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United States Robert Randolph has established himself as an innovative pedal steel guitarist, blending gospel, rock, blues, and soul in his musical endeavors.
Robert Randolph has a rich history of collaborations, extending to artists often compared to the Allman Brothers.
Robert Randolph collaborated with Beyoncé on her album 'Cowboy Carter,' contributing pedal steel to tracks like '16 Carriages' and 'Ya Ya.'
Robert Randolph and the Family Band worked on a collaboration with O.A.R. and are also working on new music.
Jessica Lynn joined Robert Randolph on stage for a special collaboration at the Pleasantville Music Festival.
Robert Randolph has collaborated with Dave Matthews Band. His reputation has led to collaborations with a diverse array of artists.
Robert Randolph participated in The Band Fuel Project, a tragedy-inspired music collaboration with Brian Bouma.
Robert Randolph worked with producer T-Bone Burnett on his fourth studio album, 'We Walk This Road'.
Robert Randolph is performing at the Outermost Roots & Blues Festival, which also features G. Love and Special Sauce.
Born Robert Jermaine Randolph on August 8, 1977, in Irvington, New Jersey, Robert Randolph initiated his musical journey within the House of God Church. In this setting, he received training in playing the pedal steel guitar, referred to within many African-American Pentecostal churches as “sacred steel.” His early exposure to music was primarily non-religious, becoming familiar with the instrument through church services and developing a style that would later merge spiritual intensity with secular rock and blues influences. Randolph’s talent was noted at a sacred steel convention in Florida, preceding his engagement with the secular music scene. He was nearly entirely unfamiliar with non-religious music during his formative years, noting, “I grew up and saw a lot of older guys playing lap steels and pedal-steel guitars in my church. I had never heard of the Allman Brothers, or even Buddy Guy or Muddy Waters.” This background shaped his unique approach to the pedal steel, allowing him to adapt a church-rooted instrument to a diverse range of genres.
Randolph’s professional career gained momentum before forming Robert Randolph and the Family Band. In 2001, he joined avant-garde jazz organist John Medeski and the North Mississippi Allstars in their jam project, The Word. His emergence was further highlighted by a review in The New York Times by Neil Strauss in April 2001, coinciding with The Word’s debut album release. The first album by Robert Randolph and the Family Band, “Live at the Wetlands,” was issued in 2002, capturing a live performance from August 23, 2001. The band’s studio debut, “Unclassified,” followed on August 5, 2003. Throughout his career, Randolph has garnered recognition for his virtuosity, including being listed at No. 97 on Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time in September 2003. He has also received four Grammy nominations, recognizing his contributions to rock, gospel, and blues music. His work extends beyond his band, encompassing performances with a wide array of artists across genres and significant contributions to film soundtracks and television.
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