NASHVILLE, TN — No single musician ever did more to popularize and display an instrument’s capabilities and range than Pete Drake did with the steel guitar. The legendary player, producer and label owner was honored last weekend by the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum with official induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Drake, Ray Charles, The Judds, and Eddie Bayer all received their official medallions, had their exploits recalled and their songs celebrated.

For Drake’s widow Rose, the event was a long time coming and certainly well deserved. But she wants fans to understand just how deep her husband’s commitment to music was and how versatile he was as a player and producer. “He truly loved all kinds of music,” she told the Tribune during an interview last week. “His goal was always to serve the song, and sometimes that got him in trouble because he was always thinking about how best to serve the song rather than other things.”

Drake’s amazing ability as a player… read the full article.

Pedal steel guitarist Pete Drake left a lasting mark not only on country music, but also on rock, gospel, and folk music. He is the first steel guitarist inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

“Stand by Your Man.” “Lay Lady Lay.” “He Stopped Loving Her Today.” Each of these classic records is instantly recognizable, in part due to the pedal steel guitar stylings of Pete Drake. The in-demand session musician contributed to dozens of country hits, and he also popularized the pedal steel guitar outside of country music on recordings by Bob Dylan, George Harrison, and Elvis Presley. For his pioneering accomplishments, Drake is the first steel guitar player to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Roddis Franklin Drake was born October 8, 1932, in Augusta, Georgia, the son of…read the full article.

Ringo Starr is preparing to extend his late career love affair with country music, confirming that a new studio album is in development and pencilled in for release sometime in early 2026. The untitled project will again explore country and Americana territory and reunites the former Beatle with producer T Bone Burnett, the creative partnership that reshaped Starr’s recording direction with 2025’s Look Up.

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On this day (January 2) in 1971, George Harrison topped the Billboard 200 with All Things Must Pass. The triple-album marked his first release since The Beatles officially parted ways in April 1970. Musicians on the album include Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr, Alan White, Pete Drake, and many more.

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