Died On This Date (December 12, 2012) Willie Ackerman / Legendary Nashville Session Drummer

Willie Ackerman
May 1, 1939 – December 13, 2012

Willie Ackerman was a Nashville based drummer who, over a career that stretched from 1957 through the ’80s, recorded or performed live with the likes of Willie Nelson, Louis Armstrong, Loretta Lynn, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, and the Monkees, to name just a few.  Ackerman was just 17 when he launched his music career, and what followed were stints for the Grand Ole Opry, Hee Haw, and RCA Studios where he played on countless recordings. He was one of the few drummers who made the a successful transition from the traditional country of his early years, to the Nashville Sound of the ’60s, through the Outlaw movement of the ’70s.  Legendary records he can be heard on include Marty Robbins’ “El Paso,” George Jones’ “The Last Tour,” and Jerry Reed’s “Amos Moses.”  Willie Ackerman was 73 when he died in his sleep on December 13, 2012.

Thanks to Henk de Bruin for the assist