Robert Randolph and the Family Band

Robert Randolph and the Family Band
Randolph in 2016
Background information
Origin	Orange,New Jersey,U.S.
Genres	R&B,sacred steel,funk,soul,jam,gospel,country,rock,blues
Years active	2001–present
Labels	Warner,Blue Note,Sony Music,Provogue
Members	Robert Randolph Marcus Randolph Lenesha Randolph Brett Haas
Past members	John Ginty Jason Crosby Danyel Morgan
Website	www.robertrandolph.net

Robert Randolph and the Family Bandis an Americangospelband led bypedal steel guitaristRobert Randolph(Robert Jermaine Randolph, born August 8, 1977,Irvington, New Jersey).NPRhas described the band as one with an "irresistible rock 'n' roll swagger".Rolling Stoneincluded Randolph upon their list of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time.The band has released six studio albums and has beenGrammynominated four times.

Band history

Frontman Robert Randolph was trained as apedal steel guitaristin 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 inFlorida.

The group's sound is inspired by funk bands such asEarth, Wind & FireandSly & the Family Stone.Randolph himself has explained that in his adolescent years before being discovered by the secular community, he was almost completely unaware of non-religious music. He went on to exclaim in an interview that "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."

Before releasing albums with The Family Band, Randolph was selected by avant-garde jazz organistJohn Medeskito join him and theNorth Mississippi Allstarson their 2001 jam project,The Word.Just prior to the release of The Word's debut album, Randolph was brought to the attention of music fans through a reviewbyNeil StraussinThe New York Timesin April 2001. On their first non-church tour of the East Coast, Randolph's new Family Band opened for the North Mississippi Allstars and then rejoined the musicians after their set, with Medeski, as The Word.

The first Robert Randolph and the Family Band album,Live at the Wetlands,was released in 2002 on Family Band Records, recorded live on August 23, 2001, just prior to the club's closing. The band released their studio debut,Unclassifiedon August 5, 2003. They attracted the attention ofEric Clapton,and have subsequently toured as a supporting act with the Englishbluesguitarist. Clapton later guested on their 2006 albumColorblind,playing on acoverof "Jesus Is Just Alright".

In 2002, they were hired byABCto make the network's newNBAtheme song. The song, "We Got Hoops", only appeared in three telecasts, though it was used throughout both the NBA andWNBAseasons during promotions for both leagues. In September 2003 Randolph was listed as No. 97 onRolling Stone's100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time list. Robert entered the list followingLeigh Stephensand directly precedingAngus Young.In February 2004 Robert Randolph and the Family Band along with the bandO.A.R.released a cover version ofLed Zeppelin's "Fool in the Rain",which was made available for online purchase throughiTunes.This version was played live withO.A.R.at their June 18, 2009, show at Charter One Pavilion in Chicago.

Their third album,Colorblind,was released October 10, 2006. The song "Ain't Nothing Wrong With That" was used in several commercials forNBC,and used in Katherine Jenkins and Mark Ballas' jive on Dancing with the Stars.In June 2008 theDiscovery Channelused this same song in a popular promo entitled "It's All Good" for their summer lineup. The song "Thrill of It" was used throughout the 2007 college football season by ABC during their College Primetime games.

They worked with producerT-Bone Burnetton their fourth studio albumWe Walk This Road,released in 2010. They released the supposed first single from that album entitled "Get There" but this song did not appear on the album. The first official single from the album is "If I Had My Way." Randolph used his steel guitar with a wah-wah pedal

Their 2019 recording,Brighter Days,was chosen as a 'Favorite Blues Album' byAllMusic.

Live appearances

Robert Randolph in Toronto

The band made its first television appearance onLate Show with David Lettermanon August 5, 2003, performing "I Need More Love".

In 2004, Robert Randolph and the Family Band was the opening act on theEric Claptontour. They are featured prominently in the Clapton'sCrossroads Guitar FestivalDVD (2004). The band also appears onBonnaroo Music FestivalDVDs. The length of the concerts can vary greatly depending on what songs are played (the band does not use a set list) and how long jams last. Concerts go over the allotted time if the band and the audience are having fun. Most concerts don't have an intermission; instead, band members will exit the stage leaving one or two members a chance to shine with solos. The one time the band does stop is so the band can relax, get hydrated, and plan the encore. On October 9, 2004, Robert Randolph and the Family Band appeared on the PBS television show Austin City Limits.

Robert Randolph,Doyle Bramhall II,andEric Claptonperforming "Got My Mojo Working"at Cuyahoga Falls, May 31, 2008

On January 24, 2007, they played in Dallas at Victory Plaza outside of the American Airlines Center as part of the 2007 NHL All Star game festivities. The band also played before the start of the2007 NHL All-Star Game.The Family Band has opened forDave Matthews Bandfor some shows on their 2002–09 tours.In 2005 Robert Randolph appeared on the Dave Matthews Band releaseWeekend on the Rocks.Robert Randolph has performed as a guest during the Dave Matthews Band set on songs such as "All Along the Watchtower","Louisiana Bayou "," Stand Up "," Smooth Rider "," You Might Die Trying ", and" Two Step ", among others.

In 2007, Robert Randolph and the Family Band played at the inauguralSouth Padre International Music Festival.In 2008, they opened forEric Claptonand were also one of four featured artists on theMusic Builds Tour.Robert Randolph and the Family Band played in Oxford, Mississippi on April 25, 2009, as part of the 14th annual Double Decker Arts Festival. In 2009 Randolph also sat in on two live performances ofLed Zeppelin's "Fool In The Rain" with the bandO.A.R.

