Country Music Mourns the Loss of Tommy Detamore at 70
Country musician, producer and acclaimed pedal steel guitarist Tommy Detamore died Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at age 70. His wife of 41 years, Sandra Detamore, confirmed his sudden passing.
Detamore was widely respected for his work as a pedal steel guitarist, producer, recording engineer and studio musician. During a career spanning more than four decades, he worked with artists including Ray Price, Ronnie Milsap, Johnny Bush, Doug Sahm, The Texas Tornados, Robert Earl Keen and many others.
A Virginia native, Detamore moved to Texas in 1981 and later toured extensively with Moe Bandy, performing across the United States and Europe. He also appeared on Grand Ole Opry, Hee Haw and Nashville Now.
He later founded Cherry Ridge Studio in Floresville, Texas, where he produced and recorded countless country and Americana projects.
In November 2025, he was honored as Steel Guitar Player of the Year at the Texas Country Music Awards.
His wife remembered him as a gifted musician, mentor, collaborator and “the love of my life.”
A cause of death has not been publicly announced.
His music and influence will continue to live on in country music.