Why blues feels primal and celebratory

Some musicians learn the blues. Others are raised inside it.

Today I sit down with Doyle Bramhall II, one of the most distinctive voices in modern blues guitar and contemporary roots music. Raised in Texas as the son of legendary musician Doyle Bramhall, he grew up surrounded by the raw musical energy of the Austin music scene, absorbing the sounds of blues and rock from an early age.

Doyle has built a remarkable career as a guitarist, vocalist, composer, and producer, collaborating with artists including Eric Clapton, Elton John, Gary Clark Jr., Dr. John, Gregg Allman, Sheryl Crow, and Erykah Badu. His playing style is instantly recognizable, partly because he plays left-handed with a guitar strung for a right-handed player and flipped upside down.

We dive into the fascinating origins of his musical journey, including the moment when a visit from someone special inspired him to take the guitar seriously. Doyle shares his insight into his personal work developing the Ultimate Breakthrough, a process designed to support energetic and consciousness shifts aligned with one’s purpose.

You’ll Learn:

[00:00] Introduction

[07:53] Growing up inside the Austin blues scene

[17:03] How playing guitar upside down led to the Eric Clapton gig

[38:54] From the Fabulous Thunderbirds to the Archangels

[44:05] How Stevie's death sent Doyle into a two-year heroin spiral

[57:51] What made Sly Stone one of the most innovative artists who ever lived

[01:23:46] Staying sober while working with plant medicine

[01:35:14] The chain of synchronicities that led Doyle from isolation to his life's calling

[01:55:23] How Doyle's healing practice works and happens during a session

[02:07:55] The three influences that shaped Doyle as a musician

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Resources Mentioned:

The Arc Angels | Wikipedia

Doyle Bramhall | Wikipedia

The Blues Accordin' to Lightnin' Hopkins | Website

Hot Pepper | Website

READ: A Course in Miracles by Helen Shucman | Book

READ: Alcoholics Anonymous by AAWS | Book

READ: A Horse Named Lonesome by Luke Storey | Website

READ: How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan | Book

Carl Jung | Wikipedia

READ: Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda | Book

Find more from Doyle:

Doyle Bramhall II | Website | Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTube

Find more from Luke:

Luke Storey | Instagram | Facebook | X | YouTube | LinkedIn

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