Preserving The
time-Honored
Hawaiian Steel Guitar
from an African American Perspective!
Mission Statement:
Our mission is to celebrate and promote the artistry of Sacred Steel musicians by curating historical records, organizing live performances, and fostering a deep appreciation for this unique musical tradition.
ABOUT US
Sacred Strings Records Inc. was founded in 2009 by Del Ray and Kelli Grace and later incorporated in August of 2012.
Under the umbrella of SSR Inc., they have established an avenue to preserve the rich musical legacy of African American steel guitar players, they host an annual Sacred Strings Showcase Concert, and they currently have 98 inductees in the Sacred Steel Hall of Fame.
They established the first Sacred Steel Music & History Museum here in Toledo, OH. The Museum is located within the Historic Old West End.
UPCominG EVENTS
Come out and Support
Sacred Steel Outdoor Festival
Join us for an unforgettable day featuring the Living Legends of the Sacred Steel Tradition, Quartet Artists, and Spoken Word Performers!
Enjoy local vendors, food trucks, and many more exciting activities! The festival will take place on Saturday, August 16, 2025, in the parking lot of Tabernacle Toledo, 531 Pinewood Ave, Toledo, OH 43604.
Sacred Steel Conventions
Our Sacred Strings Showcase Concerts feature performances by musicians from a variety of religious and cultural backgrounds, showcasing the power of music to bring people together. These concerts are a celebration of diversity and unity. The genre continues to be a significant part of American musical heritage, blending faith, history, and exceptional musicianship
Founders
Sacred Strings Records, Inc.
Del Ray & Kelli Grace
the mecca of
sacred steel
toledo, Ohio
The annual Sacred Steel Music and History celebration in Toledo, Ohio, is a significant event that brings together African American lap and pedal steel guitarists to honor and preserve this unique musical tradition. In 2015, Mayor Paula Hicks Hudson officially recognized the importance of Sacred Steel by proclaiming August as Sacred Steel Music and History Month. This proclamation was personally delivered to Del Ray and Kelli Grace, acknowledging their dedication to documenting and preserving the legacy of the steel guitar within the African American gospel tradition. Their efforts have contributed to the establishment of the Sacred Steel Music & History Museum, which serves as a vital archive for historical recordings, memorabilia, and educational resources. The museum features an extensive collection of artifacts, including steel guitars, photographs, and recordings from legendary musicians. It also houses an archive and research center, providing visitors with access to decades of performances, interviews, and documentaries. Through these initiatives, Toledo continues to be a central hub for the preservation and celebration of Sacred Steel music.
FAQS
What is Sacred Steel?
Sacred Steel is an African-American gospel tradition that features the steel guitar in religious services. It originated in Pentecostal churches in the 1930s
Where did Sacred Steel originate?
It developed in the Church of the Living God, particularly in the Keith and Jewell Dominions.
How did Sacred Steel gain popularity?
Sacred Steel gained wider recognition through performances by artists like Robert Randolph, Calvin Cooke, Aubrey Ghent and the Campbell Brothers, who brought the genre to international fame.
God Bless Sacred Steel!
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