Blues singer-songwriter and keyboardist Kevin “Sonny” Gullage has released “Worried About the Young,” the final single from his debut full-length album, ‘Go Be Free.’ The socially conscious, modern blues tune tackles the economic hardships facing Sonny’s generation, delivering a powerful message of concern and urgency. Riding shotgun with him on the track is fellow 25-year-old blues sensation Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, whose stinging blues licks and fiery solo add depth and intensity to the song.
“The jazzy, pop-infused ‘Worried About the Young’ addresses the struggles of today’s youth,” says Sonny. “When we finished the track, I remember [producer] Tom saying people don’t have to worry about the blues with us young guys around,” he adds with a laugh. The song’s lyrics reflect a poignant observation of the world: “Kids just startin’ out / Already deep in debt / Can’t find a decent job / They take what they can get.” With its soulful melody and heartfelt delivery, Sonny captures the essence of a generation burdened by uncertainty and the fight for a better future.
The music video for “Worried About the Young,” released alongside the single, features footage of young kids navigating the struggles of being a child in today’s society. It vividly portrays their challenges and resilience, highlighting the song’s message through compelling visual storytelling.
Set for release on August 23rd via the legendary Blind Pig Records and produced by four-time GRAMMY winner and nine-time nominee Tom Hambridge (Buddy Guy, B.B. King, Susan Tedeschi, Delbert McClinton), ‘Go Be Free’ showcases Sonny’s unique talent and deep musical roots. Heralded as a torchbearer for the next generation of blues, the album veers from “funky N’awlins style blues and boogie woogie piano playing to sincere Luther Vandross style-ballads to modern sounding numbers,” according to WBGO.
“Worried About the Young” follows the release of “Just Kiss Me, Baby,” a feel-good anthem capturing the excitement of new love, and “Things I Can’t Control,” a powerful song about resilience and acceptance. Previously, Sonny released a captivating music video for the album’s lead single and title track, “Go Be Free,” which follows a young boy’s journey through life’s pivotal moments, showcasing his evolving understanding of freedom and self-discovery.
Born with what you might call “blues wisdom,” a mixture of empathy, sensitivity, and keen observational skills, Sonny has always been an old soul. His journey began early, writing his first song about the BP Oil Spill’s devastating effects at just 12 years old. Now at 25, Sonny’s debut album reflects a lifetime immersed in the richness of blues and gospel, influenced deeply by his New Orleans roots and a family steeped in musical tradition. His father, bassist Tony Gullage, has performed with Henry Butler, Dr. John, and other prominent musicians, and his grandmother, Sister Alberta Gullage, released gospel records in the 1960s. Sonny is also believed to be a relative of the legendary Huddie “Lead Belly” Ledbetter.
Sonny’s career took a significant turn when he performed as an artist in residence at B.B. King’s Blues Club in New Orleans. Following the club’s closure during the pandemic, he auditioned for American Idol, advancing to the Showstoppers round. Since then, he has embarked on a robust touring schedule overseas, captivating audiences in the U.S., Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Germany, Slovenia, and Croatia.
‘Go Be Free’ promises to be an inspiring addition to the contemporary blues scene, showcasing Sonny Gullage’s unique talent and deep musical roots. Reflecting on his journey, Sonny says, “I feel like a tree with many roots that include my father, and all the musicians who have inspired me. Now, I’m growing branches, and, hopefully, sharing the blues with the next generation.”
‘Go Be Free’ by Sonny Gullage
1. Just Kiss Me, Baby
2. Go Be Free
3. Things I Can’t Control
4. Separate Ways
5. Worried About the Young (feat. Christone “Kingfish” Ingram)
6. Blues All Over You
7. I’ve Been There
8. Stop That Stuff
9. Tattooed Wings
10. Hot House
11. File It Under Blues
12. Home to You
ABOUT SONNY GULLAGE
Kevin “Sonny” Gullage is a blues singer-songwriter and keyboardist from New Orleans, Louisiana. Born with a deep connection to the blues, Sonny has developed a style praised for its “big-league voice, top-tier keyboard skills, and a hip, sophisticated style,” according to Rock & Blues Muse. His debut album ‘Go Be Free,’ produced by Tom Hambridge, marks the beginning of a promising career in the music industry. With a heritage linking back to the legendary Lead Belly, Sonny channels his roots into a modern sound that resonates with audiences worldwide.
