Pete Wade, a towering figure in country music known for his unforgettable contributions to the genre, has passed away at the age of 89. Wade, who was celebrated as a key member of Nashville’s renowned “A Team” of session musicians, died on August 28th in Hendersonville, Tennessee, where he had recently been receiving hospice care.
Wade’s legacy in country music is defined by his remarkable work across a broad spectrum of iconic recordings. Among his notable contributions are his guitar work on Ray Price’s #1 hit “Crazy Arms,” his unforgettable performance on George Jones’s classic “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” and his distinctive steel guitar on Bob Dylan’s “Lay Lady Lay.”
While Wade’s session work is widely recognized, his career began with live performances in some of country music’s most legendary bands. He was a member of Ray Price’s Cherokee Cowboys during two stints, from 1954 to 1958 and from 1960 to 1963. He also played with Faron Young’s Country Deputies from 1957 to 1958, and shared the stage with renowned artists such as Kitty Wells, Ferlin Husky, Roger Miller, Jean Shepard, and Elvis Presley.
Over a career spanning six decades, Wade became a staple in country music studios, contributing to recordings from the 1950s through the 2000s. His session credits include work on albums by Linda Ronstadt, Kitty Wells, Johnny Paycheck, Jerry Lee Lewis, Waylon Jennings, Kenny Rogers, Joan Baez, and many others. Noteworthy tracks featuring Wade’s guitar include Loretta Lynn’s “Fist City,” Crystal Gayle’s “Don’t It Make Your Brown Eyes Blue,” and Tanya Tucker’s “Delta Dawn.”
In addition to his session work, Wade was a part of the supergroup Area Code 615, which released a self-titled album in 1969. Renowned for his versatility, Wade was not only a lead guitarist—praised by Ray Price as his “favorite electric lead guitar”—but also a skilled multi-instrumentalist adept at playing bass, steel guitar, and more. His ability to seamlessly collaborate with steel guitarists, thanks to his own understanding of the instrument, was particularly revered.
Originally from Norfolk, Virginia, Wade moved to Nashville at the age of 19 to pursue a career in music, quickly establishing himself by working with Ray Price. His autobiography, My Life, My Guitar, My God’s Plan, co-written with Scot England and published in 2021, details his remarkable journey through the world of country music.
Pete Wade’s influence and contributions to the genre will be remembered and celebrated by fans and fellow musicians alike.
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