I Got The Blues

The Zoo Crew is spinning the soulful track "I Got The Blues" by Blackberry Smoke from their album Stoned, a record that’s got the Zoo Freaks vibing. This song, a cover of The Rolling Stones’ classic, was recorded live in one take on November 6, 2020, at Welcome To 1979 studio in Nashville, as part of the Stoned album. The album, released for Record Store Day Black Friday 2021, showcases the band’s raw energy, with no overdubs, edits, or remixes—just pure, unfiltered Southern rock. The track sits on Side B alongside other Stones covers like "Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)" and "Street Fighting Man," capturing the band’s reverence for the Stones’ gritty sound. In a 2017 interview with Sweet Home Music, frontman Charlie Starr mentioned their love for covering Stones songs live, noting "I Got The Blues" as a favorite for its emotional depth and bluesy swagger.

Another tidbit about "I Got The Blues" comes from the band’s performance history. During a 2017 gig at London’s Roundhouse, reviewed by Get Ready to ROCK!, Blackberry Smoke played a Stones cover, "Street Fighting Man," showing their knack for channeling the Stones’ rebellious spirit. While "I Got The Blues" wasn’t mentioned in that setlist, the band’s choice to include it on Stoned reflects their deep connection to the Stones’ catalog, blending it seamlessly with their Southern rock roots. On their official Facebook page, with over 426K followers, the band often shares throwbacks to their live performances, hinting at the electric atmosphere these covers create for fans. Their Instagram also teases behind-the-scenes studio moments, though specific posts about "I Got The Blues" are scarce, leaving fans to speculate about the song’s recording magic.

Blackberry Smoke’s journey began in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2000, when lead vocalist and guitarist Charlie Starr, a self-proclaimed “bossy control freak” in the studio, teamed up with drummer Brit Turner, bassist Richard Turner, guitarist Paul Jackson, and later keyboardist Brandon Still. Starr, who grew up steeped in bluegrass, country, and gospel, caught the rock ‘n’ roll bug as a teen after finding an Aerosmith cassette in a mud hole near his home, as noted in an Apple Music bio. Before forming Blackberry Smoke, Starr played in various bands around LaGrange and Atlanta, honing his craft in dive bars. The band’s name came from a suggestion by Black Crowes frontman Chris Robinson, a nod to their smoky, Southern vibe. They released their debut album, Bad Luck Ain’t No Crime, in 2003, and by 2015, they made history as the first independent band to hit No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart with Holding All The Roses.

The band’s gritty authenticity and relentless touring—sharing stages with acts like ZZ Top, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Guns N’ Roses—built a loyal fanbase. Their X account keeps fans updated on tour dates and new releases, like their 2024 album Be Right Here, which featured Brit Turner’s final recordings before his passing in March 2024 from glioblastoma. Fans can join the Smokers Lounge Fan Club on their official website for exclusive merch and VIP perks. For community vibes, check out the Blackberry Smoke Fan Club on Facebook, where fans share concert photos and trade stories about epic shows. While no dedicated fan websites stand out, the band’s strong presence on their official site and socials keeps the Southern rock flame burning bright.