Denise King announces upcoming album “People Get Ready”
On October 17, 2025, the accomplished vocalist Denise King will unveil her latest album, “People Get Ready,” which is set to be released on CD and digital platforms. This highly anticipated album will hit vinyl on December 5, 2025, courtesy of Jazzbook Records. Denise King, known for her captivating renditions of jazz and Songbook classics, takes a different approach with this new album by infusing her passion, soul, and sensuality into a selection of socially conscious songs from the realms of rock, blues, R&B, and folk music.
“People Get Ready” is a collection of powerful and profound music that represents a significant milestone in Denise King’s illustrious four-decade career. The album, inspired by the spiritual and political messages embodied in its title track originally sung by Curtis Mayfield, features timeless anthems promoting peace, unity, and civil rights by iconic songwriters like Bob Dylan, Abbey Lincoln, and Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong.
Denise King expresses her astonishment at covering songs by artists like Bob Dylan, the Animals, and Edwin Starr, emphasizing that the relevance and significance of the lyrics resonate with the current times as much as they did when they were first recorded. The idea for “People Get Ready” materialized after a serendipitous meeting between King and Jazzbook label founder, Seydou Barry, following a performance in Aix-en-Provence, France. This encounter led to a new direction in King’s recording career, embracing a repertoire that reflects her personal and artistic values.
Guitarist and musical director John Shannon played a pivotal role in conceptualizing and arranging the project, assembling a talented group of musicians including Vieux Kanté, Cliff Barnes, James Johnson III, and Chyco Siméon. Denise King’s exceptional vocal delivery on the album embodies the essence of the human experience, aligning perfectly with her advocacy and community engagement through initiatives like the Hope and Healing Community Arts Project and BeBoppin’ Books.
The album kicks off with a rousing rendition of “You Gotta Move,” setting a spirited tone that transitions into more contemplative tracks like “Why Can’t We Live Together” and the Motown protest classic “War.” Each song on the album carries a profound message, reflecting King’s personal experiences traveling to conflict zones around the world. The emotional depth of King’s performances resonates deeply with audiences, as evidenced by the powerful impact of her live rendition of “War” in Dakar, Senegal.
With “People Get Ready,” Denise King embarks on a new chapter in her musical journey, exploring diverse genres and delivering impactful performances that carry a meaningful message. As she gears up for her 2025 tour, spanning across the United States and international venues, King is poised to captivate audiences with her soulful interpretations of songs that transcend time and resonate with social and political themes.