Kenny Wayne Shepherd On His New LP, Van Halen, Jim Irsay & More - "Paltrocast" Exclusive

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First signed to a major-label record deal at just 13 years of age, Kenny Wayne Shepherd quickly cemented his place as one of the most influential blues-rock guitarists of his generation. His explosive debut album, 1995's Ledbetter Heights, not only topped the blues charts but achieved platinum status, catapulting him into the spotlight in the mid-‘90s. Since then, Shepherd’s signature style—a powerful fusion of aggressive, clean, and meaty country-blues riffs—has consistently delivered chart-topping albums and multiple Top 10 singles. Through his electrifying live performances and critically acclaimed discography, Shepherd has become a modern torchbearer for blues rock, inspiring a new wave of guitarists and injecting fresh energy into the genre.

Dirt On My Diamonds Vol. 2 continues where Vol. 1 left off, offering a dynamic mix of blues-rock intensity and introspective songwriting, all anchored by Shepherd’s signature guitar work. Written at the legendary FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, the album channels the timeless energy of that space, weaving in new textures like bold horn arrangements and orchestral flourishes that elevate the record’s raw, emotional core. Kenny’s been on a roll this year, from his Backroads Blues Festival to preparing for the Experience Hendrix Tour this fall. In turn, Dirt On My Diamonds Vol. 2 serves as an ideal snapshot of where Shepherd is as an artis: pushing boundaries while staying true to his roots.

In September 2024, I had the pleasure of speaking with Kenny Wayne Shepherd via Zoom, as embedded above and scheduled to air via the Long Beach, New York-based Paltrocast With Darren Paltrowitz television series. Beyond Dirt On My Diamonds Vol. 2, we discussed the Experience Hendrix Tour, Shepherd's tours with Van Halen, future albums, ZZ Top, cars, and Shepherd's work with the Jim Irsay Band.