Fred L. Neal (1922-1991)
Fred Neal is on record as one of the earliest sacred steel players to travel with Bishop Mattie Lou Jewell, also known as Chief, in the early years of her church administration. Fred was born April 3, 1922, and in 1939 at the age of 17 years old, Chief Jewell heard Fred play in Corinth, Mississippi and was very impressed.
Mora Neal, Fred’s mother, allowed her son to join the church band and travel with Chief as she established new churches across the United States. Fred traveled and played the steel guitar for the church from 1939 to 1953, after which he relocated to Los Angeles, California.
People would come to the Los Angeles church just to hear him play. The spirit of God moved through the church as he played skillfully. He would even get happy himself while playing and would holler out!!
Fred was inducted into the 2010 Sacred Steel Hall of Fame in Toledo, Ohio.
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!
