Jerry Reed’s “East Bound and Down” Is The Best Companion When You’re On The Road

Put Jerry Reed’s “East Bound and Down” on your next road trip playlist, and you’ll know why it’s a classic choice when you’re traveling far. Written by Jerry Reed and Dick Feller, the hit track was made for the soundtrack of the 1977 film Smokey and the Bandit. The laidback country tune will let you picture a drive with an old chugging truck. Of course, you’ll also feel how the old classic theme works.

East Bound and Down History

On a fateful day of August 1, 1977, America got its first taste of a fresh country flair. Strolling down memory lane, the East Bound and Down song is an uptempo song that’ll keep you company in a long journey. 

It’s a song that tells the story of a group that has a mission to rush a bootleg beer delivery in a truck. Everything was going well until they were pursued by a sheriff whose name is ‘Smokey.” His name is a Citizens Band (CB) radio slang for a highway patrol officer. The song gives a positive amount of raw emotion combine with nuance, which paved the way for it to be an instant favorite of listeners.

Jerry Reed and Country Music

Country music would not be the same if Jerry Reed songs weren’t composed. The country icon shaped country music ever since he started writing songs in high school. The “Guitar Man” singer teamed up with record producer and publisher Bill Lowery when he was 18 years old. His taste is derived from his upbringing, which is a solid Georgian folk. More so, his “East Bound and Down” song created the world of classic country laidback vibe.

Reaching the number 2 spot on the US Country Music Charts, the hit track incredibly stayed for 16 whole weeks. It’s a surprise how a widespread phrase like “bound and down” among truckers can create a famous classic country song.

Listen to Jerry Reed‘s “East Bound and Down” official audio below.