Preserving The time-Honored
Hawaiian Steel Guitar
from an African American Perspective!
Mission Statement:
Our mission is to celebrate and promote the artistry of Sacred Steel musicians by curating historical records, organizing live performances, and fostering a deep appreciation for this unique musical tradition.
ABOUT US
Sacred Strings Records Inc. was founded in 2009 by Del Ray and Kelli Grace and later incorporated in August of 2012.
Under the umbrella of SSR Inc., they have established an avenue to preserve the rich musical legacy of African American steel guitar players, they host an annual Sacred Strings Showcase Concert, and they currently have 98 inductees in the Sacred Steel Hall of Fame.
They established the first Sacred Steel Music & History Museum here in Toledo, OH. The Museum is located within the Historic Old West End.
UPCominG EVENTS
Come out and Support
1 Year Anniversary Celebration
SACRED sTEEL MUSIC & hISTORY mUSEUM
Join Us in Celebrating the 1-Year Anniversary of the Sacred Steel Music & History Museum!
Schedule of Events:
10:00 am - 12:30 pm: Dive into history with our Museum Tour. Explore the rich legacy and captivating stories behind Sacred Steel music.
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Immerse yourself in the soulful sounds of Sacred Steel Music, enjoy the harmonious melodies of Quartet Music, and be inspired by powerful Spoken Word performances.
Sacred Steel Conventions
Our Unity Showcase Concerts feature performances by musicians from a variety of religious and cultural backgrounds, showcasing the power of music to bring people together. These concerts are a celebration of diversity and unity, and are not to be missed.
Founders
Sacred Strings Records, Inc.
Del Ray & Kelli Grace
the mecca of sacred steel
toledo, Ohio
Each year in August, many African American lap and pedal steel players make the pilgrimage to Toledo, Ohio for this annual celebration and live video recording.
The honorable mayor of the city of Toledo (Mayor Paula Hicks Hudson) proclaimed the month of August, Sacred Steel Music and History month in 2015.
The mayor personally hand delivered the proclamation to Del Ray and Kelli Grace, recognizing the importance of preserving the time-honored tradition of the steel guitar.
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!
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