Elder Sam Windham: Musician, Minister, and Sacred Steel Pioneer

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Elder Sam Windham was born on January 3, 1932, in Heidelberg, Mississippi. At the age of eleven, he relocated with his family to Charleston, South Carolina, due to his mother’s wartime employment. By 1943, he had moved to New York City, where he began learning the Hawaiian guitar, a skill that would shape his future contributions to gospel music.

Sacred Steel and Gospel Legacy

Windham’s musical career flourished as the Hawaiian steel guitarist for the renowned Clara Ward and the Ward Singers of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His steel guitar artistry was prominently featured on recordings for Gotham and Savoy Records, and he also accompanied the Angelic Choir on several early projects, further establishing his presence in gospel music.

Ministry and Pastoral Leadership

In 1956, Windham answered his calling to the ministry and was later ordained as an Elder in the Church of God in Christ in 1958. He went on to serve as the pastor of Samuel’s Temple Church of God in Christ, Inc., located at 75 East 125th Street in New York City, providing spiritual guidance to his congregation.

Recordings and Legacy

His influence extended beyond performance and ministry—he recorded a live album with W&W Records, entitled A Vision of Heaven, capturing the passion and spirituality that defined his musical and ministerial journey. Elder Sam Windham’s contributions to gospel music and the sacred steel tradition remain significant, leaving a lasting impact on both the genre and the communities he served.