Calvin Cooke: The "B.B. King of Gospel Steel Guitar"

Influence and Musical Legacy

Widely regarded as the "B.B. King of gospel steel guitar," Calvin Cooke is one of the most influential musicians in the House of God, Keith Dominion, an African American Holiness-Pentecostal church where the electric steel guitar has been an integral part of worship services since the late 1930s. Since his teen years, Cooke has played soulful hymns and driving praise and shout music during weekly services. His commitment to the sacred steel tradition has been a cornerstone of his career, serving for more than three decades as a principal steel guitarist at the church’s annual 10-day national General Assembly in Nashville.

Early Life and Sacred Steel Tradition

Born in 1944 in Cleveland, Ohio, Cooke was raised in a musical family that belonged to the Church of the Living God, Jewell Dominion, a congregation with a rich steel guitar tradition. He brought the Jewell music influence—known for slower tempos and boogie rhythms—to the Keith Dominion when he joined in 1958. One of the few sacred steel guitarists to combine singing with his guitar work, Cooke has pioneered techniques that showcase both lap steel and pedal steel innovation. His unique tuning for the 10-string pedal steel—which he attributes to a vision—has set him apart as a true innovator.

Expanding Sacred Steel to Secular Audiences

As the most decorated sacred steel player to date, Cooke has received numerous honors in both religious and secular settings. While maintaining deep connections to his church and its sacred steel roots, he has introduced the tradition to broader audiences, performing at festivals and venues across the United States and Europe. His impact extends to media and literature—he was featured in the documentary Sacred Steel on Austin City Limits, and his work was highlighted in the book Sacred Steel: Inside an African American Steel Guitar Tradition, solidifying his significance in shaping the genre for over half a century.

Recognitions and Ongoing Legacy

Cooke has been honored with awards from Sacred Steel Convention, Detroit Music Awards, Sacred Strings Showcase, and his induction into the Sacred Steel Hall of Fame. In 2009, he relocated to Georgia, where he continues to play in churches, festivals, and concerts across the country. Despite his move, he remains closely connected to Detroit, maintaining strong ties with churches, musicians, and family in Michigan.