins, an award earned for completely mastering the guitar. He was one of only four people to ever earn this award.

Real Estate and Personal Life

Details regarding Jerry Reed’s real estate holdings and specific assets remain largely private. However, it is known that:

He primarily lived in the Southern United States, closely connected to the country music scene.
He married Priscilla “Prissy” Mitchell in 1959. Mitchell was a member of the folk group The Appalachians, and co-credited on the 1965 country No. 1 “Yes, Mr. Peters”.
Reed and Mitchell had two daughters: Seidina Ann Hubbard, born April 2, 1960, and Charlotte Elaine (Lottie) Zavala, born October 19, 1970.

Additional Ventures

Beyond his music and acting career, Reed explored other ventures:

He co-starred in all three of the Smokey and the Bandit films.
He had a role as a commander/Huey pilot in the 1988 movie *Bat*21*.
He starred in the 1998 Adam Sandler film *The Waterboy*.
He teamed up with Waylon Jennings, Mel Tillis, and Bobby Bare in the group Old Dogs.

Net Worth Over Time

Reed’s financial success peaked in the 1970s and 1980s, driven by his music and acting careers. Although he remained financially stable, he did not amass the extreme wealth of some modern country stars. At the time of his death on September 1, 2008, his net worth was estimated at $2 million.