For the uninitiated: THE LEE BOYS are three brothers, their three nephews, and reign as one of America’s finest African-American sacred steel ensembles. “Sacred steel” is a type of music described as an inspired, unique form of Gospel music with a hard-driving, blues-based beat. While the genre is rooted in Gospel, it's infused with r&b, jazz, rock, funk, hip-hop, country, and is particularly influenced by the Hawaiian steel guitar fad of the 1930’s. Born and raised in Miami, each of The Lee Boys grew up in the Miami Pentecostal church where their father and grandfather, Rev. Robert E. Lee, was the pastor and a steel player himself. At very early ages, each Lee Boy underwent a rigorous course of training in a variety of musical instruments, including lap and pedal steel guitars. Over time this unique sound became the hallmark of the church with pedal steel guitar as the central instrument. The Lee Boys are now part of the fourth generation of musicians in this faith.
When The Lee Boys bring their joyous spiritual sound to the stage, audiences instantly recognize that dancing, shouting out and having fun are considered essential parts of their tradition. Founder and bandleader Alvin Lee explains “The inspiration and feeling that comes along with our music is the reason that people feel good. It is like the new music on the block and it’s just getting ready to explode!” It’s mostly original material, with a few standards and hymns the group “blueses up a little.” Their unique sound has attracted musical artists such as Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead, The Allman Brothers Band, The Black Crowes, Los Lobos, Michelle Shocked, Gov’t Mule, Derek Trucks Band w/ Susan Tedeschi, Umphrey’s McGee, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Toubab Krewe, Victor Wooten, The Del McCoury Band and The Travelin' McCourys - all of whom have either played with the Lee Boys or invited them on tour.
Contact Information
- Uncle Slayton's
- 1017 East Broadway, Louisville, KY 40204
- (502) 657-9555
Event Time
- Tuesday, June 12, 2012
- 8:00 PM
Price
- $10 / $12 / 21+ with ID