Randy Steele is a singer-songwriter and banjo player from Chattanooga, Tennessee, whose music masterfully bridges the road between bluegrass grit and introspective folk storytelling. A retired career firefighter who turned to banjo for solace, Steele’s songs range from hard-driving character narratives to raw personal confessions, earning accolades like the Independent Music Award for Bluegrass Song of the Year (‘Mobile Soon’) and semifinalist placements at the Kerrville Folk Festival, New Song LEAF festival and American Songwriter Magazine Song of the Year (‘Age of Ben’). His solo performances—praised for "masterful storytelling" (Outdoor Chattanooga) and "modern lyrical sensibilities" (Americana UK)—deliver high-energy charisma and emotional depth, making every show he does memorable. Steele independently releases music, including his latest single ‘The Extra Mile is a Gravel Road’, and tours nationally both solo and with his bluegrass band High Cold Wind.
Randy Steele and the High Cold Wind are a high energy bluegrass band based out of Chattanooga Tennessee. It began in 2022 as a support band for award winning singer/songwriter and banjo player Randy Steele’s tour and expanded quickly into a full on bluegrass jam machine. After a few shows, they found themselves invited to multiple festivals throughout the Southeast US with acts like Greensky Bluegrass, Yonder Mountain String Band, Town Mountain, Larry Keel, East Nash Grass, and Shadowgrass. Randy and the crew have continued keeping a busy schedule and have built fanbases in Charleston SC, Atlanta Ga, Huntsville AL, and Knoxville Tn on top of the Chattanooga and River community the have always supported Steele’s efforts. The band has multiple single releases due out in 2025 after the March release of Randy’s newest single ‘The Extra Mile is a Gravel Road’, produced by Nick Lutsko, and is releasing music from the studio and select live cuts throughout 2025. Joining Steele in High Cold Wind are flat pick wizard Brad Clark on guitar. Multiple State, multiple instrumental contest Champion and well known teacher John Boulware on Mandolin and Slim Pickins Bluegrass’ own Justin Hupp on the upright bass.
