Sacred Steel TV

Tune In with Host Del Ray Grace

Every Friday @ 9pm

& Saturdays @ 9:30am

Buckeye Broadband Channel 69

September 7, 2012, marked a significant milestone in the African American sacred steel community with the launch of the first-ever cable television program dedicated to the steel guitar from an African American perspective.

Produced by Del and Kelli Grace, The Best of Sacred Steel is a weekly 30-minute program featuring a dynamic mix of live performances and historical insights.

Audiences can tune in every Friday evening from 9:00 PM to 9:30 PM on Buckeye Broadband channel 69 in Toledo, Ohio, or access the content via YouTube and Facebook.

Building on this success, the Grace family introduced The Gospel of Sacred Steel on April 5, 2014.

This second television program, structured as a ten-week rotation, highlights individual performances by some of the most esteemed tradition bearers of sacred steel music.

Viewers can watch The Gospel of Sacred Steel every Saturday morning from 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM, also on Buckeye Broadband channel 69 in Toledo.

Buckeye Broadband, a major regional internet provider, serves communities across Michigan and Ohio.

With cable internet access reaching an estimated 550,000 people, the company ranks as the 23rd largest provider of cable broadband in the United States based on coverage area.

Spotlight Profiles

Sacred Steel TV Program can be viewed by clicking on the images below

AGPB

The Amazing Grace Praise Band is a distinguished ensemble of musicians rooted in the Jewell Dominion branch of Mother Tate’s Church of the Living God. Led by lap steel guitarist Del Ray Grace Sr., the band stands as a powerful force within the Sacred Steel Praise Ensemble, dedicated to uplifting worship through music.

Del’s musical journey was shaped by the legendary tradition bearers of the Sacred Steel Movement, including Wayne White, Felton Williams, James "Tubby" Golden, Yolando Ramsey, and Lorenzo Harrison. Their influence helped him cultivate his passion and refine his artistry, which he now channels into leading this dynamic group.

The band's talented lineup includes:

· Jay Caver – Lead Guitar (Brother-in-law)

· Del Ray Grace Jr. – Bass Guitar (Son)

· Chris Pope – Drums (Nephew)

· Tressa Boles – Lead Vocals

· Kelli Grace – Tambourine (Wife)

Together, their collective mission is to praise the Lord through the power of string instruments, offering a heartfelt spiritual sacrifice through music. Their performances embody deep reverence, energy, and a commitment to preserving the sacred steel tradition.

The Campbell Brothers

The Campbell Brothers, based in Rochester, New York, are celebrated for their contributions to the Sacred Steel tradition within the Keith Dominion, House of God Church. Under the guidance and support of their father, Bishop Charles Campbell, the group has developed a distinctive and influential sound that has shaped the genre.

The band consists of:

Chuck Campbell – Pedal Steel Guitar

Darick Campbell – Lap Steel Guitar

Phil Campbell – Rhythm Guitar

Daric Bennett – Bass Guitar

Carlton Campbell – Drums

Chuck Campbell, a pioneering figure in sacred steel music, was the first to introduce the pedal steel guitar into the Keith Dominion tradition. His innovative approach has influenced countless musicians, establishing him as a trendsetter in the genre.

The Campbell Brothers have brought their music to audiences worldwide, ministering across the United States, Europe, Japan, and Africa. Their journey has been one of faith and perseverance, as they continue to balance their spiritual mission with the desire to share the unique sound of sacred steel with new audiences.

Calvin Cooke

Calvin, born on January 11, 1944, in Cleveland, Ohio, has been a devoted and influential figure in the sacred steel tradition for decades. His musical journey began at the age of 14, performing within the Pentecostal circuit as a member of the Jewell Dominion Church of the Living God.

Immersed in the church’s rich musical environment, he developed a deep understanding of the spiritual and transformative power of music. Later, Calvin joined the Keith Dominion Church, where he refined his craft as both a steel guitarist and vocalist. His exceptional talent and anointed artistry have allowed him to inspire audiences worldwide, ministering through music and touching countless lives as he traveled in the name of Jesus.

A revered role model for aspiring steel guitarists, Calvin’s contributions to sacred steel music remain unparalleled. As the most decorated sacred steel musician to date, his legacy is defined by both his unwavering dedication to the genre and the numerous honors he has received throughout the secular music world. His influence will endure for generations, preserving and advancing the tradition of sacred steel.

Aubrey Ghent

With over 40 years of dedication to the lap steel guitar, Aubrey stands as a true legend and master artist within the sacred steel tradition. His passion for the instrument emerged at the young age of six, and after three years of rigorous practice, he began playing in church services at just nine years old.

