Legendary country music hitmaker Billy Sherrill dead at 77
Legendary hitmaker Billy Sherrill, who helped craft some of country music’s biggest stars, has died at the age of 77.
Sherrill passed away on Tuesday, September 10, according to Music Row.
He worked with some of the most iconic country stars throughout his career – including Johnny Cash, Charlie Rich, Mac Davis, Mickey Gilley, John Denver, Dottie West and Kenny Rogers.
Legendary country music hitmaker Billy Sherrill, who helped craft some of country’s biggest stars, has died at the age of 77
Inductee Billy Sherrill speaks during the 2019 Musicians Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony & Concert at Schermerhorn Symphony Center on October 22, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee
Born and raised in Kentucky, Sherrill worked in local bands before moving to Nashville.
It was in Nashville where he would find his true calling behind the mixing board at the legendary Sound Shop studio.
Sherrill’s big break came in 1973 when he engineered Jean Shepard’s hit ‘Slippin’ Away’.
This opened the floodgates to a career working with the cream of country music stars – including Johnny Cash, Charlie Rich, and John Denver.
But it was Sherrill’s work with Kenny Rogers paved his way to his iconic career.
Sherrill worked with Rogers on his breakthrough hit ‘Lucille’, as well as classics like ‘The Gambler’, ‘Coward of the County’, and ‘She Believes in Me’.
Norro Wilson, Billy Sherrill, and Bobby Braddock attend the 6th Annual ACM Honors at Ryman Auditorium on September 24, 2012 in Nashville, Tennessee
Icon Billy Sherrill and Taylor Swift attend the 58th Annual BMI Country Awards at BMI’s Music Row offices on November 9, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee
He worked with some of the most iconic country stars throughout his career – including Johnny Cash, Charlie Rich, Mac Davis, Mickey Gilley, John Denver, Dottie West and Kenny Rogers
He had the ability to capture Rogers’ distinctive sound which played a crucial role in cementing his career.
Sherrill’s influence also wasn’t limited to just one era of country music.
He went on to work with 90s star Kenny Chesney in the early years of his career, engineering fan-favorite ‘She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy’.
Sherrill also worked with the Chicks’ (formerly known as the Dixie Chicks) on thier multi-platinum album ‘Fly’ in 1999.
Born and raised in Kentucky , Sherrill worked in local bands before moving to Nashville. It was in Nashville where he would find his true calling behind the mixing board at the legendary Sound Shop studio (Pictured: Billy Sherrill in 1970)
The industry awarded Sherrill’s contributions in 2019, inducting him into the Musicians Hall of Fame.
The same year, he also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Audio Engineering Society.
Sherrill is survived by his wife Susan, daughter Chandler Nicole, and son David.