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Born on This Day in 1945, One of the “Most Influential” Musicians in Nashville History Who Toured the World With Chet Atkins as a 14-Year-Old
The driving force behind timeless records like Jimmy Buffett’s “Margaritaville”, Bob Dylan’s “Blonde On Blonde”, and Neil Young’s “Harvest”, Aaron Kenneth “Kenney” Buttrey’s drum work echoes throughout modern music. Born on this day (April 1) in 1945 in Nashville, Tennessee, Buttrey built a career as one of the most influential session musicians in Music City history, according to CMT.
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Already performing professionally by age 11, Buttrey was just 14 when he joined country music legend Chet Atkins on tour. Later, he joined future session legends Charlie McCoy and Wayne Moss in Nashville rock band the Escorts.
Buttrey also helped found the popular early 1970s Southern rock group Barefoot Jerry, along with the band’s predecessor, Area Code 615. Gaining a following in Japan and Europe, Barefoot Jerry once played 31 straight sold-out concerts at the Olympia Theatre in Paris.
Meanwhile, Area Code 615’s claim to fame was”Stone Fox Chase”, the theme song for the BBC music program The Old Grey Whistle Test in the 1970s.
“A Complete Original”: This Folk-Rock Legend Sang Kenny Buttrey’s Praises
Never seeking the spotlight, Kenny Buttrey’s session resume included work with Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Elvis Presley, Simon & Garfunkel and Jimmy Buffett.
While he considered Dylan’s “Lay Lady Lay” his crowning career achievement, Buttrey also played on Arthur Alexander’s “Anna,” Steve Goodman’s “City of New Orleans,” and J.J. Cale’s “Cocaine”. In the early 1970s, he kicked off a collaboration with Neil Young, contributing his drum work to the albums Harvest, Tonight’s the Night, Harvest Moon, Unplugged, Silver & Gold, and Tuscaloosa.
From 1971 to 1973, Buttrey also toured with Young as a member of his backing band, The Stray Gators. Although he left the group during the Time Fades Away tour—fired by some accounts; overwhelmed with the fan attention by others—the two-time Grammy Award winner would later have nothing but glowing reviews for Buttrey.
“He is a finesse player with a master’s touch on any song he plays… Kenny is a complete original who I was lucky to know and play with,” Young said.
Kenny Buttrey died of cancer in Nashville on Sept. 12, 2004, at age 59. He was survived by wife Cheri and their two daughters, Kenzie and Keri.
Featured image courtesy of Facebook
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