Calvin Cooke has been called a master of the pedal steel guitar. The widely popular Cooke began playing in the Church of the Living God accompanying hymns where steel guitar playing was part of the worship. As time went on, he became known as the "B.B. King of gospel steel guitar. He took the slower tempos of bogie and the rhythm of sacred music and transformed them into Gospel Blues. Hence, the rich tradition of steel guitar in African-American gospel music was born. In addition, his musical voice accompanies his steel guitar. His present band consists of Detroit musicians that also include his wife, Grace.
Calvin Cooke will be playing with the Lee Boys on February 11, 2007 at The Ark, Ann Arbor; MI. Concert begins at 7:30 p.m.