Remembering Pete Finney: A Tribute to Nashville's Renowned Steel Guitarist
Nashville's country music community mourns the loss of Pete Finney, a renowned steel guitarist who passed away at the age of 70. The Country Music Hall of Fame paid tribute to Finney, highlighting his versatility and skill in adapting to various musical styles and settings. Throughout his career, Finney collaborated with country icons like Patty Loveless, Reba McEntire, Vince Gill, the Judds, and the Chicks, as well as artists from different genres such as Beck and Shemekia Copeland.
Originally from Maryland, Finney kickstarted his country music journey in Austin, Texas, in the late 1970s before relocating to Nashville in the 1980s. He was a key member of Reba McEntire's band during the tragic 1991 plane crash that claimed the lives of eight band members. Finney's extensive touring experience included two decades with Patty Loveless and collaborations with Jim Lauderdale, Allison Moorer, and others. Moorer fondly remembered Finney as a talented and kind individual, emphasizing his significant impact on Nashville's music scene.
In addition to his live performances, Finney co-curated the Country Music Hall of Fame's exhibit "Dylan, Cash and the Nashville Cats: A New Music City" in 2015. His research on non-country artists recording in Nashville during the 1960s and 1970s inspired the exhibit, showcasing the city's rich musical history. Finney's contributions to country music journalism were recognized with the Chet Flippo Award for excellence. His legacy lives on through his music and the lasting impact he had on Nashville's vibrant music community.
The cause of Pete Finney's death and details about his funeral arrangements have not been disclosed at this time. Nashville and the country music world remember him as a talented musician and a beloved member of the music community.