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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZDRAKE, Pete(b Roddis Franklin Drake, 8 Oct. '32, Augusta GA; d 29 July '88) Steel guitarist, publisher, producer, label boss. From musical family: older brothers Bill and Jack (b '24, Barnesville GA) worked on Grand Ole Opry '44; many years members of Ernest Tubb's Texas Troubadors. Played with own band The Sons Of The South mid-'50s, joined Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper '58, moved to Nashville '59, soon in demand on sessions with Jim Reeves, Roy Drusky, Don Gibson, many others. Signed to Smash label '62, recorded unique talking guitar sound (incl. single and LP Forever '64, Talking Steel Guitar '65). Became top producer (e.g. Ringo Starr's Nashville album '71), co-owner of Stop label (signed Johnny Bush, George Morgan, etc); formed Window Music with Jack. Helped newcomers in Nashville; became disgusted with the way older artists were treated by major labels and formed First Generation Records '77, signed Tubb and launched series of LPs by veterans The Stars of the Grand Ole Opry. Prod. 2-disc Tubb album The Legend & The Legacy '79 with duets featuring Willie Nelson, Marty Robbins, etc. Own albums incl. Steel Away '74 on Canaan. |