Blues Act Robert Randolph & The Family Band Creating New Sounds and Bringing Fans Joy

Led by pedal steel guitarist Robert Randolph, national blues act, the Family Band ,is comprised of his actual family members: drummer Marcus Randolph, bassist Danyel Morgan, and vocalist Lenesha Randolph, together with guitarist Brett Haas. The group’s sound is inspired by successful 1970s funk bands such as Earth, Wind & Fire and Sly & the Family Stone.  Some of Randolph’s musical influences growing up included Stevie Ray Vaughn, the Allman Brothers, Al Green, and Jimi Hendrix.   

Born and raised in northern New Jersey, Robert Randolph grew up in a church playing music and watching others play music. He was trained as a pedal steel guitarist in the House of God Church and makes prominent use of the instrument in the band’s music. The instrument is referred to in many African-American Pentecostal churches as Sacred Steel. Randolph was discovered while playing at a sacred steel convention in Florida.

In his adolescent years before he was discovered by the secular community, Randolph himself said he was almost completely unaware of non-religious music, saying he had never heard of artists like Buddy Guy or Muddy Waters. After growing up and playing in church, Randolph formed the band in 2001. “From there we started playing in small bars in New York and one thing led to the next and here we are today,” he said.

Robert Randolph & the Family Band first gained national attention with the release of the album “Live at the Wetlands” in 2002. The band followed with three studio recordings over the next eight years, with “Unclassified,” “Colorblind,” and “We Walk This Road.” The band has put on unforgettable performances at such festivals as Bonnaroo, Austin City Limits, and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Randolph’s prowess on his instrument garnered him a spot on Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time” list, and also attracted the attention of such music legends as Eric Clapton and Carlos Santana, who have collaborated with him on stage and in the studio.

Randolph and his band love to experiment with different styles and try to mix them all together between the blues, classic rock, gospel and funk. It brings them a sense of joy and happiness to get everyone singing and dancing, and they always strive to bring that to the table and just hope that people enjoy themselves. “One thing musicians love to do is to go out and perform for their fans,” Randolph said. “There’s something about going on stage and performing and playing – it’s what we all live for. Once we’ve created new songs and new sounds, playing on stage and bringing fans joy is what brings us joy.”

Robert Randolph & the Family Band’s most recent album, 2013’s “Lickety Split” features 11 original compositions, plus a stomping cover of “Love Rollercoaster” by the Ohio Players. The record was produced by Robert Randolph & the Family Band, Danyel Morgan, Marcus Randolph, Tommy Sims, Drew Ramsey, and Shannon Sanders. Engineered by the legendary Eddie Kramer (Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin), the album features special guest appearances from Trombone Shorty and Carlos Santana.