Deja Voodoo

The Zoo Crew is spinning the blues-rock classic "Deja Voodoo" by Kenny Wayne Shepherd from his debut album Ledbetter Heights, and the Zoo Freaks are surely feeling the vibe. This track, released in 1995, is a standout for its haunting lyrics and fiery guitar riffs, capturing the raw energy of an 18-year-old Shepherd. One piece of trivia about "Deja Voodoo" is that it was co-written by Shepherd, Mark Selby, and Tia Sillers, with its evocative lyrics like "Needles in my heart, spell on my mind" painting a vivid picture of love’s inescapable pull. The song’s title nods to the mystical, almost supernatural feeling of being drawn back to someone, a theme that resonates with the blues tradition. In a 2016 post on the Rock And Roll blog, the track was highlighted for its masterful guitar work, noting how Shepherd’s playing at such a young age was already electrifying, setting the stage for his live performances that “radiate intensity and energy.”

Another tidbit comes from fan discussions on platforms like Reddit’s r/blues community, where a user in 2024 praised "Deja Voodoo" for its soulful blend of blues and rock, calling it a highlight of Ledbetter Heights. The song features vocals by Corey Sterling, who sang on the album before Noah Hunt became the band’s primary vocalist. Fans on Amazon reviews have shared personal stories, with one calling "Deja Voodoo" their “favorite song in the entire world” for its spooky, fluid, and hard-driving vibe, reminiscent of Hendrix’s voodoo licks but with Shepherd’s unique spin. The track’s popularity endures, as seen in its availability on platforms like YouTube, where a 2014 upload by Giant Records has racked up views for its raw, unfiltered energy.

Kenny Wayne Shepherd’s journey to blues stardom began in Shreveport, Louisiana, where he was born on June 12, 1977. A self-taught guitarist, he started playing at age seven, learning Muddy Waters licks from his father’s record collection. His father, Ken Shepherd, a radio personality and manager, used industry connections to secure a major-label deal with Giant Records. By 13, Shepherd was performing onstage with New Orleans bluesman Brian Lee, holding his own and catching the attention of audiences. This early exposure culminated in the 1995 release of Ledbetter Heights, which sold over 500,000 copies by 1996, a rare feat for a blues album, especially by a teenager. Influenced by legends like Stevie Ray Vaughan, Albert King, and Duane Allman, Shepherd’s aggressive, hard-rocking style brought blues to a wider audience, earning massive radio airplay. His dedication to the craft and ability to thrive in live performances set him apart, as noted in his bio on Last.fm.

Shepherd’s personal life also shaped his career. He converted to Catholicism and overcame addiction, experiences that added depth to his music. His official website, kennywayneshepherd.net, offers tour dates, merch, and updates on his latest projects, like his 2024 collaboration with Bobby Rush. Fans can connect with him on social media via Facebook, Instagram, and X, where he shares tour photos, studio snippets, and interacts with followers. For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, fan communities thrive online. The Kenny Wayne Shepherd Fans Facebook group is a hub for enthusiasts to share concert stories and discuss albums, while Rate Your Music hosts fan reviews and ratings of his discography. These platforms keep the blues-rock spirit alive, much like the Zoo Crew’s vinyl-spinning sessions.