Hank DeVito

Henry M. "Hank" DeVito is an American musician and photographer known primarily for his pedal steel guitar work and songwriting.

Hank DeVito
Birth nameHenry M. DeVito
GenresRock music, country music
Occupation(s)Musician
InstrumentsPedal steel guitar
Years active1968–present
Associated actsNew York Rock & Roll Ensemble, Emmylou Harris, The Notorious Cherry Bombs

Biography

After high school, DeVito attended the School of Visual Arts in New York City. He studied graphic arts and intended to pursue a career as a graphic designer. But he also began playing music gigs in 1968.[1]

The New York Rock and Roll Ensemble

In 1970, DeVito joined the New York Rock & Roll Ensemble which also included Michael Kamen and Dorian Rudnytsky.[2]

Emmylou Harris Hot Band

DeVito was an original member of Emmylou Harris's Hot Band, along with James Burton (electric guitar), Glen Hardin (piano), Rodney Crowell (acoustic guitar), John Ware (drums), and Emory Gordy Jr. (bass).[3][4] In 2004, Emmylou and the Hot Band original members (including DeVito) reunited for an evening when Emmylou was awarded the ASCAP Founders Award.[5]

The Cherry Bombs

DeVito was also an original member of the Hot Band offshoot The Cherry Bombs, a band formed to support Rodney Crowell and Rosanne Cash on tour in the early 1980s. Besides DeVito, the band included Vince Gill (guitar), Tony Brown (keyboards), Larrie Londin (drums), and Emory Gordy Jr. (bass). In 2003, they reunited to record the Notorious Cherry Bombs album.[6][7][8]

Session work

As a session musician, DeVito worked with Hoyt Axton, Arlo Guthrie, Tim Krekel, Nicolette Larson, Ralph McTell, Buck Owens, Ricky Skaggs, George Strait, and others.

Songwriting

DeVito has written many songs, and a number of them were successful. Examples include "If You Change Your Mind" by Rosanne Cash, "Sweet Little Lisa" by Dave Edmunds, "Blue Side of Town" by Patty Loveless and "Queen of Hearts" by Juice Newton.[9]

Photography

Parallel to his music career, DeVito has also been an accomplished photographer, inspired by Berenice Abbott and Walker Evans. One of his photos, used as an album cover for "King's Record Shop" by Rosanne Cash in 1987 won a Grammy award. His photographs of Nashville images have been displayed at the Tennessee State Museum and other museums and galleries.[1][10]

Discography
Main article: Hank DeVito discography

References
  1. W. Knowles, Susan (July 1, 2015). "Hank DeVito: Places I Remember". Nashville Arts. Retrieved June 30, 2017.
  2. "The New York Rock Ensemble – Roll Over / Freedomburger". Rockasteria. Retrieved June 30, 2017.
  3. Scott Cain, Michael (April 4, 2017). The Americana Revolution: From Country and Blues Roots to the Avett Brothers, Mumford & Sons, and Beyond (1 ed.). Retrieved June 5, 2017.
  4. Betts, Stephen L. (July 27, 2016). "Flashback: See Emmylou Harris's Delicate 'Together Again' on the BBC". Rolling Stone. Retrieved June 30, 2017.
  5. "Emmylou Harris". James Burton website. Retrieved June 30, 2017.
  6. Ankeny, Jason. "Notorious Cherry Bombs". Billboard. Retrieved June 5, 2017.
  7. Woodstra, Chris (2008). Contemporary Country (1 ed.). Retrieved June 30, 2017.
  8. Mansfield, Brian (August 6, 2004). "Cherry Bombs Burst Back on Country Scene". USA Today. Archived from the original on March 24, 2018. Retrieved July 1, 2017.
  9. "Hank DeVito". SecondHandSongs. Retrieved June 30, 2017.
  10. "Places I Remember: Photographs of Nashville by Hank DeVito". Now Playing Nashville. Retrieved June 30, 2017.
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