She’s a second-generation blues artist with a lot to say.

In August, Shemekia Copeland released America’s Child, her ninth album. Her 22-month-old son, Johnny Lee Copeland-Schultz, inspired the topical collection of songs. An all-star group of guests—including John Prine, Rhiannon Giddens, Mary Gauthier, Emmylou Harris and Steve Croppe...