♫ Jazzapedia

Sneaky Pete Kleinow

Biography

Sneaky Pete Kleinow (born August 20, 1934, South Bend, Indiana – died January 6, 2007) was a pioneering American pedal steel guitarist and animator, best known for his foundational role in the development of country rock. Inspired by steel guitar legend Jerry Byrd, Kleinow took up the instrument in high school and, after a decade working for the Michigan Department of Transportation, moved to Los Angeles in 1963. There, he launched a dual career: by day, he worked as a stop-motion animator on projects like 'Gumby' and 'Davey and Goliath,' and by night, he played in local country bands, quickly earning a reputation for his innovative style and technical prowess.[1][3][5]

Kleinow’s big break came in 1968 when he joined Gram Parsons and Chris Hillman to form the Flying Burrito Brothers, helping to define the sound of country rock with his adventurous use of the pedal steel guitar. He was known for incorporating electronic effects—such as fuzzboxes and Leslie speakers—into his playing, which brought a new, psychedelic edge to the traditionally plaintive instrument. Beyond the Burritos, Kleinow became a sought-after session musician, contributing to recordings by artists as diverse as the Byrds, the Rolling Stones, John Lennon, Stevie Wonder, Linda Ronstadt, and Joni Mitchell. His work expanded the pedal steel’s role in popular music, influencing a generation of musicians and earning him induction into the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame.[1][2][3]

Kleinow’s legacy is twofold: as a musical innovator who brought the pedal steel guitar to rock audiences, and as a creative force in visual effects, contributing to iconic films like 'The Empire Strikes Back' and 'The Terminator.' His unorthodox approach and willingness to experiment left an indelible mark on both music and animation, making him one of the most versatile and influential figures in American pop culture.[1][2][3]

Fun Facts

  • Kleinow maintained a parallel career as a stop-motion animator and special effects artist, working on projects like 'Gumby,' 'Davey and Goliath,' 'The Empire Strikes Back,' and 'The Terminator.'[1][3]
  • His nickname 'Sneaky Pete' originated from his time playing with Smokey Rogers & the Western Caravan in Los Angeles.[1]
  • He was known for using unconventional effects on the pedal steel guitar, such as fuzzboxes and Leslie speakers, which was rare in country music at the time.[1][2]
  • Kleinow was inducted into the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame for his pioneering contributions to the instrument.[1]

Associated Acts

  • The Flying Burrito Brothers
  • Burrito Deluxe

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

  • Jerry Byrd - Kleinow was inspired by Byrd to take up the pedal steel guitar in high school. (General inspiration, no direct collaboration.) [late 1940s–1950s]

Key Collaborators

  • Gram Parsons - Bandmate in the Flying Burrito Brothers; helped define country rock. (The Gilded Palace of Sin (1969), Burrito Deluxe (1970)) [1968–1971]
  • Chris Hillman - Bandmate in the Flying Burrito Brothers; co-founder. (The Gilded Palace of Sin (1969), Burrito Deluxe (1970)) [1968–1971]
  • Joan Baez, Jackson Browne, The Byrds, Leonard Cohen, Joe Cocker, Eagles, The Everly Brothers, Ringo Starr, John Lennon, The Steve Miller Band, Joni Mitchell, The Rolling Stones, Stevie Wonder, Linda Ronstadt, Little Richard, Jimmie Spheeris - Session musician; contributed pedal steel guitar to recordings. (Various albums and sessions) [1970s–1990s]
  • Garth Hudson - Bandmate in Burrito Deluxe. (Burrito Deluxe (band, 2000s)) [2000–2005]

Artists Influenced

  • Jerry Garcia - Adopted Kleinow's experimental pedal steel techniques in his own work. (Work with New Riders of the Purple Sage, Grateful Dead) [1970s]
  • Buddy Cage - Second-generation country rock pedal steel player influenced by Kleinow’s style. (New Riders of the Purple Sage) [1970s]
  • Al Perkins - Replaced Kleinow in the Flying Burrito Brothers; adopted elements of his style. (Flying Burrito Brothers (post-1971)) [1970s]

Connection Network

Current Artist
Collaborators
Influenced
Mentors
Has Page
No Page

Discography

Albums

Title Release Date Type
Meet Sneaky Pete 2001 Album
The Shiloh Records Anthology 2008-01-08 Album
The Shiloh Records Anthology 2008-01-08 Album
The Shiloh Records Anthology 2008 Album
Meet Sneaky Pete 2001 Album

Top Tracks

  1. Sleepwalk (Meet Sneaky Pete)
  2. Sister (Meet Sneaky Pete)
  3. Beat the Heat (The Shiloh Records Anthology)
  4. Sleepy Lagoon (The Shiloh Records Anthology)
  5. No More Love To Give (Meet Sneaky Pete)
  6. Sneak Attack (Meet Sneaky Pete)
  7. It Makes No Difference (Meet Sneaky Pete)
  8. From Me To You (Meet Sneaky Pete)
  9. Fly The Bright Sea (Meet Sneaky Pete)
  10. Woman (Meet Sneaky Pete)

References

  1. vintageguitar.com
  2. latimes.com
  3. sfgate.com

Heard on WWOZ

Sneaky Pete Kleinow has been played 4 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.

DateTimeTitleShowSpotify
Jan 7, 202623:43Sleepwalkfrom Meet Sneaky PeteKitchen Sinkw/ A.J. Rodrigue and A.A.
Nov 18, 202506:13Sleepwalkfrom Meet Sneaky PeteThe Morning Setw/ Fox Duhon or Mark LaMaire
Oct 1, 202522:29Sleepwalkfrom Meet Sneaky PeteKitchen Sinkw/ A.J. Rodrigue and A.A.
Sep 23, 202508:01Sleepwalkfrom Meet Sneaky PeteThe Morning Setw/ Fox Duhon or Mark LaMaire