About the lee boys

The Lee Boys grew up in the church where their father was a pastor and a steel player himself. “Sacred steel” is a type of music described as an inspired, unique form of Gospel music with a hard-driving, blues-based beat. The musical genre is rooted in Gospel, but infused with rhythm and blues, jazz, rock, funk, hip-hop, country and ideas from other nations. 

When The Lee Boys bring their joyous spiritual sound to the stage, audiences instantly recognize that this is not “sitting and listening” music: 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.”

The Lee Boys have taken their modern expression of Sacred Steel on the road and have become a pre-eminent touring ensemble. These engaging artists work well in a variety of venues ranging from intimate club settings to performing arts centers to large festival stages. Their music attracts audiences from the jamband, folk, blues and Gospel worlds. Over the past 20 years, The Lee Boys have released four albums, packed prestigious venues, and spread their music and message beyond the church pews through residencies, recording studios and concerts across the world.

The Lee Boys have performed for more than 750,000 music fans at festivals throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia.  Their unique sound has attracted musical artists such as Allman Bros. Band, B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Robert Plant, Robert Randolph, Derek Trucks, Mavis Staples, Gov’t Mule, Del McCoury, Traveling McCourys, Victor Wooten, Blind Boys of Alabama, Black Crowes, John Legend, and The Roots – all of whom have performed with the Lee Boys and/or invited them to tour with them. 

The Lee Boys were recently recognized and honored by the State of Florida. They were Recipients of the Florida Folk Heritage Award in 2022 for “their contributions that led to a greater appreciation and recognition of the importance of traditional arts and artists in our state.”