Sneaky Pete in the HOF

Jim Sliff · Post by **Jim Sliff** » 2 Sep 2007 7:42 am

Congrats to Sneaky (and my "mentor" Roy!) on the Hall of Fame induction. IMO this one was long overdue - Sneaky is likely one of the most influential steel guitarists in history - his Burritos work, especially with Gram Parsons, would have been enough, but then when you look at his resume; from the Stones to Ronstadt to Frank Zappa - and the worldwide popularity of some of the artists he played with in the studio, he may well be the most heard steel guitarist in history. Guys like Green, Emmons, Garrison, Franklin etc. may have recorded more, but Sneaky played on such a wide range of popular music if he's NOT the most heard, he's certainly near the top of the pile.

And all that from a guy who often thought music was sort of a part-time gig; his full-time job being as an award-winning stop-motion animator.

It's also ammazing that even though he was given many steels over his career, he always stuck with his "Frankenstein", 8-string Fender 400, cables and all. That guitar (in all its permutations) with its unique B6 "semi-universal" copedent made his sound what it was...but it's what was in his head and heart that you hear.

I know Buddy Emmons knew Sneaky (and played together with him) for decades and thought he was a monster player - it was wonderful that he accepted the job of presenting the award.

The HOF made two great choices for induction this year.

Skip Edwards · Post by **Skip Edwards** » 2 Sep 2007 8:37 am

Glad to see Sneaky finally in the HOF. It's about time...long overdue, actually.
It's just a shame it took his passing to make it happen.
Here's to you, Pete.

Fred Shannon · Post by **Fred Shannon** » 2 Sep 2007 9:31 am

Great!!! Long overdue. A unique stylist whose resume would overwhelm most folks. Glad to see it.

phred

Post by **Dave Mudgett** » 2 Sep 2007 10:20 am

Very, very glad to see this. I agree Jim - two great choices for HOF this year.

Stu Schulman · Post by **Stu Schulman** » 2 Sep 2007 10:26 am

Oh,This is good news!Was Anita there?Pete has always been number one in my hall of fame.

Jay Hudson · Post by **Jay Hudson** » 2 Sep 2007 11:22 am

Much deserved.
Pete was truly an original.
When you heard him play there was no doubt who it was.
His duet with Emmons of "Yesterday" on the "Suite Steel" album is outstanding.

Dave Ristrim · Post by **Dave Ristrim** » 2 Sep 2007 1:21 pm

Pete is/was one of the reasons I play pedal steel today. I used to buy any record he played on just to hear his unusual tone and approach. What a truely unique and uber talented man.
Plus, I've been a huge fan of stop motion film making going back to the 60's when my younger brother and I used to watch Gumby together. Go figure that he worked on that as well.

Kevin Hatton · Post by **Kevin Hatton** » 2 Sep 2007 5:24 pm

He was an inspiration to many of us to take up steel guitar. Long overdue. VERY innovative player.

tom anderson · Post by **tom anderson** » 3 Sep 2007 7:46 am

I didn't get to go to the convention this year because of work, but did get to listen to the HOF awards at 2:00. I was very glad to see Sneaky inducted in and appreciate that Buddy did the induction & that Scotty made a nice comment about Sneaky afterwords...but...& this may be just my take, but the ceremony seemed rushed. Scotty was calling for Paul Franklin at the start & when he couldn't find him, it seemed like Buddy was rushed to the stage to induct Sneaky & then I didn't recognise the song played afterwards as one Sneaky was known for & then they were on to Paul & the rest of the 1/2 hour. Was Anita there?? Anyway, thanks to the HOF for inducting my favorite steel man.

Jim Sliff · Post by **Jim Sliff** » 3 Sep 2007 9:08 am

No, Anita couldn't make it unfortunately. It was great that Buddy did the presentation, though.

I agree about the "rushed" attitude and it really seemed very unprofessional for something that is promoted as a huge honor. Not Buddy's actual presentation - that was very well done; but Scotty just seemed to want to get it over with, then wierdly announced they'd send a duplicate to Sneaky's "sister" (when you would think since Anita did the nomination they'd have a clue who she was), and scrambled the mention of his animation career - and like Tom said, I have NO idea what song it was they chose but it was completely wrong IMO. I didn't even recognize it, and I kinda know Sneaky's catalog. "Beat the Heat", Sister", Cannonball Rag" (which he used to play to open Burrito's shows) or "Christine's Tune" would have been much more appropriate. Whatever they chose sounded more like lounge music and not representative of his resume.

Greg Simmons · Post by **Greg Simmons** » 3 Sep 2007 9:42 am

I saw over on the Gram board a few weeks ago the Sneaky was to be inducted so I wore my FBB shirt Sat. in his honour...sorry that Anita couldn't make it, and it sure was a treat to have Buddy induct his favorite steel player

I left my digital camera at home

, so I didn't get a pic of the plaque.

