Jerry Reed’s “Sugar Foot Rag” brings a familiar country tune into his own easygoing, rhythm-driven world. Released as a single in November 1979, the recording combines a lively melody with the personality that made Reed such an unmistakable entertainer. The song was written by Hank Garland and Vaughn Horton, and Reed’s version reached No. 12 on Billboard’s country singles chart.
The Original 1979 RCA Single
RCA issued the recording as PB-11764, paired with “I Wan-Na Go Back Home to Georgia.” The original label shown below credits Jerry Reed and Chip Young as producers and lists Garland and Horton as the writers.
A contemporary review in Record World’s November 17, 1979 issue independently confirms those credits. That matters here because some later online listings assign different producers. The original record and the period review agree.
A Good-Time Tune with Jerry Reed’s Personality
“Sugar Foot Rag” is built for movement. Its appeal lies in the bounce of the tune, the steady rhythmic drive, and a performance that makes the music feel welcoming. Reed brings a relaxed confidence to it: the record has plenty of energy without sounding strained.
This is a useful side of Reed to hear alongside his better-known story songs. The pleasure comes less from a dramatic plot than from the way the melody, rhythm, and delivery fit together. It is music that invites you to tap a foot before you have thought much about why.
Texas Bound and Flyin’: The Album
“Sugar Foot Rag” later appeared on Texas Bound and Flyin’, Reed’s 1980 RCA Victor album. It is the fifth track on the original ten-song sequence. The album listing on Apple Music and RCA/Legacy’s supplied credits on Qobuz document its place on that release.
The LP also includes “Texas Bound and Flyin’,” “East Bound and Down,” “Detroit City,” and “Friendly Family Inn.” Its cartoon cover captures Reed’s larger-than-life public persona, while “Sugar Foot Rag” supplies a compact burst of good humor and musical momentum.
Where It Fits in Jerry Reed’s Career
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum places Reed’s humor and guitar mastery at the center of his musical identity. This recording offers an enjoyable meeting of those qualities: an established tune delivered with his own sense of timing and character.
For more of that distinctive personality, explore “Guitar Man” and “Amos Moses.” Each shows another way Reed could make a country performance sound immediately like Jerry Reed.
Listen to Jerry Reed — “Sugar Foot Rag”
The official RCA/Legacy audio below is the recording included on Texas Bound and Flyin’.