Also, on June 22, 2014, Robert Randolph and the Family Band played at the TD Toronto Jazz Fest, welcoming a new "cousin" Andrew Prince to the stage for two songs.

Robert Randolph and the Family Band played the 10th annual Rooster Walk Music and Arts Festival in May 2018.

On July 30, 2022, Robert Randolph and the Family Band opened forZac Brown Bandoutside theSoaring Eagle Casinoin Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.

In July, 2024, Robert Randolph and the Family Band performed at FitzGerald's American Music Festival in Berwyn, Illinois.

Accolades

Grammy Awards

Year	Nominee / work	Award	Result
2003	"Squeeze"	Best Rock Instrumental Performance	Nominated
2003	Unclassified	Best Rock Gospel Album	Nominated
2017	Got Soul	Best Contemporary Blues Album	Nominated
2020	Brighter Days	Best Contemporary Blues Album	Nominated

Discography

Studio albums

Year	Title	Peak chart positions				Label
		US 200	US Rock	US Christian	US Blues
2003	Unclassified	145		6		Warner Records
2006	Colorblind	75				Warner Records
2010	We Walk This Road	74	21	4		Warner Records
2013	Lickety Split	135	37			Blue Note Records
2017	Got Soul				2	Sony Music
2019	Brighter Days				3	Mascot Label Group/ Provogue

Live albums

• Live at the Wetlands(2002)
• Live in Concert(2011)

Guest appearances on albums

• 2001: "Garden of Love" and "Opportunity" – Demolition String Band onPulling Up Atlantis
• 2002: "Cissy Strut","Ruler of My Heart "and"Tell It Like It Is"–Dirty Dozen Brass BandonMedicated Magic
• 2004: "Mas Y Mas" –Los LobosonLive at the Fillmore(DVD version)
• 2004: "The Good Life" –Rachael LampaonRachael Lampa
• 2005: "Crosstown Traffic"–SouliveonBreak Out
• 2005: "Exodus" and "Louisiana Bayou" –Dave Matthews BandonComplete Weekend on the Rocks
• 2005: "I Am an Illusion" –Rob Thomason...Something to Be
• 2005: "I Want to Take You Higher"–Sly & The Family StoneonDifferent Strokes by Different Folks
• 2005: "Lay Lady Lay"–Buddy GuyonBring 'Em In
• 2005: "Mission Temple Fireworks Stand" –Sawyer BrownonMission Temple Fireworks Stand
• 2005: "Oh My Lord" –Ringo StarronChoose Love
• 2005: "Trinity" –SantanaandKirk HammettofMetallicaonAll That I Am
• 2005: "21st Century Schizoid Man" –Ozzy OsbourneonUnder Cover
• 2008: "Otherside" –Third DayonRevelation
• 2008: "Out in the Woods" and "That's My Home" –Buddy GuyonSkin Deep
• 2008: "Train's A Comin'" –JD & The Straight ShotonRight On Time
• 2010: "There's No Tomorrow" –Elton John&Leon RussellonThe Union
• 2011: "Straight Down the Line" –Robbie RobertsononHow to Become Clairvoyant
• 2015: "Oh My Lord" -Randy BachmanonHeavy Blues
• 2024: "I Get Joy, Joy Reprise, Musicians Praise" -Cory HenryonChurch

Guest singles

Year	Single	Artist	Country Chart	Album
2004	"Mission Temple Fireworks Stand"	Sawyer Brown	55	Mission Temple Fireworks Stand

Guest appearances on soundtracks

• 2002:NBA on ABC– "We Got Hoops"
• 2004:ATV Offroad Fury 3– "Squeeze"
• 2006:NBA Live 07– "Thrill of It"
• 2007:Grey's Anatomy– "Ain't Nothing Wrong with That"
• 2007:Stomp the Yard– "Ain't Nothing Wrong with That"

Other appearances

In 1999, Arhoolie Records releasedSacred Steel – Live!including performances recorded live in two House of God churches in 1998 and 1999, one of which was Robert Randolph performing "Without God". In 2001, they releasedTrain Don't Leave Me: The 1st Annual Sacred Steel Conventionincluding performances recorded live March 31–April 1, 2000, one of which was Robert Randolph performing "I Feel Like Pressing My Way". In 2002, they releasedRecorded Live At The 2nd Sacred Steel Conventionincluding performances recorded live March 30–31, 2001, one of which was Robert Randolph performing "You've Got To Move". In 2004, Robert Randolph and the Family Band covered "Purple Haze"for the albumPower of Soul: A Tribute to Jimi Hendrix.In 2009, Robert Randolph, along withThe Clark Sisters,released a version of the song "Higher Ground"on the compilation albumOh Happy Day: An All-Star Music Celebration.

Music videos

Year	Video	Director
2005	"Mission Temple Fireworks Stand"(w/Sawyer Brown)	Shaun Silva

External links

• Official website
• Robert Randolph and the Family Band collectionat theInternet Archive's live music archive
• Interview: Robert RandolphDecember 28, 2006
• Interview with Robert RandolphAce Weekly, October 17, 2010
• "Pedal power: Can Robert Randolph steel success?"The Hook No. 515, April 13, 2006