Let The Praise Begin by Amazing Grace Praise Band

This new species of sacred steel guitar music is referred to as a rare find in the American music culture.

Many styles of music were brought over from Africa and established in America, but much like Jazz and Blues, Sacred Steel music was born on American soil, it’s unique style was developed and played by African Americans and is part of our little known history in this country. The Amazing Grace “Sacred Strings” Praise Band has its origin in the Jewell Dominion Church of the Living God which was founded in 1903.

Our deep seated love and respect for the music and those who blazed this sacred trail before us, is what motivates us to pursue this endeavor as we pick up where our mentors left off. Our goal is to make a difference in the lives of people as we use the power of music to minister to the masses. Unlike many of our mentors we refuse to allow another generation to take this sacred steel guitar music to the grave without attempting to inspire and impact the world. Our assignment is to expose this music as we shine a positive light on the origin of this fast growing musical phenomenon known today as “Sacred Steel” Music.

Del Ray Grace, Sr.

Del Grace the Visionary and Producer of the Amazing Grace Praise Band is the fourth of eight children born to Curtis and Loretta Grace (O'Bryant). He is a multi-talented musician playing both the bass and steel guitar. However, on this CD project he masterfully plays the Steel Guitar on all 14 tracks. Del began playing at age 14 at the Stateline CLG where Bishop Ella Mae Dupree was his Pastor. Del attributes his style of playing to Bishop H. Wayne White of Detroit, MI, the late James "Tubby" Golden of Cleveland, OH and the late great Bishop L.L.Harrison of Indianapolis, IN. Del's favorite Bible verse is James 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

Kelli Lynn Grace

Was born in Detroit, Michigan to Johnell and Sharon Caver (May). Kelli attended the Joy Road Church of the Living God where Elder K. Burns was the Pastor. In 1984 she moved her membership to Gospel Truth Tabernacle, where her grandfather, Bishop Clinton W. Kirkwood was Pastor. She later married her husband, Del Ray Grace Sr. and moved to Toledo, Ohio. Kelli is a very gifted public speaker and she uses that gift to articulate the spoken word in several songs on this CD project. Kelli's favorite verse of scripture is Psalms 37:4, Delight thyself in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Johnell "Jay" Caver,

Jay is a very exceptional lead guitarist born in Detroit, Michigan to Johnell and Sharon Caver (May). Jay travels extensively between the Jewell and Keith Dominion Churches playing for the Lord. Jay began playing at age 16 and was inspired by many Jewell Dominion guitarist but Ronnie Mozee of Indianapolis, Indiana made the greatest impact on his style of play. To his credit Jay has recorded with Calvin Cooke, Robert Randolph, Derrick Campbell, Aubrey Ghent, Inspired of OH, Sonny Day of Detroit and other Arhoolie Sacred Steel Artist.

Tressa S. Boles

Tressa is the youngest child born to Walter Boles Jr. and Loretta Boles (O'Bryant). She began singing at a very young age in her local church, Stateline CLG. Her indelible mark on the music landscape has taken her to the Bobby Jones Gospel Explosion, the Thomas Dorsey Convention and the Gospel Music Workshop of America. She led a song on the Edwin Hawkins Music and Arts Seminar Recording. Tressa has also recorded with Chris Byrd and True Victory, Nikki "D" and the Browns and the renowned Rev Rance Allen (who was also her former pastor of New Bethel COGIC). Tressa also has to her credit two national tours with playwright Michael Matthews and Prince of Peace Productions entitled "Come Out of the Rain" and "Moma I'm Sorry". Tressa states her purpose for singing is to compel everyone to live for Jesus Christ. Tressa currently worships at The Potter's House in Jacksonville, FL where her pastor is Bishop Vaughn McLaughlin.

Del Ray Grace Jr.,

A 20-year-old, multi-talented musician who plays the drums and bass guitar on this CD project. He began playing music in the church at the age of 2. He is currently the main drummer at the Mt Pilgrim Baptist Church where Rev. Raymond Bishop is Pastor. Del is also the percussion section leader in his High School Marching Band. His inspiration comes primarily from his father Del Ray Grace Sr. and Uncle Kevin Staples who encouraged him to use his talent for the Lord.

Angela "Grace" Russell,

She is a multi-talented female musician who plays the Guitar and Keyboard. Born to Curtis Grace and Loretta (Grace) O'Bryant. Angela began playing the guitar at the State-Line Church of the Living God where Bishop Ella Mae Dupree was her Pastor. She is well versed in the Jewell Dominion style of praise music. Angela attends the Universal New Beginnings C.O.G.I.C. where Pastor R. Witty presides. She also serves as the minister of music. She was inspired to play by another Jewell Dominion female guitarist, Kim Love of Philadelphia, Pa. Angela's favorite bible verse is Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.

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