Aubrey’s remarkable skill quickly gained recognition, leading to invitations from local churches and community events eager to feature his talent. As his reputation grew, he expanded his reach beyond his hometown, traveling to cities and states across the country.

Through his performances, he shared the gospel of sacred steel, earning national acclaim for his distinctive style and extraordinary technique. His contributions continue to inspire and shape the legacy of sacred steel music.

Maurice Ted Beard Jr.

Elder Maurice Ted Beard, born on June 15, 1935, to Maurice Sr. and Fannie Mae (Asberry) Beard, emerged as a pioneering figure in the sacred steel tradition. His musical journey began as a member of the Jewell Dominion Church of the Living God, where he played steel guitar alongside his brothers, Douglas and Billy Beard, in Detroit, Michigan.

The Beard family later joined the Keith Dominion House of God Church, where Ted ascended to the role of Chief Musician and National Music Coordinator. Renowned for his expertise and innovation, he became one of the foremost practitioners of sacred steel music, shaping its evolution and inspiring generations of musicians. Ordained as pastor of the Joy Road House of God Church in Detroit in 1987, Elder Beard continued to expand his musical contributions.

He recorded an audio CD featuring his signature songs, hymnals, and church tunes, and produced an instructional video, sharing foundational techniques for aspiring sacred steel players. Elder Beard’s influence is profound—he established a standard of excellence by which many steel guitarists in the Keith Dominion Church are measured. His legacy was formally recognized with the Legends Award in 2009, followed by his induction into the Sacred Steel Hall of Fame in 2010, cementing his place as a trailblazer in the sacred steel tradition.

Ronnie P. Hall

Bishop Ronnie P. Hall, a distinguished figure in the sacred steel tradition, was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, to Deacon Phillip and Elder Ruby Hall. A multi-talented musician, he is fluent in playing the steel, rhythm, and bass guitars, showcasing exceptional versatility and artistry.

Hall’s passion for music emerged around the age of eight or nine, but his journey as a dedicated performer truly began in 1953 when he started playing regularly at the Ecorse, Michigan Church of the Living God. It was here that he refined his distinctive style while remaining deeply rooted in the Jewell Dominion Steel Guitar Tradition.

His early influences included the revered Teacher Felton Williams Jr. and Bishop Lorenzo Harrison, both central figures in the sacred steel movement. Recognizing the importance of preserving his legacy, Hall founded Golden Sacred Strings Inc., ensuring his body of work remains documented for future generations of African American steel guitarists.

His impact extends beyond music, as he continues to serve as the senior pastor of Mt. Carmel Full Gospel Assemblies Inc., guiding his community with wisdom and faith.

In recognition of his contributions to sacred steel music, Bishop Ronnie P. Hall was inducted into the Sacred Steel Hall of Fame in Toledo, Ohio, in 2010, cementing his place among the legends of the tradition.

Kashiah Hunter

Willie Kashiah III, born on February 20, 1977, in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, is a highly skilled and versatile musician known for his talents as a steel guitarist, bass guitarist, and vocalist. The son of Bishop Willie and Elder Gail P. Hunter of Macon, Georgia, Kashiah has been a dedicated contributor to the sacred steel tradition.

His musical journey began in 1994 as a steel guitarist, eventually leading him to co-found the sacred steel band Kashiah Hunter & the ATL CREW. Drawing inspiration from revered musicians such as Andy Mims, Dwayne Snelling, Darick Campbell, and Dante Harmon, he refined his craft and developed a distinctive style.

The ATL CREW features a talented ensemble, including:

Brian Bush – Drums

Ron Walker – Bass Guitar

Brian Render – Rhythm Guitar

Kashiah Hunter – Pedal Steel & Vocals

Committed to their mission, the ATL CREW aims to glorify God through music, using their talents to inspire, uplift, and bring healing to those in need. Their dedication to worship and musical excellence continues to leave a profound impact on audiences.

Joseph Randall

Joseph Randall of Pompano Beach, Florida, is an exceptionally skilled musician and a profoundly gifted steel guitarist. His anointed playing has touched countless lives as he shares his talent across the world, ministering through music in the name of Jesus.

As a respected figure in the Florida sacred steel community, Joe serves as a role model for aspiring steel guitarists, inspiring the next generation with his dedication and artistry. His recent appointment as head of the music department for the state of Florida reflects his leadership and ongoing commitment to preserving and advancing the tradition of sacred steel music.

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.