Nashville A-Team Session Guitarist Pete Wade Dead at 89

Pete Wade, the Nashville A-Team guitarist who played on recordings such as Ray Price's "Crazy Arms" and George Jones' "He Stopped Loving Her Today," died on Tuesday (Aug. 27), according to a statement from the Country Music Hall of Fame. He was 89 years old.

Born in Norfolk, Va., Herman "Pete" B. Wade moved to Nashville to pursue music at 19 years old. He quickly gained a footing as part of Ray Price's band on the Grand Ole Opry stage. He was one of Price's backing band, the Cherokee Cowboys — an all-star group that also included, for a short time, a young Willie Nelson on bass. Wade also toured with stars like Kitty Wells, Jean Shepard, Roger Miller and more, as well as playing in the Opry house band.

Wade moved into session musician work, and his guitarwork featured prominently on Price's "Crazy Arms," Price's career-making No. 1 country hit from 1956. That song would go on to be inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.

By the late 1960s, Wade was a full-time session player. Over the course of his career, he played on classic country songs like "He Stopped Loving Her Today," as well as Charley Pride's "Mountain of Love," Loretta Lynn's "Fist City," Jeannie C. Riley's "Harper Valley P.T.A. " and Tanya Tucker's "Delta Dawn."

Additionally, his guitar work is featured on albums by Reba McEntire, John Anderson and more.

Wade released a book about his life, including a foreword from Willie Nelson, in 2021. He was also honored with a "Nashville Cats" program at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in 2016.

No cause of death was immediately available. According to an obituary, Wade died with his family by his side. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary, and survived by his three children, as well as multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be private.