It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of my brother, Stuart Reedy.
Stuart taught me to play the guitar as my first instrument. We wrote music and performed together as Kentucky Jam. The name was his idea. When I later proposed to create a non-profit to help independent Kentucky musicians, the only name that came to mind was KentuckyJam.org. I asked Stu if I could use the name and he was supportive. He even agreed to serve as one of the founding board members.
Stuart was a gifted songwriter. He wrote in a great variety of musical styles. We recorded together a few times over the years. Our last session was in 2009 with Kentucky Graham on tenor guitar as a guest artist. Graham and I were in the middle of our Tubanjo sessions. Stu brought two of his songs and we spent a day on them.
Stuart was a solid rhythm guitar player. He also played the trumpet at Model Laboratory School in Richmond, Kentucky, then at Eastern Kentucky University, and for a time in the US Navy.
Stuart served in the Navy on the USS Jack Williams (FFG-24) as a Fire Control Technician from the ship’s launching through its commissioning.
Stuart was born in Owensboro, Kentucky. He spent his school years first in Lexington and then Richmond. He ultimately settled in Lexington. At the time of his passing, he was serving as the Programmer Systems Lead for the Department of Education at the University of Kentucky.
Stuart leaves behind his wife Missy and their abundance of family and friends, all of whom are heartbroken.
Peace be with you, brother.
Mike Reedy, President
KentuckyJam.org