Pete Finney, Who Played Steel Guitar For Country Music’s Brightest Stars, Has Died
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum shared that beloved steel guitarist Pete Finney died at the age of 70 on February 7, 2026. (Photo Credit: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum / Facebook)
Pete Finney Worked With Some Of Your Favorite Country Stars
Pete Finney, a renowned steel guitarist who played with some of country music’s brightest stars, has died.
Finney was born in Maryland, but moved to Austin, Texas, in the 1970s to play in Doug Sahm’s band. He moved to Nashville in the 1980s and started touring with Foster & Lloyd.
Over the years, he performed with artists such as Vince Gill, The Judds, Reba McEntire, Allison Moorer, Justin Townes Earle, The Monkees, and The Chicks. He had a longstanding connection to Patty Loveless, touring with her for over 20 years.
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum said Finney, “exemplified how top instrumentalists can adapt to a range of styles and settings, whether in a recording studio, a concert stage, or the corner of a small nightclub.”
You can hear Finney play steel guitar in the video below.
Additionally, Finney was known for his knowledge and passion for music history. He channeled that knowledge and passion into co-curating an exhibit for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum called “Dylan, Cash, and the Nashville Cats: A New Music City.”
Finney also co-wrote the accompanying exhibit book, which won the Chet Flippo Award for excellence in country music journalism from the International Country Music Conference.
The Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum Confirms Pete Finney Died At The Age Of 70
Sadly, Pete Finney died on Saturday, February 7, at the age of 70. The Country Music Hall of Fame shared the news, but did not disclose his cause of death.
The Hall of Fame’s post received many comments in remembrance of Finney:
“Pete was an absolute sweetheart of a human. He’ll be greatly missed in the Nashville music community,” wrote guitarist and composer Jeremy Fetzer.
Singer-songwriter Korby Lenker commented, “Finney was one of the first musicians I met when I moved here in 07. He was nice to me when he didn’t have to be. Over the years I was always glad to see him play and would often see him out supporting other musicians, either onstage or in the audience. What a loss to our community.”
“I’ve known and worked with Pete for many years. What a terrible loss,” wrote Grand Ole Opry member Mandy Barnett.
Allison Moorer also honored Finney in a touching tribute on her own Instagram page writing:
“Pete Finney and I traveled many miles and played many stages together. He was kind, smart, and incredibly talented. Nashville won’t be the same without him.”
See Moorer’s tribute in the post below.
Our prayers go out to everyone who knew and loved Pete Finney. May he rest in peace…
