The Arhoolie Foundation Presents
Sacred Steel
The Steel Guitar Tradition of the House of God Churches

FEATURING the Campbell Brothers with Kate Jackson, Elder Maurice "Ted" Beard, Calvin Cooke, Willie Eason, Elder Aubrey Ghent, Rev. Glenn Lee, Robert Randolf, historic video footage of Henry Nelson, and more...

In the late 1930's musicians of the House of God Keith Dominion Holiness-Pentacostal Church began playing their worship music on electric steel guitars. Taking the words from Psalm 150:4 "praise Him with stringed instruments" and Psalm 149:3 "let them praise His name in the dance," the guitarists developed unique styles, tunings, repertoires, and techniques.

Filmed on location in several churches, Sacred Steel traces the developement of this tradition. Through interviews, performances, and historic footage, Sacred Steel will move the body and spirit as well as educate.

VHS Format

"Sacred Steel was the most exciting roots music to emerge at the end of the 20th century, and this video is the next best thing to actually being in the church with the musicians."

- Geoffery Himes, music journalist for the Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, and others.