Legendary hitmaker Billy Sherrill, known for shaping the sound of country music, passed away at the age of 77 on Tuesday, September 10, as reported by Music Row.
Throughout his illustrious career, Sherrill collaborated with some of the biggest names in country music. Among the iconic artists he worked with were Johnny Cash, Charlie Rich, Mac Davis, Mickey Gilley, John Denver, Dottie West, and Kenny Rogers.
Born in West Tennessee and raised primarily in Paducah, Kentucky, Billy Sherrill developed an early interest in music, playing in bands throughout high school and college. His first experience in the recording world came when he and his band recorded at a friend’s studio in Benton, Kentucky, sparking his passion for music production.
After college, Sherrill moved to Nashville, due to a connection with Music Row engineer Scotty Morris. Morris introduced him to Thomas Wayne, and Sherrill began assisting Wayne in setting up what would become the Sound Shop studio. Before long, Sherrill found himself making tape copies for publishers on Music Row, gaining valuable industry experience that would eventually launch his career as one of the most influential producers in country music.
Sherrill’s big break came in 1973 when he engineered Jean Shepard’s hit “Slippin’ Away,” setting the stage for a prolific career working with some of country music’s biggest stars, including Johnny Cash, Charlie Rich, and John Denver.
However, it was his collaboration with Kenny Rogers that truly solidified Sherrill’s reputation. His ability to capture Rogers’ unique sound played a big role in shaping the singer’s success. Sherrill was instrumental in producing Rogers’ breakthrough hit “Lucille” and went on to work with him on several timeless classics, such as “The Gambler,” “Coward of the County,” and “She Believes in Me.”
Billy Sherrill’s influence extended well beyond a single era of country music. In the early years of his career, he worked with rising 90s star Kenny Chesney, engineering the fan-favorite hit “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy.” His impact continued into the late 1990s when he collaborated with The Chicks (formerly the Dixie Chicks) on their multi-platinum album Fly in 1999.
Sherrill’s enduring contributions to the industry were formally recognized in 2019, when he was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame. That same year, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Audio Engineering Society, celebrating his exceptional work in music production.
Sherrill leaves behind his wife Susan, his son and daughter.
Rest in Peace.
