Charles Edward Flenory

(1948- 2017)

Charles Flenory was born March 18, 1948, in Cleveland OH. He was born to Bishop George and Mary Flenory. Charles is the proud father of three children. He began playing the lead guitar at the age of 5 years old and steel guitar at the age of 13. He played at the House of God Church in Cleveland Ohio. In 1986 he moved to Detroit MI where he played with the Legendary Bishop Ronnie P. Hall for over 30 years.

His greatest influences were Hall of Fame Members Calvin Cooke and Ronnie Hall. He was an assembly musician at the House of God in Nashville, TN. Charles Flenory is a songwriter and music arranger. He is well known for writing the Campbell Brothers hit song entitled “Jump for Joy” and played guitar on some of the tracks.

He was inspired by Hall of Member Felton W. Williams Jr. to learn sound recording. Charles, a 1977 graduate of the Recording Institute of Detroit Recording Engineering Program. Charles Flenory, Owner of Gospel Sound, received a Billboard Platinum award for the design and construction of the Platinum Sound Studios facilities in Atlanta, Georgia several years ago.

In 2004 Charles received the Special Motown Achievement Award presented by Bob Dennis. Charles E. Flenory was inducted into the Sacred Steel Hall of Fame in 2014.

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!