Legendary Nashville Producer and Guitarist Jerry Kennedy Dies at 85

Kennedy worked with iconic artists like Tammy Wynette and Roy Orbison, leaving an indelible mark on country music.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Jerry Kennedy, a renowned Nashville producer and guitarist who collaborated with legendary artists like Tammy Wynette and Roy Orbison, has died at the age of 85. Kennedy's son, Gordon, a Grammy-winning songwriter and producer, confirmed that his father passed away after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Kennedy spent decades shaping the sound of country music, playing on hit songs and co-writing the Grammy-winning Eric Clapton single "Change the World."

Why it matters

Jerry Kennedy was a pivotal figure in the Nashville music scene, helping to define the sound of country music during the 1960s and 1970s. His work as a producer and guitarist for iconic artists like Wynette and Orbison cemented his legacy as one of the most influential figures in the industry.

The details

Kennedy spent the final weeks of his life in a Franklin, Tennessee comfort care facility before passing away on February 11, 2026. In the days leading up to his death, his son Gordon recalled hearing his father's music constantly playing in the facility, a testament to the lasting impact of his work. Beyond his studio collaborations, Kennedy also started his own production company, JK Productions.

  • Jerry Kennedy died on February 11, 2026.
  • In the weeks before his death, Kennedy was in a Franklin, Tennessee comfort care facility.

The players

Jerry Kennedy

A renowned Nashville producer and guitarist who worked with iconic country artists like Tammy Wynette and Roy Orbison, leaving an indelible mark on the sound of country music in the 1960s and 1970s.

Gordon Kennedy

Jerry Kennedy's son, a multi-Grammy Award-winning songwriter and record producer who paid tribute to his father's legacy after his passing.

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What they’re saying

“The musician sits on one side of the glass. The producer sits on the other. My father sat on both in this world.”

— Gordon Kennedy, Son of Jerry Kennedy (Instagram)

“You just have to turn on the radio and you'll hear his fingerprints everywhere. And they'll be there forever. We've got them in a much more significant way than a necklace. You can hear his fingerprints.”

— Gordon Kennedy, Son of Jerry Kennedy (The Tennessean)

The takeaway

Jerry Kennedy's enduring legacy as a producer and guitarist who helped shape the sound of country music is a testament to the lasting impact one can have on an industry. His work with iconic artists and his own production company cemented his place as a pivotal figure in Nashville's musical history.