As a record producer, Pete helmed projects on The Oak Ridge Boys, Melba Montgomery, BJ Thomas (earning SESAC and Dove Awards), Ringo Starr, Slim Whitman, Tommy James, Bobby Vinton and others.
Duane Allen, The Oak Ridge Boys
“We recorded ‘Heaven Bound’ over 45 years ago with Pete producing, and we still do it in our show. I loved working with Pete. He was a wonderful man.”
Melba Montgomery notes that “Pete produced and played on my first solo #1, “No Charge,” back in 1974. We continued to record together for six years. Pete had a great personality, was easy to work with and always got the best out of me in the studio.”
In addition to steady session work in the early 1960s, Pete partnered with Tommy Hill, Jerry Shook, Ralph Davis, Jack Drake, and Ralph Emery to form Window Music Publishing and Tomake Music. The first writers he signed were Ed Bruce and Bill and Dottie West. Success came in Window Music’s first year when “Is This Me,” (Jim Reeves), written by Bill and Dottie West, became the company’s first #1 record. Additional hits included “Just Get Up and Close the Door” (Johnny Rodriquez), “Would You Lay With Me In A Field of Stone” (Tanya Tucker) “Every Time Two Fools Collide” (Kenny Rogers and Dottie West) and “If Drinkin' Don't Kill Me” (George Jones). Pete is credited with helping to develop the writing careers of David Allan Coe, Frank Dycus, Rory Bourke, Linda Hargrove, Jeff Tweel, Sonny Throckmorton, Pam Rose, Mary Ann Kennedy, Rick Beresford and many more.
By the late 1960s, Pete was booked on three sessions a day and was producing several acts. He formed First Generation Records in the mid-70s and signed Ernest Tubb. The boutique label released numerous projects by Grand Ole Opry stars and is still active today. Pete’s contributions to publishing continue to grow as his widow, Rose Drake, tirelessly works a large catalogue that includes undiscovered gems by Dottie West, Ed Bruce, Bourke, Hargrove, Tweel, Rose, Kennedy and Beresford. “We worked together 24/7 for over 22 years,” Rose reflects. “We lived and breathed the music business, and I’m honored to keep carrying that torch.”
A true impresario, Pete also enjoyed success as a solo recording artist, with albums released on Starday, Smash (a division of Mercury) and Word Records. It was here that he made famous the “talking steel guitar” technique that became one of his many signature sounds.
On May 1, the Country Music Hall of Fame will honor Pete as he makes history as the first steel guitarist inducted. Reflections include:
Paul Franklin, renowned steel player: “Pete could make his guitar bleed anytime anywhere.”
Lloyd Green, renowned steel player: “He was a master.”
Charlie McCoy (multi-instrumentalist, recording artist): “Pete had that quality that many studio musicians search for – the ‘no doubt who it is’ sound. When he played on a huge hit, his steel became a part of the record. Something all of us studio musicians strive to achieve – and he made it seem effortless.”
Ray Walker, The Jordanaires: “His Integrity, Sincerity, Faithfulness, Loyalty, Talent and Willingness to Share and Serve is not to be excelled.”
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