Sacred Steel

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Throughout history, music and religion have lived together. Much of the finest classical music has been composed and performed in worship. The bells, the qawallis, the hallelujahs are the physical expressions of human spirit in religion.

In America, the choir and the organ are central pillars of musical worship. In the House of God Church in Orange New Jersey, however, it’s a custom-made 13-string, pedal steel guitar played by the son of one of the deacons Robert Randolph.

Now Robert didn’t put his hands to the strings and feet to the pedals until just a few years ago, but the faithful who hear him talk about a gift from God. Robert Randolph plays elsewhere too, in clubs, with nationally known rockers, and with his own band.

Guests:

Robert Randolph, musician