Teacher, Teacher

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Teacher, Teacher" by .38 Special from the Tour de Force album, a track that pulses with Southern rock energy and a catchy riff perfect for the Zoo Freaks tuning in. This song, released in 1984, was written for the soundtrack of the film Teachers, a comedy-drama starring Nick Nolte. Interestingly, the song's lyrics, which touch on the frustrations and aspirations of youth, were penned by Jim Vallance and Bryan Adams, the latter being a surprising collaborator given his pop-rock fame. According to Vallance’s website, the track was recorded in 1983 at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Alabama, a legendary spot known for its soul and rock heritage. The song hit #25 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, but some fans on hitparade.ch have noted it as a solid yet not standout track compared to Bryan Adams’ Reckless album from the same era, giving it a “lukewarm” 4-star rating.

Another tidbit about "Teacher, Teacher" comes from its production context. The song was one of the last major recordings at Muscle Shoals before the studio’s original location closed, marking a shift in the music industry’s landscape. .38 Special’s lead vocalist Donnie Van Zant revealed in a 1980s interview, archived on fan site 38specialfan.com, that the band aimed to blend their Southern rock roots with a more polished, radio-friendly sound for the soundtrack, which explains the song’s slick production. On Facebook, fans in the .38 Special Fans group often share nostalgia for the Teachers soundtrack, with some recalling how the song’s driving rhythm made it a staple at high school dances in the mid-80s. The Zoo Crew’s choice to spin this track likely taps into that retro vibe, resonating with Zoo Freaks who love a dose of 80s rock flair.

.38 Special got their start in 1974 in Jacksonville, Florida, founded by Donnie Van Zant, the younger brother of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Ronnie Van Zant. According to the band’s official history, they began as a gritty Southern rock outfit, jamming in garages and playing local bars. The name “.38 Special” came from a quirky incident involving a police bust at one of their early rehearsals—cops allegedly fired a .38 Special bullet through a wall to get the band’s attention, a story Donnie confirmed in a 1990s fan site interview. By the late 1970s, they signed with A&M Records, and their early albums, like their 1977 self-titled debut, leaned heavily into Southern boogie. The 1980s saw them evolve with hits like “Hold On Loosely,” blending rock with pop sensibilities, which paved the way for tracks like “Teacher, Teacher.” Guitarist Jeff Carlisi, in a post on Instagram, once noted that their Jacksonville roots kept them grounded despite their growing fame.

You can keep up with .38 Special through their official website, where they post tour dates and merch. Their Facebook page is active with concert photos and fan interactions, while Instagram offers behind-the-scenes glimpses of their live shows. On X, they share updates and retweet fan posts, keeping the Southern rock spirit alive. For deeper fan engagement, check out the .38 Special Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks might find fellow enthusiasts swapping stories and rare vinyl finds. The fan-run 38specialfan.com is another great spot for archived interviews and discography details, perfect for diving into the band’s legacy while the Zoo Crew keeps the airwaves rocking.