Tommy White - 2022 Inductee
Tommy White is universally recognized as one of the undisputed kings of the pedal steel guitar. In Tommy's lifetime of work, he expanded the approach of the masters before him, then created his own unique brand of unmatched touch, taste, and tone on the revered instrument of his choice.
Tommy White was born on January 9th, 1960, in Louisville, Kentucky. His father, Tommy White, Jr., was an accomplished musician himself and became the primary influence in his son's development on the steel guitar. Tommy's father introduced him to various musical styles and multiple artists with diverse arrangements. As a child, Tommy was exposed to an assortment of different instruments, yet fell in love with, and quickly became proficient on, the pedal steel guitar.
Tommy was nine years old when he received his first pedal steel guitar in 1969. By age 10, Tommy was performing in small clubs and at special events in and around Louisville. His unbridled talent was undeniable. He immediately drew the attention of Grand Ole Opry star Stu Phillips. Within the year, Tommy began traveling with Stu's Band and performing at high school concerts and private parties as far away as Michigan. Still in his pre-teen years, Tommy worked with additional acts, including Red and Gene Stewart and Pee Wee King's Golden West Cowboys when schedules permitted.
Tommy was hired in 1974 as the steel guitarist for the Lincoln Jamboree in Hodgenville, Kentucky. At the age of 15, Ron Lashley of the Emmons' Guitar Company produced Tommy's first album, "Tommy White, 100 Proof Steel." In 1976, Tommy signed on with Grammy Award Winner Donna Fargo. For nine years, Tommy backed the future Country Music Hall of Famer in the studio and on stage as Donna toured the country.
In 1985, Tommy moved to Nashville and joined the White's Family Band. The Country/ Bluegrass group actively toured the country, playing up to 150 dates throughout the year.
In 1998 Tommy accepted a position at the Grand Ole Opry, where he has performed on Country Music's biggest stage for over 25 years. On his steel guitar in Country Music's most iconic venue Tommy has backed some of the music industry's most distinguished stars, including Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, Steve Wariner, Kenny Chesney, Garth Brooks, Lady Gaga, Jerry Lee Lewis, Dolly Parton, Amy Grant, Carrie Underwood, Billy Ray Cyrus, Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Taylor Swift, Sheryl Crow and so many more.
Tommy has showcased his unique musical skills on many platforms throughout his career. He has been featured on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, the Phil Donohue Show, the Merv Griffin Show, the Tommy Hunter Show, Austin City Limits, and Nashville Now. To help draw attention to his craft, Tommy collaborated with renowned steel guitarist Lloyd Green to produce the widely acclaimed production 'An Evening of E-9th' in the early 2000s.
Over the course of 6 decades in the music industry, Tommy has been honored for his work with numerous honors and awards. Yet perhaps his most significant accolade to date has been his induction into the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame in 2013 and now the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame.
Tommy White has undoubtedly had a significant impact on the Country Music Industry. He has played a major role in establishing the steel guitar as one of the most recognized signature sounds in all of country music. He has inspired a new generation of steel guitar players. Tommy White's appreciation for the traditional roots of country music and his reputation as one of the nicest individuals in Nashville has earned this gentle, brilliant pedal steel guitarist the love and respect of the entire Nashville Country Music establishment.