Sneaky Pete Kleinow: The Pedal Steel Guitarist and Animator Extraordinaire

A Multi-Talented Mastermind

Sneaky Pete Kleinow is renowned for his virtuosic pedal steel guitar playing, having worked with a plethora of iconic musicians, including Joan Baez, Jackson Browne, The Byrds, Leonard Cohen, and The Rolling Stones. Additionally, Kleinow is credited with composing the iconic theme song for the beloved children's show "Gumby" and was an animator on the 1960s iteration of the series.

Early Life and Inspiration

Born on August 20, 1934, in South Bend, Indiana, Kleinow's fascination with music began in high school, inspired by the legendary Jerry Byrd. He took up the pedal steel guitar, laying the foundation for his future success. Following graduation, Kleinow worked as a maintenance worker at the Michigan Department of Transportation for over a decade before relocating to Los Angeles in 1963.

A Careered in Visual Effects and Animation

In Los Angeles, Kleinow began a career as a visual effects artist and stop-motion animator, working on various projects, including "The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm" (1962), "The Outer Limits" (1963-1965), and "7 Faces of Dr. Lao" (1964). His association with the long-running children's series "Gumby" and "Davey and Goliath" solidified his reputation as a talented animator.

Session Musician Extraordinaire

Kleinow's moonlighting in Los Angeles' country-oriented nightclubs as a member of Smokey Rogers' Western Caravan earned him the nickname "Sneaky Pete." He frequently deputized for bandleader Red Rhodes and worked with The Detours, leading to his introduction to Chris Hillman and Gram Parsons of The Byrds in 1968. Kleinow helped the group replicate their newly country-infused sound onstage, working alongside banjoist Doug Dillard on several local club dates.

Impact on the Music Industry

Kleinow's pedal steel guitar playing has left an indelible mark on the music industry. He has played with an impressive array of musicians, including Joe Cocker, Rita Coolidge, Eagles, The Everly Brothers, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, John Lennon, The Steve Miller Band, Joni Mitchell, Stevie Wonder, Spencer Davis, Little Richard, and Linda Ronstadt. His work on the pedal steel guitar has been praised for its distinctiveness and emotive quality.

Awards and Honors

Kleinow's contributions to the music industry have been recognized with his induction into the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame.

Legacy

Sneaky Pete Kleinow's dual talents as a pedal steel guitarist and animator have cemented his place in music and animation history. His innovative approach to the pedal steel guitar has inspired generations of musicians, while his work on "Gumby" continues to delight audiences worldwide. As a true original, Kleinow's legacy serves as a testament to the power of creativity and innovation.