The Kentucky Headhunters, a legendary band in the realms of honky tonk, blues, and Southern rock, garnered a devoted fan base across both rock and country music genres. Despite being marketed as a country act, their profound understanding of blues and soul music enabled them to transcend boundaries and establish a unique musical journey. Their groundbreaking debut album ‘Pickin’ on Nashville’ in 1989 catapulted them to fame, followed by successful releases like the collaborative work ‘That’ll Work’ with former Chuck Berry pianist Johnnie Johnson in 1993, the innovative R&B project ‘Soul’ in 2003, and the uplifting collection ‘That’s a Fact, Jack!’ in 2021.
The roots of the Kentucky Headhunters trace back to 1968 when Fred and Richard Young, alongside cousins Greg Martin and Anthony Kenney, began their musical exploration at the Youngs’ grandmother’s house. The band, initially known as the Itchy Brothers, spent over a decade jamming together informally before pursuing individual paths in the music industry. Eventually, in 1985, Martin reformed the group into the Kentucky Headhunters, welcoming new members like Doug Phelps and Ricky Lee Phelps. The band’s early performances on The Chitlin’ Show paved the way for a record deal with Mercury and the release of their acclaimed debut album, ‘Pickin’ on Nashville.’ The Headhunters continued their musical evolution, embracing bluesy Southern rock influences with releases like ‘Rave On!’ and ‘That’ll Work’ in collaboration with Johnnie Johnson.