**FILE** In this March 1980 file photo Jerry Reed,center, gets a surprise cake from star Burt Reynolds,left, to commemorate Reed's 25 years in show business. Reed, best known for appearing in the "Smokey and the Bandit" movies, has died. He was 71. His longtime booking agent says Reed died of complications from emphysema.(AP Photo/File)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. " Jerry Reed, a singer who appeared in the "Smokey and the Bandit" movies, has died of complications from emphysema at age 71, his longtime booking agent said Tuesday.
Carrie Moore-Reed, who is no relation to the star, said Reed died early Monday morning.
Reed was a gifted guitarist who later became a songwriter, singer and actor.
As a singer in the 1970s and early 1980s, he had a string of hits that included "Amos Moses," "When You're Hot, You're Hot," "East Bound and Down," and "The Bird."
In the mid-1970s, he began acting in movies such as "Smokey and the Bandit" with Burt Reynolds, "Gator" "Hot Stuff" and "High-Ballin'."