The airwaves of 90.3 FM KFAI, Minneapolis, were filled with the sounds of community and conversation as Al McFarlane, the charismatic host of “The Conversation with Al McFarlane”, welcomed Billy Steele, a legendary musician and integral part of Minnesota’s cultural fabric.
“Always good to see you, Al, and my brother Babington,” Billy Steele greeted McFarlane and Alfred Babington-Johnson, founder of the Stairstep Foundation. Steele’s voice, rich with history and passion, set the stage for a compelling discussion about his life, his music, and his enduring impact on the community.
“I’m the youngest of six siblings. We are originally from Gary, Indiana,” Steele began, recounting his family’s remarkable musical journey. “JD Fred came here first to Minnesota, and then we all followed them. They used to sing as children. My dad used to take them to open for Mahalia Jackson and a lot of gospel greats, James Cleveland and them back in the day.”
Steele’s path to Minnesota was paved with music, a legacy he and his siblings continued to build upon. “When we moved here, Jerelyn came afterwards. Of course, Jerelyn, JD, and Fred formed the group, the Steeles. The JD Steele Singers with Ginger Commodore joining them. Jevetta and I were on the way,” he shared.
The Steele family quickly became icons of the local music scene. Their collaborations with Prince and performances on Garrison Keillor’s “Prairie Home Companion” further cemented their status as legends. “The Steeles have been here singing, and they joined forces with Prince, the artist formerly known as Prince, and became these legends,” Steele recounted. “My family is very well known throughout the world.”
Reflecting on his extensive travels, Steele shared a particularly memorable experience in India. “JD and I worked on a project there with Rita Mustaphi, the Kathak Dancers. We did a Hindu project in India, which was really different,” he said. “Our first rehearsal was next to a Christian Fellowship church. I was like, ‘That’s hilarious.’ But we had a blast and we had a couple of days off. We traveled to Agra to see the Taj Mahal. Being able to do that with my eldest brother was just priceless.”
Steele’s voice carries the history and future of a family deeply intertwined with the community’s heartbeat. His commitment to harnessing music’s universal language to foster community bonds is evident. “Music underscores our community,” he said passionately. “All of our lives are underscored through music.”
The upcoming Minnesota Soul event on May 25th, set to take place at the US Bank Stadium, is a testament to Steele’s dedication to community and music. “We’re going to all come together with 75 or so choir members, and we’re going to sing for about forty-something minutes and just kill it,” Steele enthused. The fusion of gospel, dance, and art promises a day of profound joy and unity.
Steele’s reflections on the role of music in bridging cultural and generational gaps are poignant. “Stevie Wonder said music is the universal language. I said, ‘Absolutely.’ In my travels all across this world, to be able to go to India and hear music in the streets and see how people responded to music, that’s what this day is really about,” Steele emphasized. “Music can bridge the gap to have the conversations that we need to have.”
As the conversation drew to a close, Steele extended an open invitation to the Minnesota community to attend the Minnesota Soul event. “There’s a lot there y’all. Y’all don’t want to miss. This is beautiful,” he said.
Billy Steele’s journey is a testament to the power of music and community. His story is one of resilience, passion, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting those around him. The Steele family, with their rich history and profound impact, continues to inspire and unite, making events like Minnesota Soul a beacon of hope and unity for all.
