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Music Roundup: The Womack Sisters Debut Album and New Madonna Photo Book

18 days agoUS
Music Roundup: The Womack Sisters Debut Album and New Madonna Photo BookSource: rollingstone.com
Two major music stories are making headlines this July 2026. The Womack Sisters — granddaughters of the legendary Sam Cooke — have released a new single and announced their debut album on Daptone Records, while a stunning new photo book chronicles Madonna's pivotal 1985 rise through the lens of famed photographer Ken Regan. Here is everything you need to know, compiled by Yanuki using the latest trends and data.

Key Insights

The Womack Sisters: released their new single "If I Let You" on July 8, 2026, a bouncy soul-pop track about rushing into love, driven by a vintage organ sound.\n- Their self-titled debut album, *The Womack Sisters*, drops **August 14, 2026** on **Daptone Records** — the same day they open for **Al Green** at the **Hollywood Bowl**.\n- The trio (Zeimani, Kucha, and BG Womack) are the daughters of Linda and Cecil Womack, granddaughters of **Sam Cooke**, and nieces of **Bobby Womack**.\n- **"Madonna: Into the Groove"** — a new photo book featuring never-before-seen images by **Ken Regan** with text by **Tomás Mier** — is set for release in **October 2026** via Insight Editions/Simon and Schuster.\n- The book covers Madonna's monumental 1985, including the **Virgin Tour**, **Live Aid**, and **Desperately Seeking Susan**, with intimate studio and backstage shots.\n- **Why this matters:** These releases connect two generations of music royalty — the Womack Sisters carry forward a legendary soul lineage, while the Madonna book offers a rare archival look at a pop icon's breakthrough year.

In-Depth Analysis

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.

FAQs

Who are the Womack Sisters?

Zeimani, Kucha, and BG Womack are a trio of sisters from Los Angeles. They are the granddaughters of Sam Cooke, daughters of Linda and Cecil Womack, and nieces of Bobby Womack. Their self-titled debut album drops August 14, 2026 on Daptone Records.

When is The Womack Sisters' debut album coming out?

*The Womack Sisters* is scheduled for release on August 14, 2026. On the same night, they will perform at the Hollywood Bowl opening for Al Green.

What is "Madonna: Into the Groove"?

It is a new photo book featuring never-before-seen images of Madonna from 1985, taken by photographer Ken Regan. It includes text by Tomás Mier and covers her Virgin Tour, Live Aid performance, and the *Desperately Seeking Susan* era. It releases in October 2026.

How can I pre-order the Madonna photo book?

Pre-orders are available now through Insight Editions/Simon and Schuster. You can find it on major book retail platforms.

What is the connection between the Womack Sisters and Sam Cooke?

The Womack Sisters are the granddaughters of Sam Cooke through their mother Linda Womack (Cooke's daughter). Their 2022 EP *Legacy* included a cover of Cooke's iconic song "A Change Is Gonna Come."

Key Takeaways

For Soul & R&B Fans:: Mark your calendar for **August 14** — The Womack Sisters' debut album on Daptone is a must-hear for anyone who loves classic soul with a modern touch. Their live debut at the Hollywood Bowl opening for Al Green is a historic moment.

For Madonna Fans & Pop Culture Enthusiasts:: The "Madonna: Into the Groove" photo book is a collector's item. Pre-order now to secure a copy of this limited archival release featuring unseen Ken Regan photography from her most iconic year.

For Music Historians:: Both stories highlight the importance of legacy and archival preservation. The Womack Sisters carry forward a legendary soul lineage, while the Madonna book preserves a pivotal moment in pop culture history.

How to Prepare:: Follow [The Womack Sisters](https://www.instagram.com?ref=yanuki.com) on social media for album updates, and watch for streaming announcements. Pre-order the Madonna book to avoid sell-outs closer to the October release.

Discussion

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