Died On This Date (August 8, 2013) Cowboy Jack Clement / Legendary Nashville Producer, Musician & Songwriter
themusicsover Jack Clement
April 5, 1931 – August 8, 2013
Cowboy Jack Clement was a successful record producer, songwriter and session player who worked with a wide range of artists over a career that spanned 60 years. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Clement was still in his teens when he first picked up the guitar. After serving in the Marines during the late ’40s/early ’50s, he co-founded his first band, a bluegrass outfit named Buzz and Jack & the Bayou Boys. In 1954, he went to work at Sun Studios where he worked on early recordings by the likes of Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, and Carl Perkins. As his career continued, Clement produced such iconic records as Cash’s “Ring of Fire,” George Jones‘ “She Still Thinks I Care,” and “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” for Jerry Lee Lewis who he is credited for having discovered. As a songwriter, Clement penned tunes that have been recorded by the likes of Cash, Dolly Parton, Ray Charles, Elvis Presley and Tom Jones. He was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame in 1973. He is also a member of the Rockabilly Hall of Fame and the Music City Walk of Fame. In April of 2013, it was announced that the Country Music Hall of Fame would include him in their class of 2013. In 1987, U2 hired Clement to produce tracks for their Rattle and Hum album at Sun Studios. He worked on “When Love Comes To Town” “Love Rescue Me,” and “Angel Of Harlem.” Parts of the sessions can be seen in the Rattle and Hum film. In recent years, Clement could be heard during his weekly radio program on SiriusXM’s Outlaw Country channel. Cowboy Jack Clement was 82 when he passed away in his home. Cause of death was not immediately released.
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