It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere (Live 2007)

The Zoo Crew is spinning the laid-back vibes of It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere (Live 2007) from the album Live at Texas Stadium by Alan Jackson, George Strait, and Jimmy Buffett, a track that captures the ultimate chill mindset for all you Zoo Freaks out there. This live recording from the May 29, 2004, concert at Texas Stadium is a high-energy rendition of the 2003 hit, blending country twang with Buffett’s island flair. Written by Jim "Moose" Brown and Don Rollins, the song was inspired by a phrase Rollins heard from a teacher, sparking the idea of a carefree anthem about cracking open a drink any time of day because, well, it’s five o’clock somewhere. The song’s demo, featuring a then-unknown Chris Stapleton singing, was recorded in March 2003 and cut by Jackson just a month later, hitting number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart by July and staying there for eight non-consecutive weeks.

One juicy tidbit from songwriter Don Rollins, shared in an interview with American Songwriter, reveals the song almost went to Colt Prather, a new artist seeking a Buffett-vibe track. However, Prather and others passed, and it landed with Jackson, who envisioned it as a duet with Buffett. Rollins initially thought Jackson was "way too country" for the island-infused tune, but the pairing clicked, especially after Buffett joined in. The live 2007 version from Texas Stadium, where the trio shared the stage for the first time, turned the song into a party, with Buffett’s Parrothead energy meshing with Jackson’s and Strait’s cowboy cool. The song’s music video, shot at the Square Grouper Bar in Jupiter, Florida, and Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville, Indiana, even features Jackson on his yacht, Hullbilly, adding to the breezy, escapist vibe. Fun fact: the song won the Country Music Association’s Vocal Event of the Year in 2003, marking Buffett’s first industry award in his 30-year career.

Alan Jackson, born October 17, 1958, in Newnan, Georgia, kicked off his career in country music after moving to Nashville in 1985. With no formal music background, he worked odd jobs, including in a mailroom, while his wife, Denise, famously slipped a demo tape to Glen Campbell at an airport. This led to a deal with Arista Records, and his 1990 debut album, Here in the Real World, launched him as a neotraditional country star. Jackson’s blend of honky-tonk and heartfelt storytelling has since earned him over 50 chart-topping singles. You can follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans, or Zoo Freaks looking to connect, can join the Alan Jackson Fan Club on Facebook or visit his official fan club site.

George Strait, born May 18, 1952, in Poteet, Texas, started his musical journey while stationed in Hawaii with the U.S. Army in the 1970s, performing with a country band. After returning to Texas, he played local honky-tonks with his Ace in the Hole Band, catching the ear of MCA Records. His 1981 debut, Strait Country, defined the neotraditional movement, and with over 70 number-one hits, he’s earned the title "King of Country." Strait’s understated style and cowboy ethos shine in the Texas Stadium performance. Connect with him on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans can join the George Strait Fan Club on Facebook or check out his official fan club.

Jimmy Buffett, born December 25, 1946, in Pascagoula, Mississippi, began as a busker in New Orleans after college, blending country, folk, and tropical influences. His 1977 album, Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes, with the hit Margaritaville, cemented his "gulf and western" sound and Parrothead fanbase. Buffett, who passed away in 2023, brought his signature beach-bum charm to the Texas Stadium show. Follow his legacy on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Parrotheads can join Parrothead Club on Facebook or visit the official Parrothead site for fan community events.