White Trash Millionaire

The Zoo Crew is spinning Black Stone Cherry's "White Trash Millionaire," a gritty anthem from their 2011 album Between the Devil & the Deep Blue Sea, perfect for the Zoo Freaks tuning in. This track almost didn’t make the cut for the album. Drummer John Fred Young revealed in an interview with BraveWords that the band initially played the song too fast, making it sound "almost corny." Producer Howard Benson suggested slowing it down, which unlocked its infectious hook and raw energy. The song’s inspiration came from a 1977 Pontiac Trans Am owned by lead singer Chris Robertson, reminiscent of the iconic car from Smokey and the Bandit. Young noted that the track celebrates a universal relatability, saying, “Everybody around the world has a little bit of trash in them,” making it a fun, unapologetic ode to living loud and proud.

Another tidbit about "White Trash Millionaire" comes from its music video, shot in a scrap yard to match the song’s rugged vibe. Directed by David Sutton for Frantic Studio, it features the band rocking out while driving classic cars: Robertson in a 1977 Pontiac Trans Am, Ben Wells in a 1961 Chevrolet Impala, Jon Lawhon in a 1969 Pontiac Firebird, and Young in a 1970 Dodge Challenger. The low-budget, commercial-style video leans into the song’s blue-collar swagger, amplifying its appeal as a modern rock anthem. Fans on Facebook and Instagram often share clips of the video, praising its nostalgic nod to Southern rock and muscle car culture. The song’s catchy chorus and rebellious spirit have also made it a staple at live shows, with posts on X from fans hyping its high-energy performances.

Black Stone Cherry formed in Edmonton, Kentucky, on June 4, 2001, rooted in a small-town, working-class ethos that bleeds into their music. Chris Robertson and John Fred Young, the son of The Kentucky Headhunters’ rhythm guitarist Richard Young, started jamming together as teens. They were soon joined by Ben Wells and Jon Lawhon, forming a tight-knit crew that took over a practice house used by The Kentucky Headhunters since 1968. This space became their creative hub, where they honed their Southern rock and hard rock sound. The band’s big break came after a hometown gig in 2006, when their former school principal invited them to play at a middle school gym, drawing 1,500 fans. Streets lined with “welcome home” signs greeted them, a testament to their local support. Signed to Roadrunner Records until 2015, they’ve since moved to Mascot Label Group, releasing eight studio albums, including their latest, Screamin’ at the Sky, in 2023.

Fans can connect with Black Stone Cherry across their official platforms, including their website, Facebook, Instagram, and X, where they share tour updates, merch drops, and behind-the-scenes content. The band’s dedicated fanbase, often called “Cherry Heads,” thrives in online communities like the Black Stone Cherry Fan Club on Facebook, where fans swap concert stories, setlist predictions, and photos. Another fan-driven space is the Black Stone Cherry Fans group, buzzing with discussions about favorite tracks like "White Trash Millionaire" and the band’s evolution. These platforms keep the Zoo Freaks’ energy alive, amplifying the band’s raw, unfiltered connection with their audience.