The African American Steel Guitar Tradition
"Sacred Strings"
Just when the music industry thought all forms of Christian Roots Music had been identified, then emerges the sacred sounds of the Steel Guitar Tradition.
Many known African American music traditions have been embraced and woven into the fabric of American society. However, have you ever wondered how many unknown music traditions are yet hidden within the African American culture? Music that has never been exposed to the mainstream music industry? Well, let me introduce you to at least one, the African American Steel Guitar Tradition of The Church of the Living God.
This Pentecostal Holiness church was founded by Mother Mary Lewis Tate in 1903. The steel guitar music legacy has been a well guarded tradition by early church leaders who feared the music would be exploited by outside influences.
As a result, this tradition has eluded observation by the mainstream music industry for over sixty years. The church has developed and enjoyed this unique musical art form for many years within the church walls. The time has come to share this hidden treasure with the entire world. Please take time to learn of our wonderful history and meet the many pioneers that have helped pave the way.
