Country musician and producer Tommy Detamore has died at the age of 70, his family announced.
Detamore’s wife, Sandra, confirmed the news in a statement on Facebook, writing, “It is with a broken heart, I share that my husband of 41 years, Tommy Detamore went home to be with the Lord yesterday, Wednesday, August 5, 2026.”
She said that Detamore will always be remembered as “a respected musician, producer, collaborator, mentor, and creative force in Country Music.”
“His work has and will always leave a lasting mark in the country music community. His Godgiven gift for playing and producing music allowed him to lift others up and help shape the sound of country music we hear today. Dr. Tom.. Sir Punchalot …Drama Papa … The Man …were just a few names people called him. Just recently we were celebrating another project he produced and played on that went platinum,” she continued.
“My son Thomas Detamore and I take comfort in knowing he is at peace and is now with his family and that his music will live on and will be cherished forever,” Sandra added. “Please continue to pray for me and my family and our Drama Kids Staff as we figure out how to honor my beloved ‘Steelman'”
Sandra added that she is currently making funeral plans and wants to make sure Detamore is “celebrated with family and friends and the community.”
“This way we can all say our goodbyes, since this was so sudden,” she added.
The cause of Detamore’s death was not revealed.
On July 23, Detamore wrote on Facebook that he was unable to attend the Cowtown Society of Western Music event.
“Special thanks to the Cowtown Society of Western Music for honoring me with a ‘Hero Of Western Swing’ award today at their ceremony in Wichita Falls, Texas. I was unfortunately unable to attend, so I also thank my friend Michael Markwardt for accepting on my behalf,” he wrote.
Detamore began playing the pedal steel guitar in the 1970s and built a decades-long career in country music.
He founded Cherry Ridge Studio in Floresville, Texas, in 1991 and worked with artists including Ray Price, Jim Lauderdale, Tommy Alverson, James Talley, and more.
Many musicians took to social media to share their condolences once news of Detamore’s passing spread.
Country singer Sunny Sweeney wrote, “With the most giant broken heart, I want to wish my great friend and mentor, Tommy Detamore, smooth sailing up to heaven. I just spoke with him three days ago and we discussed a new project we were gonna work on.”
“Our hearts are with Tommy’s family, friends and fans. It’s hard to find the right words right now. He will be missed terribly,” singer-songwriter Jim Lauderdale wrote in a Facebook post.