aubrey ghent

Biography

Aubrey Ghent Sr., also known as Reverend Aubrey Ghent, is a pioneering figure in the sacred steel guitar tradition, an African-American gospel style originating in Pentecostal churches in the 1930s. Born into a musical family in Florida, he developed a passion for the lap steel guitar at age six, practicing rigorously for three years before performing in church services at age nine. His early talent on instruments like a red Supro lap steel and various amplifiers quickly earned local recognition, leading to invitations from churches and community events. As a teenage deacon, he began preaching, earning the nickname 'the preaching deacon,' and by age 20, he fully embraced evangelizing through both word and music, balancing his preaching ministry with performances.[1][4][6]

Ghent's career expanded nationally after 1992, when folklorist Robert Stone discovered him in a Miami music store, facilitating appearances at festivals, the 1994 Smithsonian Folk Masters Concert, and recordings archived by the institution. Named a Master Artist by the state of Florida that year, he gained prominence through National Public Radio features and signed with Arhoolie Records, releasing the successful album 'Can’t Nobody Do Me Like Jesus' with Aubrey Ghent & Friends. His distinctive swinging, jazzed-up gospel style with lush vibrato and soulful expression propelled sacred steel to wider audiences, including tours in Europe and Italy, and performances alongside artists like Robert Randolph, Susan Tedeschi, and Derek Trucks. Performing as a virtuoso soloist, acoustic duo with his wife Lori, or in a five-piece soulful band, Ghent's versatile repertoire spans gospel, blues, folk, and bluegrass.[3][4][5][6]

Ghent's enduring legacy as a 'triple-blessed' artist—preacher, baritone singer, and steel guitar master—has shaped sacred steel, inspiring musicians and worshippers across generations. With over 40 years of dedication, he transitioned sacred steel from church confines to international stages, solidifying his status as a legend while continuing to influence the genre through his technique and tone.[1][7]

Fun Facts

• Ghent is described as 'triple-blessed' by congregants for his talents as a preacher, powerful baritone singer, and soulful steel guitarist.[6]
• He burned out amplifiers every six months in his early years due to intense playing on his first Supro lap steel and Gretsch amp.[1][4][6]
• Discovered in 1992 by folklorist Robert Stone while casually playing in a Miami music store, leading to national festival bookings.[4][5]
• As a teenager, he was nicknamed 'the preaching deacon' while serving in church and beginning his musical travels.[4]

Associated Acts

• Aubrey & Lori Ghent and Friends - original

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Henry Ghent - Grandfather and early musical influence in sacred steel tradition (Family pioneered sacred steel sound) [1930s onward]

Key Collaborators

• Lori Ghent - Wife and band member in acoustic duo and full band (Aubrey Ghent & Friends, live performances) [1990s-present]
• Susan Tedeschi - Opened for her tour and shared stages (Southeastern U.S. tour (2003), Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise (2005)) [2003-2005]
• Derek Trucks Band - Shared performances and cruises (Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise (2005)) [2005]
• Robert Randolph and the Family Band - Performed alongside in sacred steel showcases (Various concerts) [1990s-2000s]

Artists Influenced

• Aubrey Ghent Jr. (AJ Ghent) - Son who learned from cassette tapes of his playing and pioneered stand-up sacred steel (Live at Terminal West (2015), tours opening for Allman Brothers) [1980s-present]
• Robert Randolph - Part of sacred steel artists Ghent helped popularize internationally (Brought genre to fame through shared tradition) [1990s-2000s]

External Links

• Spotify
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #gospel, #lap-steel-guitar, #spiritual