Grammy Award-nominated pedal steel guitarist Robert Randolph to talk his roots in Rock Hall virtual conversation

Part of Robert Randolph's promotion of his upcoming Rock & Roll Hall of Fame virtual conversation and performance involved the Grammy Award-nominated pedal steel guitarist recently making his first visit to Cleveland's iconic museum located on the shores of Lake Erie. "I guess I didn't know what to expect, but it was mind-blowing," said Randolph, calling from his New Jersey home. "Just walking through there and seeing things like the history of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Sly Stone, The Stones and all of these different stories, it kind of humbles you in a way. I was like, man, I still have a lot of work to do." Aside from being enthralled by Stevie Ray Vaughan's SRV1 guitar, which he desperately wanted to "pluck," the stage outfits from the '50s, '60s and '70s caught his eye. "That's the thing, we forget people were just smaller back then, man," Randolph said. "Also, most rock stars in general — and all of my heroes like Michael Jackson, Prince, Chuck Berry, Sly Stone, Little Richard — are small. "It's weird, even a guy like Bruno Mars, these are all small people. It's like, maybe I'm too tall to be an iconic star. Maybe I'll just be a regular star." Whether he's regular or iconic, the talented performer is excited to be a part of the Rock Hall's Black History Month celebration with the virtual premiere of a conversation and performance featuring Robert Randolph of The Family Band. Viewers can tune in live at 7 p.m. Feb. 26 (or watch later) to see Rock Hall Vice President of Education and Visitor Experience Jason Hanley interview Randolph about his gospel roots and more before Randolph performs a few songs playing his pedal steel guitar from the Rock Hall's Klipsch Audio Stage. In addition to the conversation and performance — as well as donating a slide guitar to the museum's social justice and equality exhibit "It's Been Said All Along: Voices of Rage, Hope and Empowerment — Randolph is collaborating with the Rock Hall's Education team to create new content for the digital learning platform. Rock Hall EDU went live late last year with users having access to professionally developed lesson plans, activities, presentations, videos, playlists and digitized primary source materials from the Rock Hall's library and archives. "Just seeing how music was able to change my life, I was blown away when I first heard about the Rock Hall's program," Randolph said. "I'm like, anywhere I could be a part of this and help amplify it by coming up with a pedal steel curriculum or instructional plan, I'm all down for it. "Music is what helps people develop, helps you change and just opens up your brain. There are always racial barriers, but all of these things sort of don't exist when you're making music, which is the universal language." Speaking of making music, Randolph said he's busy working on the follow-up to his Grammy Award-nominated 2019 album "Brighter Days." "I'm working on a few different projects, including a gospel project and a Robert Randolph Trio sort of rock album that will probably be released in 2022. My goal there is for a Cream and Hendrix-y vibe." Regarding "Brighter Days," that's literally what Randolph is looking forward to considering 2020 was supposed to be a big touring year. Perhaps that will now take place in 2022 with a return to Northeast Ohio. "Definitely, man, a headlining gig at Blossom," Randolph said. "Let's do it." Contact John Benson at Ndiffrence@att.net. WHAT: The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame presents a virtual conversation and performance of Robert Randolph of The Family Band WHEN: 7 p.m. Feb. 26 TICKETS: free INFO: rockhall.com