Kenny Wayne Shepherd Releases New Single ‘One Foot On The Path’
Renowned guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd has recently released his new single, “One Foot on the Path,” as part of his updated version of his 1995 debut album Ledbetter Heights. This track reflects the driving energy and reflective nature of the original album, showcasing Shepherd’s growth and experience over the past three decades.
Despite the dominance of grunge in the cultural landscape at the time, Shepherd boldly championed the blues genre, establishing a connection with a new generation of listeners through his dynamic guitar work, catchy hooks, and deep appreciation for the blues. Signed by Irving Azoff at just 16 years old, Shepherd recorded Ledbetter Heights while still attending high school, displaying his commitment to his craft and passion for music from a young age.
Now, years later, Shepherd revisits this iconic album with a fresh perspective and newfound clarity. “One Foot on the Path” represents both the direction he was heading in back then and the path he has forged since then – a journey marked by growth, evolution, and a refusal to remain stagnant in his career. Shepherd reflects on the album’s significance, stating, “This is the album that put me on the map, and I still enjoy listening to it because my goal has always been to make music I want to listen to; unfiltered and straight from the heart.”
Accompanying Shepherd on this re-recording is his longtime collaborator Chris “Whipper” Layton, a founding member of Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble, who has been by Shepherd’s side since the original sessions. Co-produced with Jerry Harrison, the album maintains a sense of continuity with Shepherd’s earlier work, staying true to the sonic palette that first captivated audiences in the 90s.
The original Ledbetter Heights achieved immense success, earning Gold and Platinum certifications within months of its release. It topped the Billboard Blues Chart for 10 weeks and solidified Shepherd’s position as a top blues artist in the world, alongside legends like B.B. King and Eric Clapton. Shepherd’s subsequent albums continued to garner critical acclaim and commercial success, with his sophomore effort, Trouble Is…, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.
“One Foot on the Path” is a testament to Shepherd’s ongoing journey in music, marked by a dedication to authenticity and a deep connection to the blues. As he embarks on his Ledbetter Heights 30th Anniversary Tour, Shepherd and his band are revisiting the album in its entirety, along with songs from his extensive catalog. The tour is gaining momentum as it travels to theaters and performing arts centers across the country, offering fans a chance to experience the evolution of Shepherd’s sound over the past three decades.
In closing, Shepherd reflects on the power of the blues, stating, “Before I could identify with the lyrics, I always could identify with the feeling of the blues. When you pour your heart out, everyone can feel that.” This sentiment underscores Shepherd’s artistic authenticity and emotional depth, which have been central to his enduring career in modern blues-rock.