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Ted Jarrett, 1925-2009
Songwriter, producer and label owner Ted Jarrett is legendary for his contributions to Nashville’s R&B scene in the 1950s and ’60s. He wrote and produced “You Can Make It If You Try” for Gene Allison, which reached No. 3 on the R&B charts in 1957. It was later covered by the Rolling Stones for their first U.S. release. Following a prolific career in which he worked with artists including Earl Gaines, Roscoe Shelton, Christine Kittrell and the Fairfield Four, Jarrett graduated from Fisk University in 1974. His work was later celebrated in the GRAMMY®-winning compilation Night Train to Nashville, which was accompanied by a groundbreaking exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum. He wrote his autobiography, You Can Make It If You Try, with Ruth White.