Kenny Wayne Shepherd to Embark on 30th Anniversary Tour of ‘Ledbetter Heights’
Renowned blues-rock artist Kenny Wayne Shepherd has exciting news for fans as he announces a major tour to commemorate the 30th anniversary of his groundbreaking debut album, Ledbetter Heights. The “Ledbetter Heights 30th Anniversary Tour” will kick off on February 19th, 2026, in Dallas, TX, and will span across various theaters and performing arts centers nationwide until the spring of 2026. This tour promises to be a special trip down memory lane for Shepherd as he revisits his roots and pays homage to the album that launched his career.
The tour is set to feature performances of songs from Ledbetter Heights in their entirety, alongside highlights from Shepherd’s illustrious three-decade-long career. Through this anniversary celebration, fans will have the opportunity to witness Shepherd’s evolution as one of the most notable voices in contemporary blues music while also experiencing the raw energy and passion of his debut album once again.
Looking back on the impact of Ledbetter Heights, Shepherd reflects on the album’s significance in shaping his musical journey. For him, this album holds a special place in his heart as it marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to playing the blues. “In a lot of ways, this is the album that gave me everything,” Shepherd acknowledges. Revisiting this seminal work has reignited his passion for the music and reignited the excitement he felt during those early days of his career.
Recorded while Shepherd was still in high school, Ledbetter Heights is a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication to the blues genre. Drawing inspiration from icons like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimi Hendrix, Shepherd crafted a sound that was uniquely his own, blending traditional blues elements with modern rock sensibilities. The album’s title, a nod to a historic neighborhood in Shepherd’s hometown, pays homage to blues legend Huddie “Lead Belly” Ledbetter, underlining Shepherd’s deep roots in the blues tradition.
Since the release of Ledbetter Heights, Shepherd’s career has been nothing short of remarkable. He has shared stages with legends like Bob Dylan, Van Halen, The Rolling Stones, and Lynyrd Skynyrd, received five GRAMMY nominations, and consistently delivered chart-topping albums that seamlessly merge blues tradition with contemporary rock influences. Despite his early success, Shepherd remains a forward-thinking artist, always pushing the boundaries of the genre and exploring new musical frontiers.
As Shepherd embarks on this 30th-anniversary tour, longtime fans can look forward to a special treat in the form of vocalist Noah Hunt’s live performances of Ledbetter Heights material. Hunt, who has lent his vocals to every Kenny Wayne Shepherd album since the debut, adds a new dimension to the tour, allowing fans to experience these classic songs in a fresh and exciting way. This long-awaited moment signifies a full-circle moment for Shepherd and his band, bringing closure to a chapter that has been in the making for three decades.
This tour is not just a celebration of a milestone in Shepherd’s career; it is a testament to his enduring legacy in the blues genre. With a diverse discography that reflects his unwavering commitment to the blues tradition, Shepherd’s music continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide. This anniversary tour promises to be a journey through the past, present, and future of Kenny Wayne Shepherd’s music, reminding us of the timeless power and passion of the blues.