Hey Delilah

The Zoo Crew is spinning the infectious Blackberry Smoke track “Hey Delilah” from their 2021 album You Hear Georgia, and the Zoo Freaks are surely grooving to its swampy, Southern rock vibe. This song, a standout on the album, reimagines the biblical tale of Samson and Delilah with a modern twist, as frontman Charlie Starr describes it as “a good old scary Bible story with a New Orleans groove. Delilah has a cellphone now, though.” The track’s loose, funky rhythm and barroom piano draw comparisons to Little Feat, while its lyrical nod to betrayal and temptation carries a gritty edge. Starr has shared that the Samson and Delilah story fascinated him as a kid, particularly the idea of Samson’s strength tied to his long hair and his fatal trust in Delilah. He recalls being frustrated as a child, thinking, “Don’t tell her what gives you your power!” Yet, the song infuses humor and swagger, with lines about a wild girl who “helps me sing a dirty song,” blending the sacred and secular in true Southern rock fashion.

The music video for “Hey Delilah” adds another layer of intrigue, incorporating footage from a 1979 episode of NBC’s Real People featuring trucker Lesa “Yo Yo” Worley, juxtaposed with the band’s live studio performance at Nashville’s RCA Studio A. Produced by acclaimed Georgian Dave Cobb, the song captures Blackberry Smoke’s expanded lineup, including touring members Benji Shanks on guitar and Preston Holcomb on percussion, who add a fuller, live-off-the-floor energy. Released as the second single from You Hear Georgia, “Hey Delilah” has been praised for its catchy, honky-tonk stomp and its ability to evoke the humid, soulful spirit of the South. Fans on platforms like Facebook have called it a perfect road-trip anthem, with its driving beat and vivid storytelling resonating deeply with their loyal following.

Blackberry Smoke formed in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2000, rooted in a shared love for Southern rock, country, blues, and Americana. Led by Charlie Starr (vocals, guitar), the band—originally comprising Paul Jackson (guitar, vocals), Richard Turner (bass, vocals), Brit Turner (drums), and Brandon Still (keyboards)—began as a group of friends jamming together, drawing inspiration from icons like The Allman Brothers Band and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Their early days were marked by relentless gigging across the Southeast, honing a raw, authentic sound that blended hard-rocking riffs with heartfelt storytelling. The band’s 2003 debut, Bad Luck Ain’t No Crime, released independently, showcased their grit and DIY ethos. By 2015, their album Holding All the Roses hit No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart, a historic feat for an independent act, cementing their status as Southern rock torchbearers. Over two decades, they’ve toured with heavyweights like Zac Brown Band and Guns N’ Roses, while staying true to their roots.

The band’s commitment to their craft and fans has fostered a tight-knit community, evident in fan-driven spaces like the Blackberry Smoke Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks and others share concert stories and memorabilia. Blackberry Smoke’s charitable efforts, raising nearly $500,000 for children’s cancer research, reflect their deep connection to their audience and values. Their official channels—blackberrysmoke.com, Facebook, Instagram, and X—keep fans updated on tours and releases, including their 2023 You Hear Georgia European tour. For more fan interaction, sites like blackberrysmoke.net offer a hub for news and community discussions, ensuring the band’s legacy endures as they continue to embody Georgia’s rich musical heritage.