Jerry Douglas Biography And Wiki
Jerry Douglas, born Gerald Calvin Douglas on May 28, 1956, in Warren, Ohio, is a renowned American Dobro and lap steel guitar player, as well as a record producer. He started playing the Dobro at age 8 and was performing professionally by 12. In the early 1980s, he joined the influential bluegrass band J.D. Crowe & The New South. He also launched his solo career in 1985 with the album Fluxology, followed by several more solo albums, establishing himself as one of the finest Dobro players in contemporary acoustic music.
Age And Birthday
Jerry Douglas was born on May 28, 1956, making him 68 years old in 2024.
Height And Weight
Jerry Douglas stands at a height of 5 feet 7 inches (approximately 170 cm). His weight, however, is not widely documented in public sources, and he has not publicly shared specific details about his physical measurements.
Education and Early Life
Jerry Douglas, born Gerald Calvin Douglas on May 28, 1956, in Warren, Ohio, grew up in a musical family with his father playing guitar and singing in a local band, the West Virginia Travelers. This early exposure sparked his interest in music. He started learning the mandolin at age five and, after seeing Dobro player Josh Graves perform with Flatt & Scruggs at age 10, became captivated by the Dobro. By age 12, Jerry was already playing professionally with his father’s band. He further developed his skills by performing with bands like The Country Gentlemen and J.D. Crowe & The New South.
Nationality And Ethnicity
Jerry Douglas is an American, born and raised in Warren, Ohio. He is of White descent.
Milestones, Significant Contributions, And Notable Works
Milestones
- Early Career: Jerry began playing the Dobro at the age of 8 and was already performing professionally by 12.
- J.D. Crowe & The New South: In the early 1980s, Jerry became a member of this influential bluegrass band.
- Solo Career: He released his debut solo album, Fluxology, in 1979 and followed it up with several other solo albums.
- Grammy Awards: Jerry has won 14 Grammy Awards and earned 31 nominations, marking him as one of the most awarded musicians in his genre.
- Transatlantic Sessions: Since 1998, Jerry has co-directed the popular BBC television series, Transatlantic Sessions.
Significant Contributions
- Innovative Dobro Playing: Jerry has revolutionized Dobro playing with his distinct style, influencing many musicians.
- Collaborations: He has worked with a wide array of artists, including Alison Krauss, Eric Clapton, Paul Simon, and Mumford & Sons, demonstrating his versatility across genres.
- Soundtracks: Jerry contributed to the soundtrack of O Brother, Where Art Thou? and participated in the Down From the Mountain tour, which celebrated the film’s music.
Notable Works
- Solo Albums: Jerry has released 14 solo albums, such as Fluxology (1979), Under the Wire (1986), and Traveler (2012).
- Collaborative Albums: He has appeared as a sideman on over 1,600 albums, contributing to numerous successful projects.
- Transatlantic Sessions: Jerry played a pivotal role in the success of Transatlantic Sessions, a series that unites American and British musicians for unique collaborations.
Wife and Children
Jerry Douglas, the celebrated Dobro and lap steel guitar player, is married to Jill Douglas, who shares his love for music and supports his successful career. They reside in Nashville, Tennessee. From his previous marriage to actress Arlene Martel, Jerry has three children: Avra, Jod, and Hunter.
Family, Siblings, Parents
Jerry Douglas grew up in Warren, Ohio, in a musical family. His father played guitar and sang in a local band, the West Virginia Travelers, which inspired Jerry’s love for music. He keeps details about his parents and siblings private.
Career
Jerry Douglas began his musical journey at the age of 8, learning to play the Dobro after being inspired by the legendary Josh Graves. By the time he was 12, Jerry was already playing professionally with his father\’s band, the West Virginia Travelers.
Throughout his early career, Jerry played with major bluegrass bands such as The Country Gentlemen, where he honed his skills and built his reputation. In the early 1980s, he joined J.D. Crowe & The New South, contributing to their distinctive sound and gaining wider recognition.
In addition to his work with these bands, Jerry has been a longtime member of Alison Krauss & Union Station, helping the group earn significant success and acclaim. His contributions have cemented his place as a key figure in bluegrass and acoustic music.
Jerry also embarked on a successful solo career, releasing his debut album, Fluxology, in 1979. Over the years, he has released 14 solo albums, showcasing his versatility. His innovative playing style has revolutionized Dobro music, influencing many musicians, and he has also collaborated with a wide array of notable artists, including Eric Clapton, Paul Simon, and Mumford & Sons. Additionally, Jerry has played on over 1,600 albums as a session musician, contributing to numerous projects across various genres.
Hobbies And Personal Challenges
Hobbies
Outside of his music career, Jerry Douglas has a passion for collecting vintage Dobro guitars and other resonator instruments. He often shares his enthusiasm for these unique instruments and their distinct sounds.
Personal Challenges
Throughout his career, Jerry has faced personal challenges, but he has consistently overcome them with resilience and dedication. One significant challenge was the departure of long-time member Dan Tyminski from his band, Alison Krauss & Union Station. Despite this, Jerry has continued to produce exceptional music and uphold his high standards.
Net Worth
Douglas’s net worth is about $7 million in 2024. He has earned this wealth through his successful music career, including his solo work, collaborations with other artists, and contributions to soundtracks.
Major Achievements
Major Achievements
- Grammy Awards: Jerry has won 14 Grammy Awards and received 31 nominations for his work on various albums and projects.
- International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame: In 2024, Jerry was inducted into the Hall of Fame for his impact on bluegrass music.
- Transatlantic Sessions: Jerry co-directs the BBC show since 1998, which features American and British musicians collaborating.
- Soundtracks: Jerry contributed to the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack and joined the Down From the Mountain tour celebrating the film\’s music.
- Collaborations: Jerry has worked with famous artists like Alison Krauss, Eric Clapton, Paul Simon, and Mumford & Sons.
- Solo Career: Jerry released 14 solo albums, showcasing his musical talent and versatility.
- Session Work: Jerry has played on over 1,600 albums as a sideman, helping many artists succeed.
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