Interview by Paul Salfen
NASHVILLE, TN (March 28, 2025) — Six-time GRAMMY-nominated pedal steel guitarist Robert Randolph, a trailblazer in rock and blues, has embarked on an exciting new chapter by signing with the legendary Sun Records. His debut album with the label, Preacher Kids, is set for release on June 27, 2025, with the electrifying first single, “Sinner,” available now. In a recent interview with AMFM Magazine, Randolph shared insights into his musical journey, the making of the album, and the significance of this milestone.
A Full-Circle Moment with Sun Records
Sun Records, the iconic label that birthed the careers of Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash, is a fitting home for Randolph’s raw, rootsy sound. “This album’s gritty and swampy roots vibe makes it the perfect record to kick off my journey with Sun Records,” Randolph told AMFM Magazine. “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.”
Preacher Kids, produced by Shooter Jennings, captures Randolph’s gospel-fired style, blending soul, rock, and blues. The album is a tribute to his upbringing as a preacher’s kid (PK) and the shared experiences of other musical icons like Aretha Franklin, Al Green, Marvin Gaye, and Sly Stone, who also transformed church-rooted sounds into secular music. “I came up with that title from being able to tell all of these different stories, sharing the musical vision of many other preacher kids,” Randolph explained.
“Sinner”: A Spontaneous Blues-Rock Anthem
The lead single, “Sinner,” is a powerful blues-rock track that opens with a lone beat and Randolph’s signature pedal steel guitar. Born from live jamming sessions, the song feels like a moment of discovery. “Over the years, I have heard people talk about how Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin would just roll the tape and write songs while jamming. That’s what we did on this album,” Randolph said. “Everybody was like, ‘What was that thing you played?’ and we’d be like, ‘We just made it up!’”
With its burly riffs, gospel-flavored vocals, and memorable chorus, “Sinner” reflects the collective spirit of Randolph’s band, many of whom are also preacher’s kids. “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,” he noted.
From Church to Global Stages
Randolph’s musical journey began in the church, where his exposure to secular music was limited. At 18 or 19, a future manager sent him a box of CDs featuring Cream, Derek and the Dominoes, the Allman Brothers, and Parliament-Funkadelic—artists he had never heard. “I just found that box of CDs while looking for some stuff,” he laughed. “I still never listened to some of them!”
Today, Randolph draws inspiration from George Clinton, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Albert King, focusing on raw guitar sounds. “Sometimes you get caught up with major labels, writing songs to fit a mold,” he said. “For this record, I wanted to make sure the songs came from the sounds of my guitar, jamming with the band.” His conversations with producer Eddie Kramer reinforced this approach, reminding him of Jimi Hendrix’s guitar-driven songwriting.
Standout Tracks and Collaborations
Preacher Kids features standout tracks like “Gravity,” “Love Rain Down” (with Judith Hill), and “King Karma” (with Margo Price). “Gravity is always a favorite because of how it came out,” Randolph shared. “King Karma is so Robert Randolph but also such a mood change with great guitars and vocals.” The band recorded around 40 songs, leaving room for future releases. “The beauty about today is you can keep releasing because it’s all digital,” he said.
Randolph’s career is marked by collaborations with artists like Dave Matthews Band, Santana, Norah Jones, Ozzy Osbourne, Eric Clapton, Elton John, and Beyoncé, whose GRAMMY-winning Cowboy Carter (2024) featured his pedal steel on “16 Carriages” and “Ya Ya.” He also contributed to Jon Batiste’s Album of the Year-winning We Are (2022) and provided theme music for Amazon Prime’s Thursday Night Football.
A defining “Hail Mary” moment came when Eric Clapton attended Randolph’s club show in Japan, leading to an opening slot on Clapton’s tour and a 20-year friendship. “I was young and stupid, just said, ‘Maybe he could come by the show,’” Randolph recalled. “Next thing you know, Eric wants us to open for him.”
Staying Grounded Through Faith
Despite global travels to places like Japan and India, Randolph remains rooted in faith. “I try to go to church because that’s my ground,” he said. “You see people crying, rejoicing over a small raise or a kid overcoming something. It keeps you rooted.” He surrounds himself with mentors who offer honest feedback, keeping him grounded. “Surround yourself with people who love you, whether you got $1 million or $5,” he advised.
To young musicians, Randolph offers: “Take your time and take it easy. It’s a long road. Enjoy the music and keep evolving.” He draws inspiration from diverse sources, including Indian and Middle Eastern slide players, marveling at their unique scales and voicings.
On the Road Again
Randolph is gearing up for a tour, with a potential festival appearance in Austin, Texas, in October 2025. His dynamic stage presence, which makes pedal steel guitar look effortless, continues to captivate audiences. “We just getting started, going to keep rolling,” he said.
A Legacy in the Making
With Preacher Kids and “Sinner,” Robert Randolph is honoring his gospel roots while pushing the boundaries of roots music as a Black artist. His signing with Sun Records marks a vibrant new chapter in a career filled with remarkable achievements. Listen to “Sinner” now and mark your calendars for Preacher Kids on June 27, 2025. For more details, visit Sun Records’ official site or follow updates on https://x.ai/grok.
