James Joyner informs us that Jerry Reed has passed away. As I can be a little slow at these things, I'm thinking, "Jerry Reed...Jerry Reed...how do I remember him?"

"When You're Hot, You're Hot." "Eastbound and Down." "She Got the Goldmine (I Got the Shaft)." "The Bird."

And of course, "Smokey and the Bandit."

Yes, I grew up with Jerry Reed. Although my default reaction to any question along the lines of "Do you like country music?" usually involves retching, it's an overreaction. Country & Western is definitely a part of my life, as much as I might want to deny it.

There are quite a few country artists who are a part of my life, and although it's been a while since I've heard any of his music, Jerry Reed was certainly an important one of them. Go visit James's post and watch a couple of Jerry Reed's best songs.

You'll be missed, Jerry. Rest in peace.

Update: Chris Byrne has some more of Jerry's music. Man, I forgot how much it meant to me.