Texas Louisiana (featuring Buddy Guy)

Zoo Freaks, get ready for a sizzling track as The Zoo Crew spins "Texas Louisiana (featuring Buddy Guy)" by Ally Venable from her album Real Gone! This electrifying blues anthem is a celebration of Southern roots, blending the soulful sounds of Texas and Louisiana. The song came to life through a dream collaboration sparked by none other than blues legend Buddy Guy himself. In an interview with Guitar Girl Magazine, Ally shared that Buddy, inspired by their shared Southern heritage—she hails from Kilgore, East Texas, and he’s from Baton Rouge, Louisiana—suggested they work together while she was opening for him on tour. The track was born in a whirlwind two-day writing session in Nashville with producer Tom Hambridge and songwriter Richard Fleming, where Ally described the process as therapeutic and natural, despite the tight timeline.

The chemistry between Ally and Buddy on "Texas Louisiana" is undeniable, with their vocals and guitar riffs trading off in a fiery musical dialogue. Critics have raved about its infectious energy, with Songs Magazine calling it a tribute to blues greats like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Little Walter, reflecting the deep influence these icons have had on both artists. Ally told Relix that recording with Buddy was a dream come true, emphasizing how their shared Southern identity made the song a perfect representation of their musical souls. The music video, released in February 2023, captures this vibrant energy, showcasing the duo’s passion and respect for each other’s craft. Fans on Reddit have echoed this excitement, with one user praising Ally’s live performances and her engaging presence at the merch table, noting that Real Gone is her best work yet.

Ally Venable’s journey to blues stardom began in her hometown of Kilgore, Texas, where she picked up the guitar at age 12 and was performing by 14. Her official bio on allyvenableband.com highlights how she released her debut EP, Wise Man, at 14 and her first full-length album, No Glass Shoes, at 16 in 2016. This early start caught the attention of the blues community, earning her multiple East Texas Music Awards and setting the stage for her rapid rise. Influenced by legends like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimi Hendrix, Ally honed her craft through relentless touring and recording, eventually sharing stages with icons like Buddy Guy, Joe Bonamassa, and Kenny Wayne Shepherd. Her 2019 album Texas Honey and 2021’s Heart of Fire topped Billboard charts, cementing her as a leading voice in modern blues-rock.

At just 23 when Real Gone dropped in 2023, Ally had already been named one of Guitar World’s Top 15 “Young Guns” making the Gibson Les Paul cool again and received the Road Warrior Award from the Independent Blues Music Awards. Her ability to blend old-school blues with contemporary flair has won her a global fanbase, further amplified by her performances on Ruf Records’ European Blues Caravan tour. You can keep up with Ally’s latest shows and releases on her official website, allyvenableband.com, or follow her on social media: Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans also gather on platforms like the Ally Venable Fan Club on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks can connect and share their love for her soulful sound. So, crank up "Texas Louisiana" and let Ally and Buddy take you on a bluesy ride!