Joanne Shaw Taylor

Joanne Shaw Taylor, initially discovered by Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics at the tender
age of 16, has over the years carved out an impressive niche for herself in the world of
blues-rock. After witnessing her remarkable guitar playing, Stewart immediately invited
her to join his supergroup, D.U.P., setting the wheels in motion for a flourishing musical
career. Her prodigious talent on the guitar earned her accolades from several industry
giants, including Jimmy Cliff, Joe Bonamassa, Stevie Wonder, and Annie Lennox.
Now in her 30s, Joanne has emerged as one of the most coveted guitarists in the rock
domain. Her debut album, White Sugar (2009), released on Ruf Records, showcased her
soulful voice and exceptional songwriting ability, heralding the arrival of a new luminary in
the blues-rock arena. This release was followed by a series of critically acclaimed albums:
Diamonds In The Dirt (2010), Almost Always Never (2012), featuring the UK radio hit "Soul
Station," and the live album Songs From The Road (2013), marking her final release with
Ruf Records.
In 2014, Joanne unveiled her fourth studio album, The Dirty Truth, on Axehouse Records,
featuring hit singles "Mud, Honey," and "Wicked Soul." Her fifth album, Wild (2016),
produced by the legendary Kevin Shirley, included performances of "Dyin' To Know" and
"Summertime" on the popular BBC Two Television music show, Later With Jools Holland.
Joanne's journey over the past two decades has seen her evolve into a prolific songwriter,
with each of her acclaimed albums being more successful than the last. Her 2019 album,
Reckless Heart, broke into the UK Top 20 Album Chart, solidifying her standing as one of the
most important British blues-rock exports.
In a significant collaboration, Joanne teamed up with producers Joe Bonamassa and Josh
Smith for her seventh album, The Blues Album, released under Bonamassa's independent
label, KTBA Records, in 2021. This powerhouse project not only showcased Joanne's
deepening artistry and evolving sound but also earned critical acclaim, debuting at No. 1 on
the Billboard Blues Chart. This achievement marked a pivotal moment in her career,
underscoring her status as a leading figure in the blues-rock genre.
Building on this momentum, 2022 proved to be a landmark year for Joanne. She expanded
her horizons by releasing her first live DVD, coupled with Blues From The Heart Live, her
second consecutive album to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Blues Chart. This release was a
testament to her electrifying live performances and further elevated her profile, leading to
a celebrated TV debut on Public Television (PBS). The success of these projects not only
solidified her reputation as a compelling live performer but also broadened her appeal to a
wider audience.
Continuing her streak of creative collaborations, Joanne unveiled her eighth studio album
later that year, titled Nobody's Fool. This album was a culmination of her musical journey,
featuring contributions from a diverse array of talents including Joe Bonamassa, Dave
Stewart, Tina Guo, and Carmen Vandenburg. Nobody's Fool was more than just an addition
to her discography; it was a bold statement of her musical versatility and an exploration

into new sonic territories, further establishing Joanne as a dynamic and influential force in
the blues-rock world.
Building on this momentum, Joanne released her latest studio album Heavy Soul in 2024,
which debuted at #2 on the Billboard Blues Album chart. Produced by Kevin Shirley (Black
Crowes, Journey, Aerosmith), Heavy Soul was praised for blending contemporary soul-pop
with traditional blues roots. It has received critical acclaim for its authentic and powerful
exploration of emotional depths, with Classic Rock Magazine hailing it as “a winning
balance between maturity and raw, gut-punch blues,” and Glide Magazine describing it as
her “most complete ‘triple threat’ effort yet,” elevating her status from a guitar slinger to a
singer-songwriter.
Joanne is now gearing up for the release of her 10th studio album, Black & Gold, set to
debut on June 6, 2025, via Joe Bonamassa’s Journeyman Records. Reuniting with producer
Kevin Shirley, the album explores themes of resilience, self-discovery, and the complexities
of human connection. Blending blues-rock with elements of Americana, indie rock, and
retro ’80s pop, Black & Gold is a bold statement of Joanne’s fearless creativity and her
ability to push the boundaries of the genre.
Joanne’s tour schedule remains as dynamic and expansive as ever, spanning both national
and international stages. These live performances, known for their raw energy and
captivating musicianship, continue to be featured on PBS stations across the US, bringing
her unique blend of blues-rock to an ever-widening audience.
Journeyman LLC represents the latest venture between blues-rock titan Joe Bonamassa and
his long-time manager Roy Weisman. More than just a record label, Journeyman stands as a
full-service entity encompassing artist management, concert promotion, and marketing.
This holistic approach uniquely positions it to nurture and promote independent artists on
a global scale. Under this new arrangement, Joanne not only benefits from Journeyman's
robust infrastructure but also gains from Bonamassa's vast industry experience and
commitment to empowering artists. This support is invaluable as she navigates the
complex landscape of the music industry, continuing to break new ground and reach wider
audiences.
With such a vibrant and promising year ahead, Joanne Shaw Taylor is set to further solidify
her standing as a formidable force in the global blues-rock scene. Her ongoing journey is a
testament to her enduring passion, boundless creativity, and the ever-growing appeal of
her soul-stirring music.