For guitar aficionados, the term “Soul Music Guitar” often conjures images of wah-drenched Stratocasters, funky rhythm chops, and maybe the smooth tones of a semi-hollow body. But what if we told you there’s another, more unexpected instrument that quietly graced some of the greatest soul records of the 1970s? Prepare to be surprised, because the pedal steel guitar has a soulful history all its own.
The Unexpected Sound of Steel in Soul
Many might associate the pedal steel with country music, Hawaiian melodies, or perhaps even Western swing. Hearing it in a soul context can be initially jarring, a delightful curveball thrown into the expected sonic landscape. Take, for example, the classic track “Sadie” by The Spinners. For years, listeners have been captivated by its intricate arrangements and soulful vocals. Yet, lurking subtly in the mix, is the unmistakable shimmer of a pedal steel guitar, weaving counterpoint melodies alongside a wah-wah Strat. This discovery, as shared by a keen-eared listener on a guitar forum back in 2006, opens up a fascinating avenue to explore: the hidden world of pedal steel in 70s soul music.
Pioneers of Pedal Steel in Soul Music
While documentation might be scarce, anecdotal evidence and sharp ears point to the presence of pedal steel on numerous soul recordings from this golden era. Forum discussions and recollections from musicians themselves reveal some key players who brought the instrument into the soul realm.
Sneaky Pete Kleinow, renowned for his work with the Flying Burrito Brothers and his pioneering approach to pedal steel, is mentioned as a potential contributor to Stevie Wonder’s “Ebony Eyes.” While further confirmation might be needed, the very suggestion highlights the cross-genre appeal and versatility of players like Sneaky Pete.
Buddy Emmons, a titan of the pedal steel world, is another name that surfaces in connection to soul music. His session work spanned genres, and his distinctive sound could well have found its way onto soul tracks, though specific examples require more digging. Ray Charles’ genre-bending approach also makes him a plausible artist to have incorporated pedal steel, as mentioned in forum discussions regarding a soulful rendition of “I Feel so Bad I Feel Like a Ballgame on a Rainy Day.”
Adding a personal touch to this narrative, musician Dan Beller-McKenna recounts his own studio experience in 1981, contributing a steel guitar track to a Teddy Pendergrass song, “Don’t Leave Me Out Along the Road.” Though his part was ultimately largely removed from the released version, the anecdote confirms the intention and experimentation with pedal steel within the Philly soul scene. This glimpse behind the scenes reveals the producers’ openness to sonic exploration, even if not all experiments reached the final cut.
Iconic Soul Songs Featuring Pedal Steel Guitar (and Maybe Some You Should Listen To!)
Pinpointing definitive tracks with pedal steel in 70s soul can be a treasure hunt. Recordings often didn’t meticulously credit session musicians for each instrument, and the subtlety of the steel guitar could easily be missed in a dense mix. However, based on forum discussions and attentive listening, we can compile a potential playlist for the soul music guitar enthusiast:
- “Sadie” by The Spinners: The initial spark for this exploration, listen closely for the pedal steel interplay.
- “Don’t Leave Me Out Along the Road” by Teddy Pendergrass (Unreleased Version): While the released version reportedly lacks prominent steel, the story hints at its intended presence, making it a fascinating “what if.”
- “Ebony Eyes” by Stevie Wonder: Rumored to feature Sneaky Pete, this track warrants a focused listen to discern if the steel guitar is indeed present.
- “I Feel So Bad I Feel Like a Ballgame on a Rainy Day” by Ray Charles: Buddy Emmons’ possible contribution makes this a key track to investigate for soulful steel.
- “Sail On” by The Commodores: Red Rhodes is mentioned in connection to this track, suggesting another potential example from the later end of the 70s soul spectrum (early 80s).
- “Fairy Tale” by The Pointer Sisters: While leaning towards country-soul, this track showcases the versatility of the pedal steel in a soulful context.
Even “My Girl,” a Motown classic, is mentioned by a forum member as a favorite for pedal steel improvisation, demonstrating the instrument’s potential within the soul framework, even if not present in the original recording.
Why Pedal Steel Guitar and Soul Music?
The question arises: why pedal steel in soul music? What does this seemingly unconventional instrument bring to a genre already rich in sonic textures?
The answer likely lies in the pedal steel’s expressive capabilities and its ability to evoke deep emotion. Its weeping bends, shimmering chords, and sustained notes can add a layer of poignant beauty and yearning that complements the soulful vocals and lyrical themes of love, loss, and longing prevalent in 70s soul.
Furthermore, the pedal steel’s versatility allows it to blend surprisingly well with typical soul arrangements. It can mimic horn lines, fill in harmonic gaps, and provide a unique textural element that stands apart from guitars, keyboards, and horns, yet integrates seamlessly into the overall sonic tapestry. It occupies a unique sonic space, adding depth and richness without overpowering the other instruments.
The exploration of pedal steel in 70s soul music is a journey of rediscovery. It encourages us to listen beyond the surface, to appreciate the subtle nuances and unexpected instrumental choices that contributed to the rich tapestry of this genre. So, next time you’re spinning your favorite soul records from the 70s, lend an ear for the soulful steel guitar – you might be surprised by what you discover.
