The Campbell Brothers
Born and raised in Rush, New York, The Campbell Brothers have spent decades bridging the sacred and the secular through their extraordinary mastery of the sacred steel tradition — an African American gospel music style centered around the pedal and lap steel guitar.
Rooted in the worship services of the House of God Church (Keith Dominion), where the steel guitar became a voice of praise and testimony, the Campbell family transformed this unique musical form into a vibrant art heard around the world. Led by brothers Chuck and Phil Campbell, and featuring their late brother Darick Campbell (lap steel, 1962–2020) and Phil’s son Carlton Campbell on drums, the group carries a spiritual lineage that fuses faith, blues, funk, and rock into one transcendent sound.
Over the past three decades, The Campbell Brothers have performed at major festivals and venues including Lincoln Center, the Rochester International Jazz Festival, The Kennedy Center, and global stages across Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean. Their critically acclaimed album Can You Feel It? (Ropeadope Records, 2005) reached the Billboard Top Gospel Albums Chart, and their recording Sacred Steel on Tour was released by Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, further cementing their role as ambassadors of the sacred steel tradition.
In recognition of their cultural impact, The Campbell Brothers are featured in the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., where their instruments and legacy represent the enduring power of African American creativity and spiritual expression. In 2004, Chuck Campbell received the National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts, the highest honor in the United States for traditional and folk artists.
Through every note, The Campbell Brothers celebrate a tradition born in praise and carried by passion — proving that sacred music can heal, move, and electrify. Their performances are both ministry and celebration, bringing the joy of the church to audiences everywhere.
Meet the Campbell Brothers
Lap Steel Guitar
Darick Campbell (1962-2020)
Darick Campbell was the soulful lap steel guitarist whose expressive, vocal-like playing helped define the sound of Sacred Steel. His legacy continues to inspire audiences worldwide through the unforgettable music he created with his brothers.
Electric Guitar and Vocalist
Phil Campbell
Phil Campbell brings melodic power and dynamic rhythm to the group as their electric guitarist. His songwriting and guitar voice add depth, drive, and emotional resonance to the Campbell Brothers’ signature sound.
Pedal and Lap Steel Guitar
Chuck Campbell
A pioneer of the Sacred Steel tradition, Chuck Campbell is renowned for his groundbreaking pedal steel technique and innovative sound. His playing leads the group with soaring melodies, rich harmonies, and unmistakable spiritual intensity.
Drums
Carlton Campbell
Carlton Campbell anchors the band with his energetic, precise drumming that blends gospel drive with soulful groove. His rhythms give the group its heartbeat, creating the foundation that powers their live performances.
Bass Guitar
Daric Bennet
Daric Bennett delivers deep, soulful bass lines that lock the band together with warmth and rhythmic strength. A versatile and innovative bassist, he brings both finesse and power to the Campbell Brothers’ sound.
Vocalist
Katie Jackson
Katie Jackson’s powerhouse vocals bring raw emotion, gospel spirit, and commanding presence to every performance. Known as the “Mahalia Jackson of the House of God,” her voice lifts the music to a higher spiritual plane.