Bobby Rush and Kenny Wayne Shepherd were born 44 years apart and just miles away from each other in northern Louisiana, but it took decades for their musical paths to cross. And when they finally did, it felt like destiny. “Once Bobby and I got together, it felt like going home,” says Shepherd. And for Rush, the collaboration was long overdue: “I’ve been waiting a long time for something like this to come knocking.”

Shepherd, a multi-platinum blues-rock powerhouse with five Grammy nominations and a shelf full of Blues Music Awards, and Rush, a three-time Grammy winner and Blues Hall of Famer, have both dedicated their lives to the blues. For both of them, it’s their calling… a way of life. The blues is more than just about heartbreak and hardship, it’s about survival and celebration. For over a century, it has been the foundation of American music, a sound that carries the weight of history while offering an escape. Young Fashioned Ways taps into that lineage with a natural ease, proving that the blues is more alive than ever. Rush and Shepherd’s chemistry is undeniable. Though they come from different generations, their shared roots in Louisiana give them an instinctive connection. Their voices and instruments go together seamlessly, trading licks and stories like old friends swapping tales on a front porch.

Rush, now in his 90s, has seen the evolution of the blues firsthand. He’s played with legends, broken barriers, and inspired generations. But this album? This one feels special. “For the first time in a long time, this album has really motivated me,” he says. “Kenny and I come from the same area, both from the blues, and we have similar thoughts about the music. I believe in my heart that we will break down barriers and bring both of our audiences together.”

For Shepherd, working with Rush was a bucket-list moment. “Bobby Rush is a true icon of the blues, and I am so excited he and I were able to join forces to create a truly authentic blues record,” he says. “This album is something I am so proud of, and you can feel the truth of the music in every note.”

At its core, Young Fashioned Ways is a bridge between generations, a celebration of the power of working together, and a love letter to the blues itself. In a world that’s constantly changing, the blues remains, steady and unwavering. And with Bobby Rush and Kenny Wayne Shepherd leading the charge, it’s in fine hands.