LaRhonda Steele, a Blues and gospel singer and songwriter, is recognized as one the region’s best rhythm and blues vocalists. She has been dubbed “The First Lady of Portland Blues”—a title of leadership that she lives up to as she shares songs that carry forth directly from her soul and spiritual life-force.
She currently fronts the LaRhonda Steele band, is music director of the non profit Portland Interfaith Gospel Choir, music director of Portland Center for Spiritual Living. LaRhonda’s voice can be enjoyed on recordings of national and international artists; Gino Vannelli, Curtis Salgado, Lloyd Jones, Mary Flower, Norman Sylvester to name a few.
2021 Recipient of Oregon Folklife Networks Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program award
2020 inductee into the Oregon Music Hall of Fame (ceremony delayed COVID 19);
2018 Cascade Blues Association Hall of Fame.
2016-2018 Cascade Blues Association Best Female Vocalist Muddy Award
