The return of Robert Finley with Helping Hand

The Louisiana soul-blues singer Robert Finley presents his latest single “Helping Hand,” released on July 24, 2025, on the Easy Eye Sound label. The track, produced by Dan Auerbach (frontman of The Black Keys) at his Nashville studio, not only announces a new tour but also heralds the arrival of his upcoming album Hallelujah! Don’t Let The Devil Fool Ya, due out on October 10, 2025.

In this new single, Robert Finley blends his gospel, soul, and R&B influences, accompanied by guitarist Barrie Cadogan, drummer Malcolm Catto, bassist Tommy Brenneck, and keyboardist Ray Jacildo. The powerful voice of Robert Finley is supported by these seasoned musicians and elevated by a vocal duet with his daughter Christy Johnson.

A single paving the way for a gospel album

In this new track, Robert Finley fuses his gospel, soul, and R&B influences, accompanied by Barrie Cadogan (guitar), Malcolm Catto (drums), Tommy Brenneck (bass), and Ray Jacildo (keyboards). His powerful voice is uplifted by a duet with his daughter, gospel singer Christy Johnson.
On Helping Hand, Robert Finley draws from the gospel tradition — even reflected in the album cover artwork — to deliver a simple message: sometimes, one gesture is enough. The chorus reminds us that no one goes through life alone and that we must remain true to ourselves.

“At the end of the day, nobody can be you but you. I think a lot of people spend too much time imitating somebody else rather than being themselves. … You’ve got to be different.” — Robert Finley (Blues Blast Magazine)

Hallelujah! Don’t Let The Devil Fool Ya, coming October 10

This new album marks the fourth collaboration between Robert Finley and Dan Auerbach, once again delivering a 100% analog production. It’s also the fulfillment of a dream: recording a full gospel album.

“This is the very first thing I ever wanted to do. (…) There was always at least one gospel song on each of my albums, and I even sang a gospel song on America’s Got Talent in 2021. (…) Some people were in tears.” — Robert Finley

The eight tracks, spanning blues (On the Battlefield), soul (I Am a Witness), and R&B (Praise Him, Holy Ghost Party), were recorded with live energy: the rhythm sections were captured in one day by a supergroup formed by Auerbach and joined by Christy Johnson on harmonies.

On Helping Hand, Robert Finley draws on the gospel tradition to deliver a simple, direct message: sometimes one gesture is enough. The lyrics speak of mutual support in a world where it is often lacking. The chorus serves as a reminder: we never face anything alone, but the important thing is to stay true to yourself.

📹 Watch the “Helping Hand” video

On tour in October 2025

After several festivals this summer, Robert Finley will begin a European tour starting on October 4, with stops in several countries including France. Two French dates are especially anticipated: Paris (La Cigale) on October 9 and the Nuit du Blues at the Rhino Jazz(s) Festival in Saint Chamond (42) on October 18, alongside Justina Lee Brown.

From local beginnings to international recognition

Born in 1954 in Bernice, Louisiana, Robert Finley spent years singing in the streets and churches, making a living through odd jobs and gospel music. It wasn’t until the age of 62 that he released his first album — with a fitting title! — Age Don’t Mean a Thing (2016). Discovered by Dan Auerbach, he began a series of decisive collaborations with the albums Goin’ Platinum! (2017), Sharecropper’s Son (2021), and Black Bayou (2023). Dan Auerbach makes no secret of his admiration for Finley.

“Robert kills everybody. He’s got so much energy, and the crowd feeds on it. When we played the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, he got three standing ovations.” — Dan Auerbach (Downbeat.com)

His voice, shaped by a life of labor, resilience, and faith, now stands out as one of the most distinctive in contemporary blues. For Robert Finley, music is a precious gift that allows him to tell, in his own way, the simple yet often forgotten truths of the world — truths he observes with perspective, the privilege of age!