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ABC/Mark LevineVeteran session guitarist Reggie Young, who played on classic hits by Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, Kenny Rogers, The Highwaymen, and dozens more, died Thursday at age 82 at his Nashville area home, The Commercial Appeal reports.
Keith Urban remembered his fellow guitar player on his socials, tweeting “My love and prayers go out… to the friends and family of the great Reggie Young!!!!!! Thank u for ALL the music Reggie!!”
Young, whose career spanned seven decades, played for years in the house bands at Memphis’ Hi Records and American Studios, before establishing himself as one of Nashville’s most sought-after session musicians.
Among the memorable recordings Young lent his guitar talents to: Presley’s “Suspicious Minds” and “In the Ghetto,” Willie‘s “Always on My Mind,” Kenny‘s “Lucille,” and supergroup The Highwaymen‘s signature tune, “Highwayman.” Young also played on pop hits like Neil Diamond‘s “Sweet Caroline,” Dobie Gray‘s “Drift Away,” B.J. Thomas‘ “Hooked on a Feeling,” and Dusty Springfield‘s “Son of a Preacher Man.”
Reggie was inducted into Nashville’s Musicians Hall of Fame in 2007.
Young didn’t release his first solo album until 2017, a collection of original instrumentals titled Forever Young. A new compilation titled Session Guitar Star, featuring highlights from Reggie’s long career, is due out next month.
According to The Tennessean, Young is survived by his wife of 15 years, Jenny; a son and a daughter; five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
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