The Substack Jukebox 🎵🎶🎵

Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Mark Knopfler, Kurt Vile... it's ALL good!

The Substack Jukebox 6/8/2026

Hi, music lovers! This stack is devoted to music and artists outside the mainstream and new versions of your favorites, with a little backstory on the work.

Send us what you love and we’ll try to share them! Thanks for listening and turn it up!

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“Music is the universal language of mankind.” ― Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

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Kenny Wayne Shepherd

Suggested by Subscriber Seraphita. Excellent choice! Kenny Wayne Shepherd is an interesting and talented guy! Personal notes: Born in Louisiana, married to Hannah, oldest daughter of Mel Gibson. His grandma purchased several plastic guitars for him with S&H Green Stamps. (Remember those?) He’s completely self taught and doesn’t read music.

‘Blue on Black’ was released in 1997 by Shepherd and in 2019, it was reworked and covered by Five Finger Death Punch featuring Shepherd, country artist Brantley Gilbert, and Queen guitarist Brian May. (Listen to FFDP here and watch the genius of Brian May from Queen-wow!)

Here's the original when Kenny had long hair. 🤩

Mark Knopfler.

Substack is a wonderful place to meet new people and make new friends. Karen, who I met on this platform, sent me this excellent suggestion. Mark Knopfler was born in Scotland, now 76 years old 🤯, was ranked 27th on Rolling Stone's list of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time", has four Grammys and with his band, Dire Straits, sold close to 120 million albums. ‘Sultans of Swing’ was released in 1978… and it will lower your blood pressure! Exactly what we need right now.

Kurt Vile

Thank you Subscriber Maggie who suggested Kurt! He’s a Pennsylvania boy, born in Lansdowne, a suburb of Philly. (I almost moved to Lansdowne!) He’s 46 years old, one of 10 kids, is married with two daughters and has released 10 studio albums. He’s so unique… a shuffling, relaxed kinda sound.

This is one of his hits, ‘Pretty Pimpin’ which was released as single in 2015 from his album ‘believe I’m goin’ down’. He has also partnered with Australian singer Courtney Barnett for a terrific album called ‘Whole Lotta Sea Lice’. (how do they name these albums 😜) You can listen to one of my favorites from that here called ‘Over Everything’!

Shout out to Karen, Maggie, and Seraphita for these great suggestions!

Music is balm for the soul in these depressing times. What are you listening to? Send us your music so we can share new work! Did you heard something here to add to your playlist? I hope so!

If you like this Substack, I’d appreciate a one-time donation here. It would help me keep writing and researching!

You guys are awesome. I truly appreciate my digital family. 💙

Be here for Photo Friday (this Friday, duh!) and let’s look at some cool photography! 📸

Share with a music lover… it’s free! Restacking and sharing helps me reach new people! Smash that Share Button!