Ronnie Baker Brooks' Blues In My DNA fuses the raw intensity of Chicago blues with a modern, soul-infused edge while showcasing his blistering guitar work and heartfelt songwriting.
When it comes to contemporary blues, few names resonate as profoundly as Ronnie Baker Brooks. If you're looking for someone who has taken the legacy of Chicago blues and infused it with modern energy, Brooks is that artist. Hailing from blues royalty - his father, the legendary Lonnie Brooks, carved out a place in the genre’s Hall of Fame - Ronnie isn’t just living in his father’s shadow. He’s creating his own blistering brand of blues-rock that teeters on the edge of funk, soul, and classic blues, all of which find a home on his new album, Blues In My DNA.
The new album reflects his life's journey and the lessons from the titans of the genre. "I’m blessed to have played with and learned from the best," Brooks states, referring to his time spent with icons like B.B. King, Willie Dixon, Koko Taylor, and of course, his father. "It’s all from the heart," he continues, and you can feel it in every note.
Produced by the legendary Jim Gaines - who’s worked with everyone from Santana to Stevie Ray Vaughan - Blues In My DNA features 11 original tracks, each one pushing the blues forward while staying rooted in its storied past. For Brooks, writing these songs was as much a joy as playing them live. "I love writing as much as performing," he admits, and it shows. His songs have an innate ability to resonate with audiences on a deep level, often blending introspection with universal themes of struggle and perseverance. "I'm here to build bridges, not walls," he says, underscoring his philosophy of connecting people through music.
From his humble beginnings as a roadie for his father’s band to standing center stage with blues legends like Buddy Guy and Eric Clapton, Ronnie Baker Brooks has earned his place through hard work and determination. His father never gave him any shortcuts; he had to work his way up, one gig at a time. “Dad wouldn’t let me play onstage with him until I earned it,” he recalls, “and until he knew I was serious about music.” That dedication shines through in every performance, whether he’s tearing up festival stages around the world or closing out the Chicago Blues Festival alongside icons like Shemekia Copeland and Buddy Guy.
"Dad started the fire, Albert poured the gas on it, and Koko put the grill on," shared Brooks. Now, with Blues In My DNA, he is ready to feast, inviting listeners to the table for a masterclass in what modern blues can be.