“Sneaky” Pete Kleinow - R.I.P.
So I’m a little late on the death notices lately. 
More sad news on the music front. “Sneaky” Pete Kleinow, whose pedal steel sound helped blaze the way for the country rock movement of the 70’s through the Americana movement of the 90’s, passed away last weekend at 72.
Kleinow was a founding member of the Flying Burrito Brothers with former Byrds Gram Parsons and Chris Hillman. Kleinow also enjoyed a 30 year career as a session musician, playing on albums by such luminaries as The Rolling Stones, John Lennon, Stevie Wonder, Fleetwood Mac, Ringo Starr, Jackson Browne and Linda Ronstadt.
Recently, Kleinow formed his own band with Garth Hudson (of The Band) called Burrito Deluxe (names after the Flying Burrito Brothers’ second album). Burrito Deluxe’s 2nd album “The Whole Enchilada” is a low key classic, and should be obtained at all costs.
Sadly, last year Kleinow was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and soon checked into an assisted living facility. It is sad to see such great musicians of the 60’s and 70’s leaving this mortal coil. Unfortunately, as time takes it’s toll, this will only increase. I’m certainly not looking forward to waking up to the news that Mick, Keith, Paul, Ringo or Dylan have died. All the more reason to enjoy these legends in concert while we still can. So what if the Stones charge an arm and a leg? They’re worth every penny when you consider prices for the Future Love Sex Sounds or whatever Justin’s tour is named.
Good music is good for the soul. The opportunity to see it live is a treat. When you look at the world today, with corruption, violence, and depair running rampant, and trace the decline of music, you can’t help but see the correlation.
Special thanks to L.A. Times writer Randy Lewis, whose article I stole from to write this post.
April 6th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
Guys you are not alone believe me. I’m absolutely agree with you. It doesn’t matter what other people would say just trust me. I know for sure that it’s about real events.
April 9th, 2008 at 7:10 am
You are the brick! Reading stuff like this written in the way like this is a great pleasure for me.