Sacred Steel Music & History Fund

Please help us in this history making endeavor, as we strive to preserve this rare African American Steel Guitar music tradition, as well as the memories of those responsible for its evolution and development.

History
In America, the Steel Guitar is generally associated with country western or hawaiian music, but for over 75 years the Steel Guitar has been the key instrument used by African Americans in the Keith and Jewell dominion churches of the living God worship services unknown to the masses. This holiness - pentacostal church was founded by a woman in 1903 by Mary Lena Lewis Tate, also known as Mother Tate.

Sacred Strings Records Inc.
In 2009 Del Ray and Kelli Grace followed their passion and founded Sacred Strings Records and later incorporated in 2012.  Sacred Strings Records Inc. is an Independent Record Label established to document, preserve and expose to the masses, the African American Steel Guitar Tradition also known as "Sacred Steel".

Sacred Steel music is one of the few roots styles of music that remains in its original form, not compromised by secular influences.

Every August, many fascinating  African American steel guitar players, male and female, make the pilgrimage to  Toledo, Ohio for the Annual Sacred Strings Showcase Concert (A live audio / video recording). They willingly give of their time and talent, allowing us to catch their innovative artistry as a contribution to the legacy of Sacred Steel.

Sacred Steel Music & History Month
To further assist us in our efforts to establish Toledo, Ohio as the Mecca of Sacred Steel Music & History, In 2015 Del Ray and Kelli Grace received a proclamation from the Honorable Mayor of the city of Toledo, Ohio proclaimaming  August as Sacred Steel Music & History month.

By our activities we hope to interpret and educate the public regarding the origin, development, and growth of Sacred Steel music and history as an important part of American music culture. Below is a list of annual activities that are currently ongoing:

Ongoing Activities
1. Sacred Strings Records Inc. (Indi Record Label)
2. The Best of Sacred Steel TV  (WeeklyCable TV Show)
3. The Gospel of Sacred Steel TV (Weekly Cable TV Show)
4. Sacred Strings Showcase Concert (Annual Concert)
5. Sacred Steel Hall of Fame (Annual induction Ceremony)
6. Sacred Steel Movie Premiere  (Local Movie Theater)
7. Oral Presentations with traveling Art Exhibit 
8. Sacred Steel BBQ                          (Annual Fundraiser)
9. Youtube Site :
(Largest on line collection of African American Steel Players) www.youtube.com/user/sacredstrings
10. Facebook Page: African American Steel Guitar Legacy
11. Sale of product on Our  Website: www.sacredstrings.com
12. NEW!!! Florida State Sacred Steel Concert

Preserving the music and history of Sacred Steel has been a  rather rewarding journey and a tremendous labor of love and yet a financial challenge. Every year our expenses grow as we strive to maintain the spirit of 
excellence and quality in our presentation of sacred steel while going to the next level.

Budget and Expenses
Our production budget and operating expenses for 2017 is $7,500 and includes: professional audio/ video engineers & equipment, photographers, advertising expenses, transportation and hotel accommodations, meals, perdiems, editing, post production expenses, extensive interviews, field research, building rental, insurance, backline equipment, etc.

Please Support
To continue this journey we need your support. Our history is all we have left and by helping us reach our goal, we will be able to broaden the scope of this phenomenal American roots music and preserve it for future generations to enjoy.

 We also solicit donations of photographs, posters, tape collections (cassette, vhs, dvd, 8 track, dvd), film, instruments and other related memorbilia to assist in the documentation of the Sacred Steel movement.

Prayer Request
Pray for us as we remain proactive in our approach and true to our purpose of sharing our church's tremendous music tradition with the world and may God be glorified.

Sacred Strings Records Inc. is a public 501c(3) non-profit organization and all donations are 100% tax deductible!

Mailing Address:
PO Box 9097, Toledo, OH  43697-9097

Thank you for your help!

God Bless Sacred Steel!

Del Ray and Kelli Grace