Here's a great retrospective video:

http://www.voicemechanic.com/samples_pete_kleinow.htm

Russ Tkac · Post by **Russ Tkac** » 3 Sep 2007 10:35 am

With Sneaky gone it means very little to me. I would rather have him around and not in the HOF so I can B**ch about it.

I'm just glad I got to tell him how much his playing inspired me.

Rest well my friend.

Stephen Gambrell · Post by **Stephen Gambrell** » 3 Sep 2007 11:54 pm

Glad Sneaky made it. I knew who guys like Sneaky Pete, Rusty Young, even Pete Drake, were before I got around to finding out about Buddy and the rest. I believe that there are still many of the older guys left, who deserve induction into the HOF. I do hope, though, that in time, the "rock and roll" steel players will get the credit they deserve.

Jim Sliff · Post by **Jim Sliff** » 4 Sep 2007 5:10 am

Good point Steve - I think the country-rock image and rock steel in general is dissed as a "gimmick" quite often, and the innovators are just sort of ignored except by those who cut their musical "teeth" during that musically-emerging time of the late 60's/early 70's.

If you look at the HOF, Pete's the first one, and there's no doubt it happened far later than his influence warranted.

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 4 Sep 2007 5:13 am

If you look at the HOF, Pete's the first one

Actually, I think of JayDee as the first one of that breed to be inducted...

David Wren · Post by **David Wren** » 4 Sep 2007 10:07 am

All I can say is it's about time.... but better late than never.

I can't think of another steel player who had a bigger influence on my playing, and my thoughts of the unlimited potential for this type-cast instrument. I hope the younger steel players today can appreciate what a true pioneer Sneaky Pete was, and how he helped bring the PSG into new areas of music.

ebb · Post by **ebb** » 4 Sep 2007 11:03 am

they played blue bayou. probably confused sneaky with dan dugmore another who is not in the in crowd

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 4 Sep 2007 1:07 pm

Well deserved, Roy...one of the guys that was around when all this "pedal stuff" started. Pete, yes, I've followed his career since "Blue Star", with the Ventures. His sound and touch, being quite unique, served as an inspiration for many young players. That just goes to show that it's the player and his approach to the music that really matters most.

Jim Sliff · Post by **Jim Sliff** » 4 Sep 2007 2:13 pm

Actually, I think of JayDee as the first one of that breed to be inducted...

JayDee is a monster player and from the LA group....but didn't play the rock-edged stuff Sneaky did. JayDee was playing pedal steel guitar, giving the country flavor to country-rockers; Pete was playing rock (and country) music and just happened to use a pedal steel guitar to do it.

Both superb players - but completely different styles and quite different resumes; certainly some common ground, but I just can't picture Jaydee with Frank Zappa...

Herb Steiner · Post by **Herb Steiner** » 4 Sep 2007 7:43 pm

Red Rhodes was inducted after Jay Dee but before SPK. Red was from hard core country but was more adventuresome than Jay Dee with effects and trying to sound "rock." Jay Dee was alway more pure, straight E9. So I'd put Red in-between JD and Peter, both chronologically and stylistically.

Michael Hardee · Post by **Michael Hardee** » 4 Sep 2007 10:44 pm

Whenever I need some inspiration I dig out Linda Ronstadt's third album, the one with Sneaky Pete and Buddy Emmons both showing the right way to weave a steel line around the vocal without stepping on the singer. Just extraordinary playing.

David L. Donald · Post by **David L. Donald** » 5 Sep 2007 1:21 am

Sneaky Pete. Yep good call. He was over-due
and his influence and originality were quite unique.

Roy Ayres congratulations to you also.
Well deserved.

Peer Desmense · Post by **Peer Desmense** » 5 Sep 2007 5:51 am

Finally aknowledgement for this unique man.
Far too late if you ask me. Why so late? I don't know. Perhaps its just as well, considering the fact that many artist were understood or cheered at after they left us.
Of course I"m talking about famous painters/writers/poets etc. but if its an arguement to show ones greatness I would gladly applie this to Sneaky.
No other steelguitarist had such an influence and drive for new steelguitarists in the Netherlands as this man.

Congratulations to you, Anita!

Peer

John De Maille · Post by **John De Maille** » 5 Sep 2007 5:31 pm

Sneaky was "one" of the main reasons I got interested in pedal steel. I'm glad he finally made it. Too bad it took so long. I know he'd be happy being one of our "official heroes".

Craig Stock · Post by **Craig Stock** » 6 Sep 2007 5:58 pm

I am happy Sneaky was inducted, he also was one of my first influences. The real kicker is that he did all the Clay Animation work for the 'Davey and Goliath' show I watched as a kid on every Sunday morning before going to church (of course Lutheran, whom sponsored the program).

That show and it's great morals really helped shape my life, they should re-run those shows, I will buy them on DVD for my kids.

But anyway, Pete was a unique person on so many levels and thank God he chose to bring that out on the pedal steel guitar.

Congrats to Pete, Anita and his Family, isn't it amazing how many great steel players came from Indiana?