Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Pete Drake migrated to Nashville in 1959 and soon became one of the most dependable steel guitar players in town.  At first, he played only a few spots on the Grand Ole Opry, but as artists recognized his unique style, he was soon playing on just about every show.

Pete started out working tours as the steel player for Don Gibson, then Marty Robbins, but soon his calendar filled up with recording sessions at home.  He became very much in demand by so many artists, that Pete quit the road shows.  It wasn’t long before he was billed as a soloist on the Opry and he began making albums of his own.

Pete Drake is credited with perfecting a unique system called “the talking guitar.”  While he played, he talked through a tube placed in his mouth, so that the words came through the sounds make on the steel.  His most popular song was “Forever.”

Pete was elected to the “Steel Guitar Hall of Fame” in 1987 and the “Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame” in 1990.

Dusty Owens