Robert Randolph Biography

Robert Randolph is an American pedal steel guitarist best known for leading the gospel band, Robert Randolph and the Family Band. Rolling Stone mentioned him in their list of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time in September 2003.

Robert Randolph Career

Randolph leads the gospel band, Robert Randolph and the Family Band. Rolling Stone mentioned him in their list of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time. He trained as a pedal steel guitarist at the House of God Church, an African-American Pentecostal denomination that has used steel guitar/“Sacred Steel” since the 30s.

As an adolescent, Randolph was oblivious to non-religious music as he grew up seeing older men play ap steels and pedal-steel guitars in his church. He even said that he had no idea who the Allman Brothers, Buddy Guy, or Muddy Waters were. Later, he modernized the sacred foundation with a secular mix of funk and soul.

In early 2000, he played at the Sacred Steel Convention in Florida where Jim Markel heard him. Next, he introduced him to his friend, Gary Waldman. Together, Waldman and Markel started managing his career after Matt Hickey signed him as an opening act for the North Mississippi All-Stars. Randolph played at the Beacon Theater alongside Medeski, Martin & Wood. Medeski loved his playing and asked him to record an instrumental gospel/blues album with the band. As a result, they released The Word in August 2001.

Robert Randolph Age

Randolph was born Robert Jermaine Randolph on August 8, 1977, in Irvington, New Jersey, U.S.A. He is 46 years old as of 2023. Randolph celebrates his birthday every August 8th.

Robert Randolph Height

Randolph stands at an approximate height of 5 feet and 7 inches.

Robert Randolph Family

Randolph has managed to keep his personal life away from the limelight hence he has not disclosed any information about his parents. It is also not known if Randolph has any siblings.

Robert Randolph Wife

Randolph is very private about his personal life therefore it is not known if he is in any relationship. There are also no rumors of him being in any past relationship with anyone.

Robert Randolph Net Worth

Randolph has an estimated net worth ranging between $1 Million – $5 Million which he has earned through being a pedal steel guitarist and band leader.

Robert Randolph and the Family Band

Robert Randolph and the Family Band consists of Randolph’s cousins; Marcus, Lenesha, and Brett Haas. The band’s past members include John Ginty, Jason Crosby, and Danyel Morgan. The band’s sound receives inspiration from funk bands like Sly & the Family Stone and Earth, Wind & Fire. They started its career by opening gigs for several jazz-funk, blues, and jam bands like the Derek Trucks Band, Soulive, and Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe.

Albums and Songs

The band released their first album, Live at the Wetlands, at the Wetlands in 2002 on Family Band Record. They recorded the live album at the Wetlands Preserve club in Tribeca, New York on August 23, 2001, before the club shut down. On August 5, 2003, they released their studio debut, Unclassified which gained the attention of Eric Clapton, an English rock and blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter. Next, they toured as his supporting act. Clapton made an appearance on their 2006 album, where he played a cover of “Jesus Is Just Alright.”

ABC hired the band in 2002 to create the network’s new NBA theme song. The band created “We Got Hoops” which appeared in only three of ABC’s telecasts and was used during the NBA and WNBA seasons during advertisements for both leagues.

In February 2004, the band alongside O.A.R. issued a cover rendition of Led Zeppelin’s “Fool in the Rain.” On October 10, 2006, the band issued their third album, Colorblind. NBC used the band’s song, “Ain’t Nothing Wrong With That” in various commercials. Further, Katherine Jenkins and Mark Ballas danced the jive on Dancing with the Stars. The Discovery Channel used the song in a well-known ad called “It’s All Good” for their summer lineup. ABC used the band’s Thrill of It” during college football season in 2007.

Robert Randolph and the Family Band collaborated with T-Bone Burnett on their fourth studio album We Walk This Road which was released in 2010. AllMusic chose Brighter Days, their 2019 recording, as a Favorite Blues Album. NPR depicted the band as having a captivating rock ‘n’ roll pose. Collectively, the band has released 6 studio albums and has earned 4 Grammy nominations.

Robert Randolph and the Family Band Live Appearances

Robert Randolph and the Family Band first appeared on TV on August 5, 2003, on Late Show with David Letterman where they performed “I Need More Love.” In 2004, they served as an opening act for the Eric Clapton tour. That same year, they appeared in Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival DVD. On October 9, 2004, the band made an appearance on PBS’ Austin City Limits.

As part of the NHL All-Star game festivities in 2007, the band performed in Dallas at Victory Plaza in January of that year. They also performed before the 2007 NHL All-Star Game started. Moreover, they were an opening act for  Dave Matthews Ban for a couple of their shows during their 2002-2009 tours. In 2007, the band performed at the inaugural South Padre International Music Festival. The following year, they served as an opening act for  Eric Clapton.

During the Music Builds Tour, Robert Randolph and the Family Band appeared among the featured artists. On April 25, 2009, the band performed as part of the yearly Double Decker Arts Festival. That same year, they participated in two live performances of Led Zeppelin’s “Fool In The Rain” alongside the band, O.A.R. In June 2014, the band performed at the TD Toronto Jazz Fest and welcomed Andrew Prince, a new “cousin,” to the stage for two songs. They performed at the 10th yearly Rooster Walk Music and Arts Festival. On July 30, 2022, the band served as an opening act for the Zac Brown Band outside the Soaring Eagle Casino in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.

Robert Randolph Members

Robert Randolph and the Family Band consists of Marcus, Lenesha, and Brett Haas. The band’s past members include John Ginty, Jason Crosby, and Danyel Morgan.

Robert Randolph I Need More Love

Randolph and his band first appeared on TV on August 5, 2003, on Late Show with David Letterman where they performed “I Need More Love.” CLICK to view the song.

Robert Randolph Dave Matthews

In 2005, Randolph made an appearance on the Dave Matthews Band release, Weekend on the Rocks. Additionally, he performed as a guest during the Dave Matthews Band set including “Louisiana Bayou,” “Smooth Rider,” “Stand Up,” “All Along the Watchtower,””You Might Die Trying,” and “Two Step.”

Love Is The Only Way Robert Randolph

CLICK to view Love Is The Only Way.

Robert Randolph Brighter Days

Randolph and his band released the recording, Brighter Days in 2019. AllMusic chose Brighter Days, their 2019 recording, as a Favorite Blues Album. Dave Cobb served as the album’s producer. The album has 10 songs including;

• Baptise Me
• Don’t Fight It
• Simple Man
• Have Mercy
• Cut Em Loose
• Second Hand Man
• Cry Over Me
• I Need You
• I’m Living Off the Love You Give
• Strange Train

Robert Randolph Baptise Me

Baptise Me is a song in the Brighter Days album. CLICK to view Baptise Me.