Warren Haynes’ guitar solos do more than captivate—they sing. This signature quality stems from his deep-rooted passion for singing, which preceded his love for the guitar.
“My first love was soul music,” Haynes shares. “I was drawn to artists like Sam & Dave, The Four Tops, The Temptations, Otis Redding, and Wilson Pickett long before I discovered rock and roll.”
Once he delved into rock, Haynes—who grew up in Asheville, N.C.—found inspiration in artists such as Cream, Jimi Hendrix, Johnny Winter, Jeff Beck, and ultimately, the Allman Brothers Band.
“That changed everything for me,” he explains. “I became completely immersed in guitar-driven music.”
Alongside his playing, Haynes also began writing songs at an early age. “For me, singing, guitar, and songwriting have always been equally important,” he says.
Those three elements shine brightly once again on his 2024 solo album, Million Voices Whisper. The album showcases Haynes’ deep appreciation for classic R&B, blues, jazz, and funk, delivering some of his most nuanced and expressive music to date.
“When I joined the Allman Brothers in 1989, it put a huge spotlight on my guitar playing,” Haynes recalls. “It was an incredible opportunity to be part of one of my favorite bands. And while I knew I’d be singing less, they were generous in letting me contribute vocally from the very beginning. Standing next to Gregg Allman and learning from him for 25 years was an invaluable experience.”
This winter, Haynes is hitting the road with his solo band, performing songs from across his career and paying tribute to artists who have influenced him.
His powerhouse ensemble includes drummer Terence Higgins (Dirty Dozen Brass Band), bassist Kevin Scott (Gov’t Mule), keyboardist Matt Slocum (Magpie Salute, featuring Black Crowes guitarist Rich Robinson), and saxophonist Greg Osby (The Dead, Phil Lesh & Friends).
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