Robert Randolph Biography
As one of the most innovative and influential pedal steel guitarists of his generation, Robert Randolph blends gospel, rock, blues, and soul in a way that speaks to both his musical roots and modern-day artistry. His highly anticipated new solo album, Preacher Kids, set for release on Sun Records, marks a pivotal moment in his career. Produced by Shooter Jennings (known for his work with Brandi Carlile and Tanya Tucker), this album captures Randolph stepping outside of his work with the six-time Grammy-nominated Robert Randolph & The Family Band.
Recorded at Sunset Sound Studios in Los Angeles and Zac Brown’s Southern Ground Studios in Nashville, the project features a collective of musicians who, like Randolph, grew up as preachers’ kids. Together, they share stories of transitioning from church music to the world of rock and blues, while never losing the powerful spiritual connection that first inspired them. The sessions for this album began as a series of jam sessions, with Randolph and the band focusing on capturing the raw, live energy of their sound. Later, these jams were rounded out with songwriting sessions, where the songs took shape, maintaining the spirit and spontaneity of their original creation.
Raised in a close-knit, music-loving family, Randolph kicked off his musical journey in the House of God Church in Orange, New Jersey. It was there that he learned to play the pedal steel guitar, or “Sacred Steel,” a cornerstone of the church’s musical tradition. Randolph was immersed in the joy and intensity of gospel music from an early age. As a teenager, he honed his skills during church services, channeling the soulful, ecstatic energy of worship through his instrument. It wasn’t long before he began taking that energy outside the church, bringing his gospel-infused style to secular audiences and blazing a trail in the jam band, rock, and blues scenes. Over the years, Randolph has earned a reputation not only as a pedal steel guitar virtuoso but also as an acclaimed producer and composer.
He has also contributed to major musical moments across genres. Randolph performed with Luke Combs on a Charley Pride tribute for CMT, played on Jon Batiste’s We Are, which won the Grammy for Album of the Year, worked on the Elvis movie soundtrack, and performed on the Zac Brown Band’s tour. Most recently, he celebrated the Grammy win for Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter, for which he contributed pedal steel in “16 Carriages” and “Ya Ya.”
His reputation has led to collaborations with a diverse array of artists, including Dave Matthews Band, Santana, Norah Jones, Ozzy Osbourne, Eric Clapton, Rob Thomas, Hank Williams Jr., Elton John, Leon Russell, Raphael Saadiq, Robbie Robertson, Taj Mahal, Metallica, and Sheryl Crow.
His talent has also earned him 13 Emmy Awards for music scores featured in sports broadcasts across major TV networks. For the second consecutive year, Randolph was tapped to provide the theme music for Amazon Prime’s Thursday Night Football for both the pregame and halftime segments.
Though Robert Randolph’s work with the Family Band includes critically acclaimed albums like Unclassified, Colorblind, Lickety Split, and Brighter Days, his current projects are paving the way for a new chapter. Drawing from his gospel roots while exploring new musical landscapes, Randolph effortlessly blends the sacred and the secular. His music connects with fans across different genres, driven by a sound that is both deeply soulful and joyfully alive.
