Sunrise in Texas

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning "Sunrise in Texas" by Blackberry Smoke from their album Like an Arrow, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it. This track, a fan favorite for years before its official recording, captures the gritty, soulful essence of Southern rock. According to lead vocalist Charlie Starr, the song floated in and out of the band’s live sets for a while, but it wasn’t until a break from touring that they nailed its recording. Starr told The Shotgun Seat that the arrangement and vibe finally felt right, making it a special addition to the album. The music video, directed by Jamie Burton Chamberlin, who’s worked with legends like ZZ Top, adds a cinematic touch, with Starr noting its unique and creative vision in a 2016 interview with Louder. Fans on X have echoed this, with posts calling it a heartfelt ode to Texas mornings, blending raw emotion with vivid storytelling.

The lyrics of "Sunrise in Texas" paint a tapestry of human struggles and fleeting joys, from a man in a cell wrestling with inner demons to a young girl on the street searching for her next meal. The band shared in a Relix premiere that the song’s narrative reflects the world outside one’s own bubble, a theme that resonates with their Georgia roots. Released on October 14, 2016, via 3 Legged Records, the album Like an Arrow hit #1 on Billboard’s Country and Americana charts, with "Sunrise in Texas" as a standout track. A 2016 Rolling Stone post on X highlighted how the album, including this song, helped revive Southern rock, cementing Blackberry Smoke’s place in the genre’s modern evolution. Fans on the Blackberry Smoke Fans Facebook group often share stories of hearing it live, describing its slow-burn energy as a concert highlight.

Blackberry Smoke formed in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2000, born from a shared love of Southern rock, country, and blues. Charlie Starr (lead vocals, guitar), Richard Turner (bass, vocals), Brit Turner (drums), Paul Jackson (guitar, vocals), and Brandon Still (keyboards) started jamming together, drawing inspiration from icons like Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Allman Brothers Band. Their bio on their official website notes that the band honed their craft in dive bars and small venues, building a grassroots following through relentless touring. By 2003, they released their debut album, Bad Luck Ain’t No Crime, but it was their 2012 album, The Whippoorwill, that marked a breakthrough, earning praise for its authentic Southern sound. Their commitment to the road and raw, unpolished music has since made them a staple in the Southern rock scene, performing alongside acts like Zac Brown Band and Eric Church.

The band’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. According to a Radio Metal feature, their Georgia roots and pride in Southern heritage drive their music, but they’ve worked to counter stereotypes about the South, focusing on its rich musical legacy. Their 2021 album, You Hear Georgia, celebrated their home state and marked 20 years as a band. Fans can connect with them on their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates and behind-the-scenes moments. The Blackberry Smoke Fans Facebook group is a vibrant community where Zoo Freaks and others swap concert stories and memorabilia. For more fan-driven content, check out blackberrysmoke.net, a dedicated fan site with tour archives and band history.