About the lee boys
The Lee Boys are one of America’s finest African American sacred steel ensembles.
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.”
past performances include:
Florida Folk Festival (2023)
Philadelphia Folk Festival (2019, 2022)
Telluride Jazz Festival (2022)
MerleFest (2022)
Wanee Festival (2019)
Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues Concert Series (2018)
The Kennedy Center (2018)
Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival (2017)
Orange Blossom Jamboree (2017)
Ogden Valley Roots & Blues (2016)
Telluride Blues & Brews (2014)
Late Night with Conan O'Brien (2009)
Bonnaroo (2008)
The Lee Boys, featuring...
melody trucks
Melody Trucks, a talented percussionist and vocalist, has performed in front of thousands at major music festivals such as The Peach Music Festival, Suwannee Rising, and Hulaween. As the daughter of the late Allman Brothers Band drummer Butch Trucks, Melody has continued her family's legacy in the world of Southern rock and jam band music. Her skillful percussion work and dynamic stage presence have earned her a devoted following among music fans. Visit Melody's site here.
matt walden
Matt Walden is a singer/songwriter hailing from the sunny shores of Fort Myers, Florida, with a sound that evokes the essence of indie folk. He has quickly made a name for himself in the music scene, captivating audiences online and offline with his introspective lyrics and soul-stirring melodies.
Walden's music is the perfect accompaniment for a lazy day at the beach or a road trip through the rockies. His songs explore themes of love, loss, and the beauty of everyday life, all while showcasing his soulful vocals, piano and guitar playing. His live shows are an intimate and unforgettable experience, where he loops stories and songs together to create a unique connection with his audience. Ranging from twitch livestreams, bars, venues and festivals - authentic connection and a healthy escape are always at the forefront.
As a rising star in the indie folk genre, Walden has already built a loyal fanbase that continues to grow with each new release. With his genuine passion for music and his commitment to authenticity, Matt Walden is an artist who is poised to make a lasting impact on the singer-songwriter scene. Visit Matt's website here.
lydia eku
LYDIA EKU is a bold, and dynamic performer, vocalist, and creator! She is originally from Louisville, KY, and has been based in Atlanta for 10+ years.
She has covered quite some ground within the theatre community, as well as within film/TV! Atlanta credits: THE COLOR PURPLE (Church Lady Doris) THE FIRST NOEL, and IN THE RED AND BROWN WATER (Mama Moja), amongst others. She also has traveled as a vocalist onboard the Norwegian Escape, and Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady. Her Film credits include RESPECT starring one Jennifer Hudson, and indie films ONLY THING FOR CERTAIN, WAVE, and GODDESS.
She began teaching voice shortly after moving to Atlanta, and continued until COVID-19 took place. She has since revamped her coaching, and is excited to take on new students and build strong relationships with them, and help to strengthen their voices!
When she is not teaching or performing, she co-hosts the podcast "Black Table Read," and writes her monthly newsletter on substack titled, "Times Like These." Visit Lydia's site here!
Meet the Band
Frank Owens
Frank Owens, a versatile sacred steel musician from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, discovered his musical calling at age 15 when Reverend David Lott introduced him to the steel guitar. Originally a drummer, Owens found his passion after acquiring a 6-string Rickenbacker from a pawnshop and learning both pedal and lap steel under Rev. Lott's guidance. A graduate of Nova and Boyd Anderson High School and Players School of Music in Clearwater, Owens is a multi-instrumentalist proficient in drums, bass, lead guitar, and keyboard. Currently serving at Life Impact Church International under Apostle Kenneth Ellis, he has recorded with Winfred Thompkins and is committed to teaching the next generation of musicians. Owens is dedicated to preserving and advancing sacred steel music while continuing to explore diverse musical styles and give back to his community.
Derrick Lee
Bio coming soon!
Keith Lee
Bio coming soon!
Alvin Cordy
Bio coming soon!
Dontrail Wright
Bio coming soon!
