For my money, the best steel guitarist ever was "Sneaky" Pete Kleinow, who helped pioneer country rock as a founding member of the Flying Burrito Brothers, along with ex-Byrds Chris Hillman, Michael Clarke and Gram Parsons.

He also performed with Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Browne and John Lennon.

He was also an animator, directing episodes of the original "Gumby" series, as well as writing and performing the show's theme song.

He died today at age 72, of Alzheimer's.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16533506/

Edit: moved from the IMWAN playroom to ICE

That's sad news, i had no idea that he was in any (health) decline. What incredible playing he did on those first four Burritos albums (not to slight any of his other session work). I had only recently (finally) picked up a cd that had tracks from his original solo album as well as some more recent recordings. And if he's #1 on the pedal steel players list, i think that Rusty Young would have to come in at #2 (although i wish i knew the name of the steel player on a lot of Red Foley's vintage recordings, pretty tough stuff there for the time).

R.I.P. Sneaky Pete.

What a shame! Sneaky Pete was one of the great ones. I saw him with the reformed Flying Burrito Bros.in 1976. There was a period when it seemed like he was on half the albums I was buying. I had no idea about his film/animation career. Very cool!!

Sad news indeed. Watching the Gram Parson doc you'll see Sneaky playing some of the best steel-gutiar.

Rick A.

Sad news for sure. Sundazed is doing an anthology of his music, out next month.

Thanks Barry, I'll be buying this. Thanks for the heads up!

Rick A.