Lost Control

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as they spin Lost Control by Al Kooper from his 1982 album Championship Wrestling. This track, one of only three original songs on the album, stands out with its soulful vibe and the powerful vocals of Mickey Thomas, who takes the lead. The song's creation came during a turbulent time for Kooper, who was returning to recording after a six-year hiatus. In his autobiography, Kooper revealed he minimized his own singing on the album due to criticism of his vocal abilities, opting instead to showcase guest vocalists like Thomas. This choice gave Lost Control a distinctive edge, blending Kooper’s knack for soulful arrangements with Thomas’s dynamic delivery. The album’s playful wrestling theme, with Side A labeled “First Fall” and Side B as “Second Fall,” adds a quirky charm to the track’s context, reflecting Kooper’s sense of humor during production.

Another tidbit about Lost Control comes from the album’s production process, which was initially envisioned as a collaborative “super session” with guitarist Jeff “Skunk” Baxter. According to AllMusic, Baxter withdrew mid-project, leaving Kooper to steer the album solo, with Baxter still contributing as a featured player. This shift shaped the album’s eclectic mix, with Lost Control benefiting from the stellar lineup, including the Tower of Power horns, which added a punchy, R&B-infused energy. Kooper’s decision to work with producer Bill Szymczyk, known for his work with The Eagles, ensured a polished sound, making the track a highlight despite the album’s mixed reception at the time. Fans on Al Kooper Fans Facebook group often cite Lost Control as a hidden gem, appreciating its fusion of rock and soul that captures Kooper’s genre-blending style.

Al Kooper’s journey to becoming a music legend began in his early teens in Brooklyn, New York, where he was born Alan Peter Kuperschmidt on February 5, 1944. By 14, he was already a professional musician, joining The Royal Teens, a group that scored a Top 5 hit with Short Shorts in 1958. Though he didn’t play on the recording, the experience hooked him on the music industry. In the early 1960s, Kooper worked as a session guitarist, hired for his raw, youthful sound over seasoned jazz players, as he noted in a bio on his official website. His big break came in 1965 when he played the iconic Hammond organ riffs on Bob Dylan’s Like a Rolling Stone, a session he stumbled into by chance. This led to further collaborations with Dylan, including the 1965 Newport Folk Festival and studio work in 1966. Kooper’s versatility shone as he joined The Blues Project as a keyboardist and later formed Blood, Sweat & Tears in 1967, though he left after their debut album due to creative differences.

Kooper’s career expanded into producing and songwriting, with notable work on Lynyrd Skynyrd’s first three albums, including hits like Sweet Home Alabama. His 1968 Super Session album with Mike Bloomfield and Stephen Stills became a landmark, showcasing his ability to orchestrate collaborative brilliance. Over the decades, he played on records by Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones, and Tom Petty, and even scored TV series like Crime Story. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2023, Kooper’s influence spans genres, from rock to jazz to R&B.Roughly 250 words. Kooper’s legacy continues to thrive through his music and stories shared on platforms like the Al Kooper Official Facebook page and Instagram, where fans celebrate his contributions.

For more on Al Kooper, check out his official website for updates, including his podcast KooperKast, where he shares stories about his adventures with Dylan, Joni Mitchell, and more. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest news and insights. Fans can also connect on the Al Kooper Fans Facebook group to discuss his music and legacy. While there’s no official fan website, the AllMusic bio offers a deep dive into his discography and career highlights. So, Zoo Freaks, keep spinning those records and dive into Kooper’s world of soulful rock!