J.D. Steele is an American singer, songwriter, arranger and choir director best known for his work with Prince, as the J.D. Steele Singers in "The Gospel at Colonus", in musical theatre, and as a member of the vocal group The Steeles.[1][2][3][4]

Early life and education

Steele was born in Gary, Indiana, the son of Sallie Steele Birdsong. He attended Purdue University.[5] Steele moved to Minneapolis in 1976.[1]

Career

Prince

In 1977, Steele met Prince Rogers Nelson in Minneapolis where he watched Prince in basement rehearsals and early shows. Prince brought Steele with his siblings into the studio to accompany Mavis Staples on the track "Melody Cool" on his Graffiti Bridge album, released in 1990. As The Steeles, they recorded background vocals on "Still Would Stand All Time" and "Thieves In The Temple" and appeared in the film of the same name.[1][6][7]

In 1993, The Steeles opened for Prince on tour.  Prince wrote the song "Well Done" for The Steeles debut album Heaven Help Us All released in 1993 by Elektra Records.  J.D. worked with Prince on the recording sessions at Paisley Park Studios in Chanhassen, Minnesota.[1]

In 1994, Super Hero by New Power Generation featuring The Steeles was recorded at Paisley Park Studios from May to June for the Blankman soundtrack album and released on August 9, 1994.[8][9]

The Gospel at Colonus and musical theatre

Steele was the choir director of the original production of The Gospel at Colonus in 1983, the Broadway production in 1988, and continuing on touring productions with Bob Telson, where they visit local choirs in the African-American community inviting them to join the show.[10][11][12][13]

In 2022, Steele composed the music and directed a community choir for Iphigenia.[14][15]

The Steeles

In 1993, as a vocal group with his siblings, The Steeles released their debut album Heaven Help Us All on Elektra Records. He produced and co-wrote 12 of the songs. In 2003 they followed with We Worship You, Two Queens, One Castle, It's Christmas, and Better Love in 1997. With The Steeles, J.D. recorded background vocals for artists including Prince, Donald Fagen, George Clinton, Mavis Staples, Kim Carnes, Fine Young Cannibals, and The Sounds of Blackness.[5][16]

The Movement Revisited and Listen! Please!

Steele worked with Christian McBride as the choral director and arranger for The Movement Revisited.[17] In 2021, Steele directed the short documentary Listen! Please! on racism.[18][3][19]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Thiede, Dana. "Minneapolis music makers react to Prince's death". USA TODAY. Retrieved 2023-04-08.
  2. ↑ Hurwitt, Robert (1997-02-26). "Gospel at Colonus' a joyful tragedy". SFGATE. Retrieved 2023-04-08.
  3. 1 2 "Marking Black History month, J.D. Steele makes a film about racism". MinnPost. 2021-02-04. Retrieved 2023-04-08.
  4. ↑ "Meet the Steeles". Star Tribune. Retrieved 2023-04-08.
  5. 1 2 "J.D. Steele | Kennedy Center". The Kennedy Center. Retrieved 2023-04-08.
  6. ↑ Duff, De Angela L. (2020-09-01). "Three Decades Later, Does Graffiti Bridge "Still Would Stand All Time"?". Rock and Roll Globe. Retrieved 2023-04-08.
  7. ↑ Graffiti Bridge - Prince | Credits, AllMusic, retrieved 2023-04-08
  8. ↑ Blankman - Original Soundtrack | Credits | AllMusic, retrieved 2023-04-08
  9. ↑ "Album: Blankman - Prince Vault". princevault.com. Retrieved 2023-04-08.
  10. ↑ Vandervort-Cobb, Joy (2011-06-01). "The Gospel at Colonus brings the church to the Gaillard". Charleston City Paper. Retrieved 2023-04-08.
  11. ↑ Harrington, Richard (1984-12-30). "The Year in Review: Best of Pop, Jazz and Rock". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2023-04-08.
  12. ↑ Rich, Frank (1988-03-25). "Review/Theater; A Musical of Sophocles and Pentecostalism". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2023-04-08.
  13. ↑ Hobbes, Dwight (5 May 2015). "The Gospel at Colonus". Twin Cities Daily Planet. Retrieved 2023-04-08.
  14. ↑ Tribune, Rohan Preston Star. "'Iphigenia at Aulis' features new works by J.D. Steele, 40-voice choir". Star Tribune. Retrieved 2023-04-08.
  15. ↑ Tribune, Rohan Preston Star. "A gutting 'Iphigenia at Aulis' lands with poetic heartbreak". Star Tribune. Retrieved 2023-04-08.
  16. ↑ "The Steeles | Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 2023-04-08.
  17. ↑ Roberts, K. C. (18 Feb 2020). "Christian McBride portrays: The movement revisited". Philadelphia Tribune. ProQuest 2375734280. Retrieved 8 Apr 2023.
  18. ↑ "Mpls. Music Legend J.D. Steele's New Documentary Captures Elder Voices On Systemic Racism". www.cbsnews.com. 8 February 2021. Retrieved 2023-04-08.
  19. ↑ Hobbes, Dwight (2021-02-10). "J. D. Steele showcases civil rights icons with short film 'Listen! Please!'". Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder. Retrieved 2023-04-08.
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