The Legacy of Sneaky Pete Kleinow: Connecting Country Rock to Iconic Film Magic
(Credits: Far Out / Gram Parsons / Album Cover / Warner Bros.)
In the realm of music and film, few figures are as fascinating and multifaceted as Sneaky Pete Kleinow. This article delves into the life of a man whose contributions have left an indelible mark on both the world of country rock and the film industry.
Back when I was in my final year at college, my roommate and I made an unusual choice for our apartment mascot – a pet tortoise we affectionately named ‘Sneaky Pete.’ The name was not just whimsically fitting for a turtle; it was a tribute to the legendary musician Sneaky Pete Kleinow. The connection allowed us to share stories about this remarkable man whose talents spanned beyond just one artistic field.
Kleinow gained prominence as a vital member of the legendary Flying Burrito Brothers, where he collaborated with notable musicians like Chris Hillman and Gram Parsons. Renowned for his expertise on the pedal steel guitar, he became one of the most sought-after session musicians in Los Angeles during the 1970s. His impressive resume includes collaborations with iconic artists such as Joni Mitchell, John Lennon, Frank Zappa, Stevie Wonder, Fleetwood Mac, and Leonard Cohen.
When Sneaky Pete Kleinow passed away in 2007 at the age of 72 following a battle with Alzheimer’s disease, one might expect that every obituary would begin by detailing his extensive musical accomplishments. Surprisingly, music was only one aspect of Kleinow's diverse creative career, and perhaps not even the most significant.
In the 1960s, before he joined the Burrito Brothers, Kleinow was immersed in the world of television as a visual effects artist in Los Angeles. His work included being part of the crew for the cult classic sci-fi series, The Outer Limits, as well as serving as a stop-motion animator on beloved children’s shows like Davey & Goliath and Gumby. Additionally, he composed the theme music for Gumby, showcasing his musical talent even at that early stage in his career.
Even after achieving success as a highly sought-after steel guitarist, Kleinow continued to engage in the world of special effects. In the mid-1970s, he balanced his time between animating dinosaurs for the classic TV show Land of the Lost and laying down his signature steel guitar tracks for well-known artists like Harry Nilsson and Carly Simon. Remarkably, his dual careers did not hinder each other; rather, they coexisted harmoniously. By the 1980s, he contributed to some of the biggest films of the time, including The Empire Strikes Back, The Terminator, Gremlins, and Army of Darkness, even winning an Emmy for Outstanding Special Visual Effects for his work on the television miniseries The Winds of War in 1983.
Kleinow’s unique ability to navigate both the music and film industries meant that he played crucial roles behind the scenes, creating impactful contributions while remaining relatively unknown to the general public—except perhaps in homes with pet tortoises serving as mascots.
As a pioneer of the country-rock genre, Kleinow's influence is undeniable. While his bandmate Gram Parsons garnered a larger following due to heartfelt classics like ‘Sin City’ and ‘Hot Burrito #1,’ Kleinow provided the essential textures and moods that enriched these tracks. He was known for experimenting with the steel guitar by incorporating fuzzboxes and Hammond Leslie amps, giving the instrument a more dynamic and edgy sound than its usual mournful tone.
As the country-rock movement gained traction in the 1970s, Kleinow's innovative techniques significantly shaped how steel guitar was approached in the genre. His influence can be traced through the music of renowned bands like the Grateful Dead and the Eagles, as well as during the resurgence of alt-country in the 1990s with groups such as the Lemonheads, Wilco, and the Jayhawks, who all acknowledged his contributions.
Sadly, both Sneaky Pete the musician and the tortoise are no longer with us, yet the impact they left on the world remains, enriching the lives of those who appreciate their legacies.
