Bobby Rush and Kenny Wayne Shepherd join forces for album and tour
Bobby Rush, a three-time Grammy Award-winning blues legend, has teamed up with five-time Grammy-nominated singer and guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd for a collaborative album and tour. Their album, “Young Fashioned Ways,” is set to be released on March 21, 2025. The duo has written and recorded new blues songs together and will be embarking on a 24-city U.S. tour starting on April 25, with more dates to be announced.
The title of the album, “Young Fashioned Ways,” was inspired by blues legend Muddy Waters, reflecting their shared admiration for him and the youthful energy they bring to their collaboration despite the significant age gap between them. They even reimagined Waters’ classic “Young Ways” song, originally penned by Willie Dixon, for the album.
Despite being born nearly 44 years apart, Rush and Shepherd came together at Royal Studios in Memphis, Tennessee, to record their album, which features 10 tracks showcasing Shepherd’s distinctive guitar skills and Rush’s soulful vocals, rhythm guitar, and harmonica. At 91 years old, Rush, a 16-time Blues Music Awards winner, has been inducted into multiple music halls of fame, including the Blues Hall of Fame, Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame, and Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame.
On the other hand, Shepherd, 47, has received numerous accolades, including two Billboard Music Awards and a Blues Music Award. He has also achieved eight Top 10 singles on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart and holds the record for the longest-running albums on the Billboard Blues chart alongside legends like B.B. King and Eric Clapton with his album “Trouble Is…”
Their first single, “Who Was That,” was featured in the film “Flight Risk,” starring Mark Wahlberg, showcasing the wide appeal of their music.
In discussing their collaboration, Shepherd noted that while their age difference initially caught attention, their shared love for music and the blues quickly became the focal point. He emphasized the importance of connecting on a musical and spiritual level, transcending generational gaps to create something truly special.
Rush also spoke about the value of learning and growing through music, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to work with Shepherd and explore new creative avenues. He echoed Shepherd’s sentiment that their collaboration was a rare and rewarding endeavor.
Fans can catch Bobby Rush and the Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band on their 2025 tour, which kicks off on April 25 at the Uptown Theatre in Kansas City, MO, and spans multiple cities across the U.S. Tickets are available for purchase, allowing audiences to witness the magic of these two legendary musicians coming together to share their passion for the blues and create unforgettable musical moments on stage.