The Womack Sisters: Carrying a Legacy Forward
When a group named the Womack Sisters announces a throwback soul album, the legacy is immediate. Zeimani, Kucha, and BG Womack are the daughters of Cecil and Linda Womack, who made R&B records in the 1980s. Their grandfather is Sam Cooke — one of the most influential soul singers of all time — and their uncle is the legendary Bobby Womack.
Their new single, "If I Let You" (released July 8), is a driving organ-led meditation on the perils of rushing into love. Kucha Womack described it as "a reminder to take your time to find love, and to find out who you're really dealing with." The track showcases the textured harmonies and vintage arrangements that Daptone Records is known for.
The group previously released an EP, *Legacy* (2022), which included a rendition of Cooke's immortal "A Change Is Gonna Come." That project leaned more contemporary, while their upcoming Daptone debut leans fully into retro soul.
The album release date — August 14 — coincides with a major performance: the sisters will open for Al Green at the Hollywood Bowl, cementing their place in the soul tradition.
Madonna: Into the Groove — A Photographic Time Capsule
"Madonna: Into the Groove" is a 200-page photo book built around the work of Ken Regan, one of the most prolific rock photographers of the 20th century. Regan, who photographed icons like Jimi Hendrix, the Beatles, and Bob Dylan's Rolling Thunder Revue, died in 2012. His archives continue to yield treasures.
The book focuses entirely on 1985 — the year Madonna released "Like a Virgin," starred in *Desperately Seeking Susan*, launched the Virgin Tour, and performed at Live Aid. The images include intimate shots at Los Angeles' Le Mondrian hotel, studio sessions, gym workouts, and electrifying stage performances.
Text by Tomás Mier (former Rolling Stone staff writer) adds context through interviews with collaborators including Nile Rodgers and Maripol. Mier called the project "an absolute honor," noting that Regan "approached his subjects with genuine empathy and respect."
The Sean Penn Incident
One of the book's most revealing passages recounts a tense moment at Live Aid. Regan's assistant Craig Blankenhorn recalls Sean Penn — who had recently reconnected with Madonna and would marry her the following month — confronting Regan about photos that had been sold to *Penthouse*. Regan explained he did not know the backstory of how the photos would be published. The conversation escalated, with Blankenhorn recalling that Penn spat on his shoes before the moment ended.
This previously untold story adds depth to the already legendary Live Aid narrative. Two days after the concert, Sire released "Into the Groove" as a U.K. single, where it went to No. 1. Weeks later, Madonna and Penn married in Malibu, surrounded by a star-studded guest list.
Pre-orders for *Madonna: Into the Groove* are available now via Insight Editions/Simon and Schuster.