Kenny Sharp Brings Bluesy Magic with “Broken Heart, Diamond Ring” and “Virginia Slim”

Kenny Sharp’s “Broken Heart, Diamond Ring” doesn’t play around—it’s blues at its rawest. The track walks in with a rolling Wurlitzer line, carrying that live-room smoke like it never left the bar. Sharp’s delivery is as gritty as his story—a run-in with a voodoo queen in New Orleans that ends with nothing but regrets and warnings ignored. The Hammond organ slides in quietly, boosting the weight without stealing the thunder. By the time the tambourines and shuffling guitars hit, you’re already knee-deep in the mood. Sharp’s refrain—“All that I can see is a broken heart and a diamond ring”—packs the punch, while the stripped-back final verse leaves you with just his voice and the piano, nailing the message home.

On “Virginia Slim,” Sharp switches gears, going for nostalgia and heart. This jazzy, blues-kissed tune is his love letter to Virginia, where his story began. The lyrics are all about the state’s beauty and culture, from the tobacco leaves to the Blue Ridge. “I wanted to give Virginia its own anthem,” Kenny explained. “It’s a place with so many sides—Northern Virginia, Tidewater, Appalachia. It’s all in there, and it’s home.” The lap steel guitar and organ tie it all together, letting the melody feel both old-school and timeless.

Kenny’s versatility shines again with his feature on Key Wes’ holiday EP, Holiday Spirits. On “Wonderful Christmastime” and “Christmas Tonight,” his smooth vocals add a soulful glow to Bailey’s retro synths and beats. Whether it’s heartbreak, home state pride, or holiday warmth, Sharp is comfortable wearing all these hats.