Pete Drake Inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame

On September 11, 2010, Pete Drake was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame during the 32^nd Annual Georgia Music Hall of Fame Awards Show. Other inductees in the class of 2010 include India.Arie, The Black Crowes, and Jennifer Larmore. Held at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in North Atlanta, the ceremony was televised live on Georgia Public Television.

The awards were hosted by the Friends of Georgia Music Festival, a non-profit organization that honors the many achievements of Georgia musicians, songwriters, composers, conductors, publishers and agents. Each year, Friends of Georgia Music nominates, elects, and inducts honorees into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, celebrating individuals who have made a significant contribution to Georgia’s musical traditions.

Pete Drake was honored posthumously for his amazing career spanning four decades as an artist, producer and studio musician. Pete Drake recorded with hundreds of artists, including Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Tammy Wynetteand Waylon Jennings, just to name a few. He produced Ringo Starr‘s first solo album Beaucoups of Blues, as well as projects with Ernest Tubb, The Oak Ridge Boys and Charlie Louvin.

Pete’s wife and longtime business partner, Rose Drake, attended the ceremony and accepted the award in Pete’s honor.

“Pete was very proud of his Georgia roots, so it is really an honor for our family to have him recognized as a member of the Hall of Fame.  If he could have been here to attend the ceremony, I know he would have been thrilled,” said Rose Drake.

The complete list of 2010 honorees are as follows: Performer- Multi-GRAMMY® winning R&B Soulstress India.Arie; Group- Multi Platinum Rock and Roll Band The Black Crowes; Non-Performer- Industry leader in Artist Management Charlie Brusco; Classical outstanding American mezzo-soprano and GRAMMY® winner Jennifer Larmore; Pioneer- Virtuoso Classical Pianist Charles Wadsworth; Singer/Songwriter Paul Davis (posthumous); Steel Guitarist Pete Drake (posthumous); Blues Musician Rev. Pearly Brown; and renowned legendary songwriter John Jarrard.

The evening included live performances by The Black Crowes, Jennifer Larmore, legendary rock band Styx and the year’s Horizon Award recipient Spanish/Engish singer Tyna Q.  The distinguished Horizon Award is given to an up-and-coming performing artist or songwriter, either individual or group, with significant ties to the State of Georgia, and who is expected to make a significant future contribution to the world of music.