A Man Needs His Loving

Hey there, Zoo Freaks, your hippie DJs at THE ZOO are spinning a hot track for you tonight with "A Man Needs His Loving" by Anson Funderburgh & The Rockets from their 1987 album Sins. This tune is a gritty, soulful blues number featuring the legendary Sam Myers on vocals and harmonica, laying down some serious emotion. Did you know this song captures the raw energy of the band’s prime years? In a review on Discogs, a fan raved about the album, calling it a must-have for blues lovers, with "A Man Needs His Loving" showcasing Myers’ clear, powerful delivery and Funderburgh’s razor-sharp guitar riffs. The track’s vibe is pure Texas blues, blending Chicago influences, and it’s got that working-man’s heart that makes you feel every note.

Here’s a cool tidbit: the Sins album, released on Black Top Records, marked a high point for the band when Sam Myers was front and center. According to an interview on Anson’s official site, the chemistry between Funderburgh and Myers was instant when they met in Jackson, Mississippi, back in the early ‘80s. Myers sat in with the band at a gig, and their friendship grew from there. This song, with its pleading lyrics and driving rhythm, feels like it was born from those late-night jam sessions where the band just clicked. Fans on Anson’s Facebook page still share stories of hearing this track live, with one commenter recalling a smoky club show where Myers’ harp solo had the crowd roaring.

Let’s talk about how Anson Funderburgh got his start. Born in Plano, Texas, on November 14, 1954, Anson grew up just 20 miles from Dallas, a hotbed for blues and country. His love for music kicked in early, even though nobody in his family played instruments. As a kid, he’d watch country music shows like The Grand Ole Opry with his dad, soaking up the sounds. At eight or nine, he got his first guitar, along with a stack of 45s featuring Jimmy Reed, Albert Collins, and Freddie King. Those records set the course for his blues obsession. By 15, Anson was gigging with local bands like Sound Cloud Reunion and The Bee’s Knees, cutting his first record, "Cold Hearted Woman," in 1976. A defining moment came in 1969 when he saw B.B. King live at a Dallas club—an experience that blew him away and cemented his path as a blues guitarist.

Anson formed The Rockets in 1977 with Mark Hickman on bass, David Watson on drums, and Darrell Nulisch on vocals. Their big break came in 1981 with their debut album Talk to You By Hand, the first release on Black Top Records. The band’s mix of Chicago and Texas blues caught fire, and when Sam Myers joined in 1985, they hit a new level of soulful swagger. Anson’s concise, blistering guitar style earned him a rep as one of the best in the biz, and he’s been a blues staple ever since, playing festivals and producing albums for other artists like John Németh and Dany Franchi.

Wanna connect with Anson and his crew? Check out his official website at ansonfunderburgh.com for tour dates and news. Follow him on Facebook and Instagram for behind-the-scenes shots and updates. On X, he shares quick hits about gigs and blues life. For the Zoo Freaks who can’t get enough, join the Anson Funderburgh and The Rockets Fan Club on Facebook, where fans swap stories, rare photos, and show reviews. There’s also a fan site, Blues Blast Magazine, where you can dig into articles and interviews about Anson’s career. Keep it locked to THE ZOO, and let’s keep the blues alive!