James Rusher Sherman (1936 - 2023)
James R. Sherman began playing the steel guitar in the mid 1950’s at the age of fifteen years old. James took steel guitar lessons for a short time and learned to read sheet music. He learned to play the sacred steel style under the tutelage of Felton W. Williams Jr., Lorenzo L. Harrison, Calvin Shaw and many others.
James later joined the Church of the Living God Band #2, where his mother, Elder Luzenia Sherman was pastor. It was here that James began to advance as a steel guitar player. Parents are the late Elder Rusher and Elder Luzenia Sherman. James married Ella Cummings Sherman, and together they have three wonderful children. He is currently Bishop over Trinity Central West Diocese.
James Rusher Sherman was inducted into the Sacred Steel Hall of Fame in 2010.
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!
