Six-Time Grammy Nominee Robert Randolph To Release New Album ‘Preacher Kids’ out on Sun Records June 27
Sun Records is thrilled to announce the signing of six-time GRAMMY nominee Robert Randolph—the most innovative and influential rock and blues pedal steel guitarist of his generation. Randolph will release his Sun debut, Preacher Kids, on June 27, and the brawny, blues-rocking first single, “Sinner,” is out now.
Randolph is a whirlwind of talent — contributing to major musical moments across genres. He has collaborated with a diverse array of artists, including Dave Matthews Band, Santana, Norah Jones, Ozzy Osbourne, Eric Clapton, Rob Thomas, Hank Williams Jr., Elton John, Leon Russell, Raphael Saadiq, Robbie Robertson, Taj Mahal, Metallica, and Sheryl Crow. Most recently, he celebrated the GRAMMY win for Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter, for which he contributed pedal steel on “16 Carriages” and “Ya Ya.” Randolph played on Jon Batiste’s We Are, which won the GRAMMY for Album of the Year. He also worked on the Elvis movie soundtrack, performed on the Zac Brown Band’s tour, and was welcomed back for the second consecutive year to provide the theme music for Amazon Prime’s Thursday Night Football. He also joined Luke Combs for a moving tribute to Charley Pride on CMT, bridging generations and genres in celebration of a country music trailblazer.
“Sinner”
Stream the new single HERE
Pre-order the album HERE
For Preacher Kids, Randolph teamed with producer Shooter Jennings (Brandi Carlile, Tanya Tucker), whose background in outlaw country and Southern rock helped infuse the sessions with a raw, rootsy edge that complements Randolph’s gospel-fired sound. The album marks an epiphanic moment in Randolph’s career as he takes creative lead on a project that brings together an inspired group of collaborators, fusing his gospel roots with soul, rock, blues — a sound that’s both deeply personal and universally resonant. Preacher Kids reflects the culmination of a career spent bridging musical worlds and breaking boundaries, embracing a raw yet refined sound that speaks to his remarkable journey as a Black musician reshaping the traditions of roots music.
“This album’s gritty and swampy roots vibe makes it the perfect record to kick off my journey with Sun Records,” Randolph said. “It’s a full-circle moment for me to team up with a label that not only shaped the foundation of American music but continues to champion artists pushing that legacy forward.”
A lone, powerful beat and a tease of steel guitar opens the album’s first single, “Sinner.” Then, you can almost hear the musicians find their parts; as if the song is being written as it’s being recorded. It’s an exciting discovery moment for all.
“Sinner” is purposeful with its burly blues-rock riffs, its instantly memorable chorus, and its gospel-flavored sing-a-long vocals. Having musicians from similar backgrounds helped ignite songwriting magic.
“Everyone involved in this record — from the band to the people who inspired it — shares a similar story. We’re all preacher’s kids,” Randolph said. “This album feels like our collective diary, rooted in gospel and shaped by the journey from the church to the stages of rock and blues.”
Photo: Julian Gross
Preacher Kids gets to the core of Randolph’s signature blend of gospel, rock, blues, and soul. It’s a euphoric celebration of the salvation of rock n’ roll, and, at times, feels like the swamps of the Delta reaching for the altar of the church. Recorded at Sunset Sound Studios in Los Angeles, the album is steeped in the influence of Randolph’s collaborators, from Jennings to guest artists like Margo Price (“King Karma”) and Judith Hill (“When Will The Love Rain Down”), as well as luminaries like Tash Neil on guitar, Jay White on bass, and Willie Barthel behind the drums. It reflects Randolph’s mission to carry the storytelling traditions of roots music into the present.
Raised in a close-knit, music-loving family, Randolph started his musical journey in the House of God Church in Orange, New Jersey. It was there that he learned to play the pedal steel guitar, or “Sacred Steel,” a cornerstone of the church’s musical tradition. As a teenager, he honed his skills during church services, channeling the soulful, ecstatic energy of worship through his instrument. It wasn’t long before Randolph began taking that energy outside the church, bringing his gospel-infused style to secular audiences and blazing a trail in the jam band, rock, and blues scenes, as well as being embraced by the world of country music.
Since then, Randolph has earned six GRAMMY nominations fronting the Family Band, as well as building a reputation as a producer and a composer. He has amassed 13 Emmy Awards for music scores featured in sports broadcasts across major TV networks.
For Preacher Kids, Randolph steps into the spotlight, uniting the raw energy of his church upbringing with the expansive, genre-blurring collaborations that have defined his career.
Track List:
Big Women
7 Generations
Gravity
Like to Love You Baby
Choir Woman
Sinner
King Karma (featuring Margo Price)
When Will The Love Rain Down (featuring Judith Hill)
All Night Lover
Roosevelt Pool
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