Ted Jarrett facts for kids

Theodore Roosevelt "Ted" Jarrett Jr. (born October 17, 1925 – died March 21, 2009) was an American singer, songwriter, and music producer. He created music in different styles, including country, gospel, and soul music.

Ted Jarrett's Early Life and Education

Ted Jarrett was born in Nashville, Tennessee. His family was African-American. When he was two years old, his father died. This made his family poor.

At age seven, Ted went to live with his grandparents on a farm near Nashville. His step-grandfather was very strict. He once got angry when he found Ted writing song lyrics. He told Ted that only white people wrote songs.

When Ted was 15, he moved back with his mother. He worked hard to finish Pearl High School in Nashville. In 1944, during World War II, Ted joined the military. He had planned to go to Fisk University but had to wait. He later returned to Fisk in the 1970s and graduated in 1974.

Ted Jarrett's Music Career

In 1951, Ted Jarrett started working as a disc jockey for a radio station called WSOK in Nashville. He also helped find new musical talent for Tennessee Records.

How Ted Jarrett Became a Songwriter

In 1955, Ted was performing at a club in Nashville. There, he wrote a song called "It's Love Baby (24 Hours a Day)". This song became a big hit, reaching No. 2 on the R&B music charts. Even though the song was for Louis Brooks and His Hi-Toppers, Ted's friend Earl Gaines sang the vocals. This song helped launch Ted's career as a songwriter.

Later in 1955, a country singer named Webb Pierce recorded another one of Ted's songs, "Love Love Love". This song was a huge success. It stayed at the top of the country music charts for eight weeks!

Ted Jarrett later wrote and produced "You Can Make It If You Try" for Gene Allison in 1957. This song became a No. 3 hit on the R&B charts in 1958. Many famous artists have sung this song since then, like the Rolling Stones, Buddy Guy, and Gene Vincent.

Ted Jarrett as a Producer

Ted Jarrett also managed or worked for several music labels in Nashville. These labels focused on soul, blues, and gospel music. Some of them were Champion, Calvert, Cherokee, Poncello, and T-Jaye. He produced music for many artists, including Christine Kittrell, The Fairfield Four, Larry Birdsong, Roscoe Shelton, and The Avons.

Recognizing Ted Jarrett's Work

In 2004, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum released a special album. It was called Night Train to Nashville. This album included many songs that Ted Jarrett had produced. The album was released with an exhibit at the museum.

In 2005, a special concert was held at the museum to honor Ted Jarrett. This happened when his autobiography, You Can Make It If You Try, was published.

When Did Ted Jarrett Pass Away?

Ted Jarrett passed away on March 21, 2009. He was 83 years old. He died in his hometown of Nashville due to liver failure.