Tommy Detamore, Pedal Steel Icon and Producer, Dies at 70

Tommy Detamore, a veteran pedal steel guitarist, producer, and recording engineer, died on August 5, 2026, at age 70. His wife, Sandra Detamore, announced the loss in a Facebook post the same day, describing the death as “sudden” and noting that no cause was disclosed.

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Born in Charlottesville, Virginia, Detamore began playing guitar in high school and later studied pedal steel under legendary steel guitarist Buddy Charleton. He moved to Texas in 1981, first joining Darrell McCall’s band and a year later becoming the primary steel guitarist for Moe Bandy, touring for seven years and appearing on the Grand Ole Opry, *Hee-Haw* and *Nashville Now*. In 1991 he founded Cherry Ridge Studio in Floresville, Texas, which became a hub for traditional country, western swing, and Americana recordings. Over four decades he worked with artists such as Ray Price, Johnny Bush, Ronnie Milsap, Jim Lauderdale, Doug Sahm, The Texas Tornados, Sunny Sweeney, and emerging talent Ty Myers.

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• Inducted into the Texas Steel Guitar Association Hall of Fame in 2019.

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• Named Steel Guitarist of the Year at the 2025 Texas Country Music Awards.

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• Produced, mixed, or mastered more than 150 albums and performed on over 300 recordings.

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• Earned a Grammy nomination in 2001 for Bill Kirchen’s “Poultry in Motion.”

Tommy Detamore dies on Wednesday, August 5, at 70

• A project he produced and performed on achieved Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) platinum certification in 2025.

Tommy Detamore Dies At 70, Country Music Producer Remembered

The post also expressed the family’s desire to honor him with a gathering for friends, relatives, and the broader music community, while noting that funeral details had not yet been released.

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• “It is with a broken heart, I share that my husband of 41 years, Tommy Detamore, went home to be with the Lord yesterday,” — La Vernia. Sandra

Tommy Detamore, respected country musician and producer, dies at 70

• “Tommy was and will always be remembered as a respected musician, producer, collaborator, mentor, and creative force in Country Music,” — La Vernia. Sandra

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• “His work has and will always leave a lasting mark in the country music community,” — La Vernia. Sandra

Tommy Detamore, respected country musician and producer, dies at 70

• “Please continue to pray for me and my family and our Drama Kids Staff as we figure out how to honor my beloved ‘Steelman,’” — La Vernia. Sandra

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• “Not to mention the love of my life,” — La Vernia. Sandra

Tommy Detamore Dies At 70, Country Music Producer Remembered

Sandra Detamore indicated that the family is planning a public celebration of Detamore’s life, though specific dates and formats have not been announced. Fans and fellow musicians are expected to share tributes and memories in the coming weeks.

Tommy Detamore, respected country musician and producer, dies at 70