Caught On Camera: 23-Year-Old Kenny Wayne Shepherd Jams “Midnight Rider”

Kenny Wayne’s Salute To Skydog

Louisiana born blues guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd is one of our favorite guitarists of the last few years, and for good reason: for having his heart so set on the blues, Kenny’s incredibly versatile and always makes sure his musical influences are represented in his music. His 2000 rendition of The Allman Brothers Band’s iconic “Midnight Rider” is just another example of his versatility; at 23 years old, Kenny Wayne Shepherd is as much a master musician as he is a lifelong fan of one of the godfathers of Southern rock as he leads his band through a rendition of “Midnight Rider” that while lacking in the original’s relaxed country vibe, more than makes up for it with a blues tinged brand of rock that’s uniquely Kenny.

Fun Fact: Kenny Wayne Shepherd does not read music, and is entirely self taught.

There’s nothing we love more than seeing a classic like “Midnight Rider” being introduced to a new generation of fans who missed out on The Allman Brothers Band the first time around. Sure, nothing beats the original featuring Gregg Allman’s vocals that are equal parts Southern rock and Southern Baptist church on Sunday morning, but there’s something infinitely special about Kenny Wayne’s cover – somewhere, Duane Allman was listening that day and we’re sure he had a Georgia-wide grin on his face the entire time.

+ Midnight Rider lyrics +

Well, I’ve got to run to keep from hidin’
And I’m bound to keep on ridin’
And I’ve got one more silver dollar

But I’m not gonna let ’em catch me, no
Not gonna let ’em catch the midnight rider

And I don’t own the clothes I’m wearing
And the road goes on forever
And I’ve got one more silver dollar

But I’m not gonna let ’em catch me, no
Not gonna let ’em catch the midnight rider

And I’ve gone by the point of caring
Some old bed I’ll soon be sharing
And I’ve got one more silver dollar

But I’m not gonna let ’em catch me, no
Not gonna let ’em catch the midnight rider

No, I’m not gonna let ’em catch me, no
Not gonna let ’em catch the midnight rider

No, I’m not gonna let ’em catch me, no
Not gonna let ’em catch the midnight rider

No, I’m not gonna let ’em catch me, no
Not gonna let ’em catch the midnight rider