Willie Ackerman (May 1, 1939 – December 13, 2012)[1] was a professional American drummer whose career began in 1957 and ended in the 2000s. He performed with Johnny Cash, Louis Armstrong, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, The Monkees, Keith O'Conner Murphy and many other acts. Ackerman was an RCA Studios artist.

Willie Ackerman
Born(1939-05-01)May 1, 1939
Nashville, Tennessee, United States
DiedDecember 13, 2012(2012-12-13) (aged 73)
GenresCountry, rock, jazz
Occupation(s)Drummer
Years active1957-2000s
LabelsRCA Studios

Ackerman was born in Nashville, Tennessee. He became a Hee Haw drummer, and was also at one time a drummer at the Grand Ole Opry. He recorded Marty Robbins' "El Paso" song in 1959, "Wings of a Dove" in 1960 and "The Grand Tour" in 1974 along with George Jones. He died in his sleep at his home and left behind his wife Jeannie Ackerman and son Trey Ackerman.[2][3][4]

Personal life edit

Ackerman was a close friend of Faron Young. His son, Trey Ackerman is a country musician.[5][6] He was 73 when he died.

References edit

  1. ^ "Drummer Willie Ackerman Dead at 73". CMT News.
  2. ^ "Nashville Drummer Willie Ackerman Dead at 73". Time Entertainment. Archived from the original on December 16, 2012. Retrieved December 15, 2012.
  3. ^ "William Paul "Willie Ackerman" dies at 73". The Tennessean. Retrieved December 15, 2012.
  4. ^ "Nashville drummer Willie Ackerman dead at 73". St.Louis News. Retrieved December 15, 2012.
  5. ^ "William Ackerman Biography". Willie Ackerman. Retrieved December 15, 2012.
  6. ^ "Nashville drummer Willie Ackerman dead at 73; played with numerous country music stars". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on December 16, 2012. Retrieved December 15, 2012.