Friday, February 8, 2008

Willie Ackerman

William Paul Ackerman, or "Willie" as his friends know him, was born in Nashville, Tennessee on May 1, 1939 and became one of Nashville's A-Team Drummers during the '60s, '70s and '80s. He played on thousands of recordings as well as live performances, television shows, commercial jingles and radio broadcasts. He was also the staff drummer for the Grand Ole Opry, the hit television show Hee Haw, and Music Row's world famous RCA Studios.

This blog was created by his son, Trey Ackerman, in an effort to document his work and bear personal witness to life on Nashville's famed Music Row during what was arguably Country Music's golden era.

There are a lot of pictures to show and stories to tell, problem being, where to start... I guess I'll tell you what I witnessed growing up around the stages and studios of Nashville; then add comments, stories and pictures from some of Dad's friends, family and fellow musicians. If you're a country music fan, you're in for a treat!!! :)

- Trey

PS: Here's a young, nice looking Willie Ackerman playing drums behind Patsy Cline (performing "Crazy".) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4Qq8UuvrUk

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yay!

Anonymous said...

Great song,and great trbute to those A team players who need to be remembered.

Thank you,Trey,for keeping those memories alive.

Charlie Hood

Anonymous said...

hey bro, you did a good job on dad's blog. i never knew that was dad with patsy. i found five pics i have to copy and send you. the louis armstrong pics i gave to dad several years ago are not the same ones here, but yours are better than the ones i had. add some stories for me to read. i was too young to remember much, but i'm sure you remember alot since you're older than me. :) your younger sis angela

Trey Ackerman said...

Angela, I have a story for you. A Faron Young story...

Unknown said...

What a wonderful tribute to your dad. Although I've never met Willie.... I can see him in your eyes and in your smile.
- Anna

bionici said...

Trey,
I knew your father in the late 60s / early 70s when your family was living on Harding Place near Harding Mall. My parents lived 2 doors down from his home. He taught me to play the drums, and he wanted me to help him with golf. I babysat for 2 of you quite a few times before they moved out on Old Hickory or Bell Road (whichever). He took me to several recording sessions with him, and I was extremely impressed with the talent he had. I still play the drums and currently own a set of Yamaha Stage Custom. I seem to remember him having a set of Slingerland at the time. Thanks for this website. Tom Reed

bionici said...

Trey,
I knew your father in the late 60s / early 70s when your family was living on Harding Place near Harding Mall. My parents lived 2 doors down from his home. He taught me to play the drums, and he wanted me to help him with golf. I babysat for 2 of you quite a few times before they moved out on Old Hickory or Bell Road (whichever). He took me to several recording sessions with him, and I was extremely impressed with the talent he had. I still play the drums and currently own a set of Yamaha Stage Custom. I seem to remember him having a set of Slingerland at the time. Thanks for this website. Tom Reed

Unknown said...

Trey,

Say hello to Willie for me!

Friday Blackwood

MisterHuskey said...

Great work Trey!

I just found your blog dedicated to your father today. :-)

Your father and my grandfather (Junior Huskey) did a ton of sessions together back in the day as well as work on the Opry together.

Chris