Top 10 Kenny Wayne Shepherd Songs
Kenny Wayne Shepherd began playing guitar at seven years of age and played on stage for the first time when he was 13. Meeting and listening to Stevie Ray Vaughan in 1984 at the age of seven ignited his decision to pursue a career as blues rock guitar player. After signing a multiple album recording contract with Giant Records, Shepherd recorded and released Ledbetter Heights in 1995. Since then he’s released several albums and won a myriad of awards with a half dozen of his releases nominated for a Grammy.
10. “Deja Voodoo”
Ledbetter Heights was Kenny Wayne Shepherd’s debut album recorded at the age of 17 in 1995. “Deja Voodoo” was co-written by Shepherd and his bandmates with Corey Sterling on vocals and hits the stratosphere with the opening shot.
9. “Nothing But the Night”
“Nothing But the Night” is a punchy pop tune with stellar vocals and incendiary guitar work that is accompanied by a driving beat that makes you want to dance from 2017’s Lay It On Down.
8. “Somehow, Somewhere, Someway”
“Somehow, Somewhere, Someway” is from 1997’s Trouble Is with Noah Hunt on vocals and has Kenny ripping it up in style with a stellar double guitar solo adding to the mix of a mesmerizing beat of the rhythm section.
7. “Dark Side of Love”
How I Go was released in 2011 with “The Dark Side of Love” and is a joyous romp that has Shepherd titillating his guitar with peels of delight as Noah Hunt promises “one of these days I’m gonna rise above and never fall back again.”
6. “Lay It On Down”
The title track on Lay It On Down is a killer acoustic number that features Kenny on lead vocals singing “weight of the world you been draggin’ around, lay it on down” to the rhythmic beat of his guitar sung in a southern country style.
5. “Still A Fool”
In 2014, Kenny Wayne Shepherd released Goin Home where he collaborated on songs with a number of great guitarists including “Still A Fool” with Robert Randolph.
4. “Diamonds and Gold”
“Diamonds and Gold” from 2017’s Lay It On Down album has a big band sound reminiscent of groups like Chicago or Blood Sweat and Tears with its horn section and Kenny on lead vocals and wah wah pedal guitar like Terrry Kath or Mike Bloomfield.
3. “Woman Like You”
In 2019, Kenny Wayne Shepherd released The Traveler which produced “Woman Like You,” a rocking and throbbing sonic journey into the stellar reaches of Shepherd’s guitar as Noah Hunt enunciates his lyrics in time to Chris Layton’s hypnotic beat.
2. “Alive”
In 2004, Kenny released The Place You’re In which contained “Alive,” a screaming guitar raging number that has him on lead vocals.
1. Blue On Black
In 1997, Shepherd released Trouble Is which contained “Blue On Black.” It was the first album with Noah Hunt as the lead vocalist for the Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band and became Billboard’s top rock song for 1997.
Love Kenny Wayne
They’re all great
I am beyond thrilled Alive got so high! The Place You’re In is by far my favorite KWS album. “Let Go” is my favorite of the bunch but wow!
Deja Voodoo was always a favorite. Have been following KWS since the 90’s and have appreciated his contributions in the music industry. Love his style and humbleness.
My favorite Heat of the sun
love kws but havent bought/downloaded much since the 2nd release. i’ll have to check these out. i always liked “was” and “everything is broken”.
Lay It On Down … helped me heal during the toughest time of my life.
Love KWSB! Always my go to band.
So many overlooked….. In 2 deep,Them changes,You should know better,Where was I,Everything is broken. These songs should get a honorable mention. Kennys playing,Noahs vocals create outstanding music. Always listening, keep playing!
I’m a huge fan of 20 years now…Blue on Black will always be May favorite…right up there with Deja Voo Doo. However, I am loving the last couple of albums they’ve put out! KWS and Noah Hunt is the best combination to ever hit the charts! Keep it up guys!
Love them all….the singles and the albums, but Blue on Black will always be my favorite. Then the re-release with Brantley and FFDP–frickin AWESOME!!!
My top 5 R;
1. Blue on Black
2. Deja Voodoo
3. Turn to Stone
4. She’s $$$$
5. Diamonds and Gold
Plus anything live from him. He will carry the torch with Bonamassa, KingFish, Marcus King when Buddy Guy retires. KWS is unique live, turn it up to 12!! Andreja
I am surprised Backwater Blues didn’t make the list. Wonderful song.
I love shotgun blues too.
This is the best Top 10 list you’ve done, every one of these songs are great.
Baby got home is my throttle twister for sure but love everything they do
No mention here about the original lead singer on Ledbetter Heights, Corey Sterling. A singer with more vocal range than Noah Hunt but less stage presence, imo. Still trying to find out why the change after the first album.
I’m a new fan and can’t stop listening to their songs. Can’t wait to see them live in Fort Lauderdale in February!