Freedom Song

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Freedom Song" by Blackberry Smoke from their album Little Piece of Dixie, a track that resonates with the free-spirited Zoo Freaks tuning in. This song, featured on the band’s 2009 release, captures a raw Southern rock vibe with its yearning for personal liberation and change. According to Musikreviews.de, "Freedom Song" evokes a touch of that iconic "Free Bird" feeling, with its shimmering double-lead guitars delivering a small but potent dose of Southern rock hymn-like energy. The song’s lyrics, which speak of breaking free from routine and self-reflection, align perfectly with the hippie ethos of the Zoo Crew, making it a fitting anthem for their airwaves.

While specific interviews about "Freedom Song" are scarce, Blackberry Smoke has shared glimpses of its significance through social media. On July 4, 2024, the band posted on X, inviting fans to “sing along to my freedom song” alongside a clip from a 2021 performance at The Shed, tying the song to themes of independence and celebration. This post highlights how the band connects the track to moments of communal joy and freedom, a sentiment that likely resonates with the Zoo Freaks’ love for music that uplifts and liberates. The song’s gritty guitar riffs and introspective lyrics also reflect the band’s knack for blending heartfelt storytelling with a rebellious edge, a hallmark of their live performances.

Blackberry Smoke formed in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2000, driven by a shared passion for Southern rock, country, and hard-edged blues. Led by frontman Charlie Starr, the band—originally including guitarist Paul Jackson, bassist Richard Turner, drummer Brit Turner, and later keyboardist Brandon Still—started as a group of friends jamming together, drawing inspiration from icons like Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Allman Brothers Band. Their early years were spent grinding it out on the Southern tour circuit, opening for acts like Zac Brown Band and ZZ Top. Their debut album, Bad Luck Ain’t No Crime, dropped in 2003, but it was their relentless touring and raw energy that built a loyal fanbase. By 2009, when Little Piece of Dixie was released, they’d honed a sound that was both rugged and soulful, earning praise from outlets like Paste Magazine.

The band’s journey took a significant leap in 2015 when their album Holding All the Roses became the first by an independent artist to hit No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart, a feat repeated with 2016’s Like an Arrow. Despite challenges, including the loss of drummer Brit Turner in 2024 to glioblastoma, the band has continued to honor his legacy, with Kent Aberle stepping in on drums. Their commitment to authenticity and live performance has kept them a staple in the Southern rock scene, performing alongside legends like Guns N’ Roses and Tedeschi Trucks Band.

Fans can connect with Blackberry Smoke through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and tributes to their music and late drummer. The band’s official website, blackberrysmoke.com, offers merch, tour dates, and news. For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, fan communities thrive online, including the Blackberry Smoke Fan Club on Facebook, where fans share concert stories, photos, and love for tracks like "Freedom Song." These platforms keep the band’s spirit alive, connecting fans across the globe who vibe with their soulful, rebellious sound.