Alvin McBurney (July 11907 ? February 2 2004), known by his stage name Alvino Rey, was an American swing era musician, often credited as the father of the pedal steel guitar. He was mainly associated with orchestral, big band and swing music, and towards the end of his career, jazz and exotica. Early life Alvin McBurney was born in Oakland, California, but moved to Cleveland, Ohio at age ten. His interest in music grew when he received a banjo as a birthday gift. He practiced amplifying acoustic instruments as a teenager, starting with this first banjo. His career began in 1927, when he played banjo with Ev Jones. He signed to Phil Spitalny that same year, playing electric guitar in Phil Spitalny's Orchestra. During this time he also studied guitar with vaudeville performer Roy Smeck. Professional musical career Horace Heidt Alvin played in other bands, including alongside such names