Jake Penrod

East Texan Jake Penrod has been a mainstay in the Austin music scene for well over a decade, but he makes his home near quiet Athens, TX, just inside the fringe of the pine curtain.

While widely known as the bandleader of his renowned Million-Dollar Cowboys, he emerged in 2024 with a side-project called “Penrod Steel Inc.”, fronting the band from the pedal steel guitar. When he’s not leading his own band, Jake often plays the role of sideman, playing steel and guitar with other bands, including famed Austin supergroup “Heybale!” since 2022.

Jake is an avid disciple of the pedal steel giants of the 60’s and 70’s, and while he says he can’t pick a favorite, he cites Lloyd Green, Ralph Mooney, and Jimmy Day as the three biggest influences on his playing.

‘67 Fingertip S-10 (not currently operational)