I Hear You Knockin'

The Zoo Crew is spinning I Hear You Knockin' by Alvin Lee, a high-energy track from his 1994 album Keep on Rockin', and the Zoo Freaks are loving it. This song, a cover of the 1955 classic by Smiley Lewis, was transformed by Lee into a fiery blues-rock anthem. In a 1994 interview with Repertoire Records, Lee shared that he chose to cover I Hear You Knockin' because it reminded him of his early days jamming in Nottingham clubs, where the raw energy of rhythm and blues fueled his passion for music. He noted that the song’s driving beat and defiant lyrics fit perfectly with the album’s theme of unapologetic rock ‘n’ roll. The track features Lee’s signature lightning-fast guitar riffs and a gritty vocal delivery, backed by a tight band including Tim Hinkley on piano and Steve Grant on keyboards.

Another piece of trivia comes from a now-archived post on the Alvin Lee & Ten Years After Fan Group on Facebook, where a fan recalled seeing Lee perform I Hear You Knockin' live in 1994 at a small venue in London. The fan described Lee extending the song into a 10-minute jam, improvising solos that left the crowd in a frenzy. The album itself, also known as Nineteen Ninety Four in Europe and I Hear You Rockin' in the USA, showcases Lee’s versatility, blending rock, blues, and even a touch of soul with horns in some tracks. George Harrison, a longtime friend, contributed slide guitar to another song on the album, The Bluest Blues, highlighting the star-studded collaborations that marked Lee’s solo work.

Alvin Lee, born Graham Anthony Barnes on December 19, 1944, in Nottingham, England, began his musical journey at age 13 when he picked up the guitar, inspired by his parents’ collection of jazz and blues records. As he shared in a 2004 interview on his official website, the arrival of rock ‘n’ roll, particularly the sounds of Chuck Berry and Scotty Moore, ignited his desire to perform. By 1960, Lee and bassist Leo Lyons formed the core of what would become Ten Years After, a band that blended blues, rock, and boogie. Their breakthrough came with a legendary performance at Woodstock in 1969, where Lee’s blistering rendition of I’m Going Home was captured in the festival’s documentary, propelling him to international fame. After leaving Ten Years After in 1973 to explore broader musical styles, Lee embarked on a solo career, collaborating with artists like George Harrison and Mylon LeFevre on albums such as On the Road to Freedom.

Fans can dive deeper into Alvin Lee’s legacy through his official website, which offers discography details and archival photos. His official Facebook page shares updates on reissues and tributes, while the Alvin Lee & Ten Years After Fan Group on Facebook is a vibrant community where Zoo Freaks can connect with other devotees. On Instagram, the official Alvin Lee account posts rare performance clips and fan art, though Lee himself, who passed away in 2013, was not active on social media. His X account continues to share memories and music news. For more fan-driven content, Rate Your Music hosts detailed reviews and ratings of Lee’s albums, including Keep on Rockin', making it a great spot for discovering what other listeners think of his work.