The Boneshakers are back and bolder than ever with their eleventh studio album, Live To Be This, set for release on July 18, 2025, via the acclaimed Gulf Coast Records. Available to pre-order now at www.officialboneshakers.com in digital, CD, and vinyl formats, the album promises a thrilling fusion of blues, soul, and rock that elevates the band’s signature sound to new heights.
Fronted by powerhouse vocalist Jenny Langer and guitar virtuoso Randy Jacobs (Was (Not Was)), Live To Be This is being hailed as The Boneshakers’ most electrifying record to date. It follows the success of their previous album One Foot In The Groove, which topped the US Soul Blues radio charts and hit #1 on the UK Blues radio charts.
“This album is a love letter to the music that shaped us—gritty, soulful, and alive,” says Langer. “In a world of digital perfection, Live To Be This is all about real musicians playing with feeling, and we couldn’t be more excited to have some of our favorite artists joining in on the fun as special guests.”
Jacobs adds, “Little did I know that Jenny and I would find ourselves in such great company via Mike Zito’s very cool Gulf Coast Records. Just beautiful, positive energy pouring from all involved, living for music and the musicians. A great new home for the Boneshakers!”
Produced by John Wooler—who first worked with the band on their 1990s breakout Book of Spells—the album offers a dynamic blend of original tracks and reimagined classics. Expect passionate reinterpretations of legends like Screaming Jay Hawkins, Betty Davis, Iggy Pop, Jimmy Hall, and Ike & Tina Turner.
The release boasts an all-star lineup of guest contributors, including blues harp icon Charlie Musselwhite, Grammy-winning producer and bassist Don Was, guitarist Coco Montoya, Grammy-winning saxophonist Jimmy Carpenter, New Orleans keyboardist John ‘Papa’ Gros, and sax legend Ron Holloway.
Fans won’t have to wait long for a taste of what’s to come. The lead single, “I’ll Kick A Brick (For My Man),” drops April 25, followed by “Salty” featuring three-time Grammy winner Bobby Rush on June 6.
Live To Be This captures the raw spirit and soulful intensity that have made The Boneshakers a standout force in modern blues rock. With its roots steeped in Detroit soul and the rich traditions of Memphis and Muscle Shoals, the album is a bold statement of the band’s past, present, and fearless future.
Don’t miss out—Live To Be This is a must-have addition to any blues or rock collection.
