The Guitar Hang Podcast – Season 11, Episode 2

Kenny Wayne Shepherd: 30 Years of Ledbetter Heights, Tone, and the Road Ahead

In this episode of The Guitar Hang Podcast, host Jon Stankorb sits down with blues-rock powerhouse Kenny Wayne Shepherd for a deep and honest conversation about longevity, tone, and the journey from teenage prodigy to seasoned road warrior.

Kenny reflects on the 30th anniversary of his breakthrough debut album Ledbetter Heights and the newly re-recorded celebration project Ledbetter Heights: The 30th Anniversary Sessions, a fresh take on the record that launched his career and helped define modern blues-rock for a new generation.

We also dive into his current touring cycle, revisiting the music live on stage in full album performances, and how his approach to guitar, songwriting, and tone has evolved over three decades on the road.

In This Episode

🎸 Revisiting Ledbetter Heights 30 years later
🎸 Recording The 30th Anniversary Sessions
🎸 Touring the album in its entirety for the first time
🎸 Tone, gear, and the pursuit of feel over flash
🎸 Influences from Stevie Ray Vaughan and classic blues
🎸 Staying inspired after decades of touring and recording
🎸 The state of blues-rock in 2026 and beyond

Kenny also shares insights into what keeps him motivated, how he approaches live performance today, and why the blues continues to resonate with audiences around the world.

Special Thanks to Our Sponsor

🎸 Woodshed Guitar Experience

If you’re serious about leveling up your playing, Woodshed Guitar Experience is one of the most inspiring guitar immersion events available today.

World-class instructors, hands-on workshops, performances, and a community built entirely around growth as a guitarist.

👉 Visit: https://www.woodshedguitarexperience.com
💥 Use promo code: GUITARHANG300
💰 Save $300 on registration

Connect & Listen

🎙️ The Guitar Hang Podcast
 Hosted by Jon Stankorb
 New episodes weekly featuring world-class guitarists, bassists, producers, and songwriters.

📺 YouTube: Jon’s Guitar Lounge
 🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and iHeartRadio

Kenny Wayne Shepherd

Learn more about music, tour dates, and updates:

🌐 https://www.kennywayneshepherd.net

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow guitarist or music lover. It helps keep The Guitar Hang community growing.

Support the show

"Conversations with Noteworthy Guitarists from around the World"