Pete Finney, Steel Guitarist for Patty Loveless & Reba McEntire, Dies at 70

Pete Finney, a highly respected steel guitarist whose career spanned decades and touched numerous genres, has died at the age of 70. His passing was confirmed earlier this week by the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, who described him as a “widely admired Nashville musician.”

A Versatile Career

Finney’s musical journey began in Maryland in September 1955, with early performances in Washington, D.C., alongside singer-songwriter Liz Meyer. He later moved to Austin, Texas, in the late 1970s before establishing himself in Nashville by the mid-1980s.

Did You Know? Pete Finney co-authored the book accompanying the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s 2015-2018 exhibition, “Dylan, Cash, and the Nashville Cats: A New Music City,” which won the 2016 Chet Flippo Award.

Once in Nashville, Finney quickly became a sought-after session musician, touring with Foster & Lloyd and contributing to the work of Radney Foster and Bill Lloyd. His talent extended far beyond country music, with recording credits including Beck, Shemekia Copeland, and the Chicks.

A Near Tragedy

In 1991, while touring with Reba McEntire, Finney experienced a harrowing event. A plane carrying members of McEntire’s band crashed into a mountain near San Diego, claiming the lives of eight people. Finney was on a second plane that took off just three minutes later and was diverted to Nashville after losing radio contact with the first aircraft. Reba McEntire was not on either plane.

Expert Insight: The incident during the Reba McEntire tour highlights the inherent risks faced by touring musicians and the fragility of life on the road. While the source does not detail the emotional impact on Finney, it underscores a significant moment in his career.

Later in his career, Finney’s expertise was called upon to revive the First National Band, the country-rock group originally formed by Monkees singer-songwriter Mike Nesmith. He replaced founding member Red Rhodes, bringing his own interpretations to the band’s classic sound. He continued with the Monkees through their final tour in 2021.

Finney remained active in the Nashville music community, frequently performing in small clubs alongside other accomplished musicians like Mac Gayden and Kenny Vaughan. Singer-songwriter Otis Gibbs recalled seeing Finney at shows several times a week, noting his consistent support of the local music scene.

He married singer Carol Tully on October 15, 2017. A remembrance gathering will be held Sunday at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Ford theatre in Nashville.

Frequently Asked Questions

What instruments did Pete Finney play?

Pete Finney was a steel guitarist.

With which artists did Pete Finney record?

He recorded with Reba McEntire, the Chicks, Vince Gill, the Judds, Beck, and many others.

What was Pete Finney’s involvement with the Monkees?

He joined the revival of Mike Nesmith’s First National Band in 2017, replacing Red Rhodes, and participated in the Monkees’ final tour in 2021.

How will Pete Finney’s contributions to music be remembered by those who knew and worked with him?