Pete Drake will make history as the first steel guitarist to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Drake, who was once featured on 59 of the 75 songs on Billboard’s Top Country Hits chart, also enjoyed success as a producer, publisher, record label founder and recording artist. He will be inducted, in the Recording and/or Touring Musician category, alongside additional honorees Ray Charles, The Judds and Eddie Bayers on May 1. Drake is a member of the Atlanta Music Hall of Fame, Georgia Music Hall of Fame, Musicians Hall of Fame and Steel Guitar Hall of Fame.
While not a household name, Pete Drake helped make the steel guitar a household sound, adding his signature pickin’ style to countless Country hits. Pete played on records by Marty Robbins, Bobby Bare, Johnny Cash, The Louvin Brothers, Dolly Parton, Porter Wagoner, Jerry Lee Lewis, Reba McEntire and Charley Pride. His legend grew with his contributions on Tammy Wynette’s “Stand By Your Man,” Charlie Rich’s “Behind Closed Doors,” George Jones’ “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” Kenny Rogers’ “Lucille,” Lynn Anderson’s “(I Never Promised You A) Rose Garden” and countless others.
On May 1, the Country Music Hall of Fame will honor Pete as he makes history as the first steel guitarist inducted.
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