Minnesota’s first family of soul, the Steeles, return with their Christmas show that has served as the holiday soundtrack for scores of families in Minnesota and beyond. Tickets for “A Christmas Celebration with the Steeles” go on sale starting Oct. 4, for two shows that will mark the Steeles’ 37th anniversary of performing holiday harmonies for local audiences.
The Steeles consist of Jearlyn, Jevetta, J.D., Fred and Billy Steele. Together, they have recorded and performed with Prince as well as super producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. They have shared the stage with Donald Fagen, Morgan Freeman, George Clinton, the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and the national radio broadcast A Prairie Home Companion, among others. The list of accolades as a group and individually is vast. But many Minnesotans know them best for their holiday show.
“People have been asking us months in advance about the show, asking if we’re bringing it back and saying their whole family is coming for the holidays and they need us!” Said Jearlyn Steele, who also shared her smooth, velvety voice with Sunday night listeners for 20 years as host of her own talk show on WCCO 830 AM.
“A Christmas Celebration with the Steeles” debuted in 1984 at the Cricket Theatre in Minneapolis. The family performed their show annually for 36 years before going on a break after the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s Christmas performance will feature original songs from the Steeles’ three holiday albums and classics too.
“We’re just in the process of deciding which songs will go in the show.” Said J.D. Steele, who serves as director and founder of the MacPhail Community Youth Choir. “There will be some classics like “This Must Be Christmas,” “The Joy Bells Are Ringing” and “Winter Wonderland.”
The rich musical history of the Steeles goes way back to when the members were kids in Gary, Indiana. “I remember hearing my brothers tapping on the piano in the basement and they eventually started writing music.” Jearlyn Steele recalled. “I was only 5 years old when we were on a stage with Mahalia Jackson, one of the greatest gospel singers of all time.”
The Steeles have performed all over the country and the world, including Carnegie Hall, Paris, London, Barcelona, Italy, Moscow, Brazil and Scotland. Each member’s list of performances and accolades is long and impressive. The Steeles have also contributed to several film soundtracks, including the documentary “Hoopdreams,” “Graffiti Bridge,” “Blank Man,” and “Corrina, Corrina.” Yet even with their successes individually, uniting on stage brings its own rewards.
“There’s never a fear when I’m on the stage with my family.” Jearlyn Steele said. “It’s pure joy. That’s not to say I don’t get on their nerves sometimes. No family is perfect, but we are perfect for each other.”
This year’s holiday performance is even more of a family affair as the Steeles’ children and grandchildren have been invited to the stage as the next generation of voices sure to richen the already robust and melodious performance at the historic Pantages Theatre.
Coming back together on stage as a family in Minneapolis for the Christmas shows is a testament to what J.D. Steele calls a “warm and fuzzy” feeling the show delivers to Christmas audiences that love the Steeles’ sound and story.
There are two performances of “A Christmas Celebration with the Steeles” on Saturday, Dec. 21 and Sunday, Dec. 22, at the Pantages Theater. Tickets go on sale Friday, Oct. 4 at 10 a.m. and can be purchased at HennepinArts.org. Groups of 10 or more receive a 10% discount and are available by emailing buffie@rockwhatyougotlive.com.