Diary of a Workingman

Hey there, Zoo Freaks, it’s your hippie DJs from The Zoo Crew spinning some righteous tunes at THE ZOO radio station, and we’ve got a killer track for you: Diary of a Workingman by Blackfoot from their 1981 album Marauder. This soulful ballad, tucked between the album’s hard-rocking anthems, tells the story of a man grappling with heartbreak and the grind of daily life, penned with raw emotion by frontman Rickey Medlocke and drummer Jakson Spires. In a 2016 interview with Louder, bassist Greg T. Walker shared that the song resonated deeply with the band’s blue-collar fans, reflecting the struggles of everyday folks—much like the band’s own journey of paying dues in the gritty Southern rock scene. Fans on the Blackfoot Fans Facebook group often cite its haunting lyrics, like “In a room all alone waiting by the telephone,” as a standout for capturing the working-class spirit.

Another cool tidbit comes from a fan post on the Ed Trader’s Blackfoot Fan Site, where a longtime follower recalled seeing Blackfoot perform Diary of a Workingman during their 1981 Marauder tour in Jacksonville, Florida. The fan noted how Rickey Medlocke dedicated the song to “every working man and woman out there,” which got the crowd roaring. The song’s European radio play was significant too, as mentioned on the same fan site, with the track gaining traction in the UK during the band’s tour with The Scorpions. Its introspective vibe, paired with Medlocke’s emotive vocals, made it a unique gem in Blackfoot’s catalog, contrasting their usual high-energy rockers like Fly Away.

Let’s dive into how Blackfoot got their start. Hailing from Jacksonville, Florida, the band formed in 1969, originally called Fresh Garbage after a Spirit song, with a lineup featuring Rickey Medlocke on drums and vocals, Greg T. Walker on bass, Charlie Hargrett on guitar, and Ron Sciabarasi on keyboards. According to their bio on Wikipedia, they played local gigs at The Comic Book Club before Sciabarasi’s departure led to a name change. Inspired by the Native American heritage of Medlocke (Lakota Sioux and Blackfoot ancestry), Spires (Cheyenne and Cherokee roots), and Walker (Eastern Creek), they adopted the name Blackfoot in 1970 to honor their roots. After a brief stint as Hammer, they solidified as Blackfoot, with Medlocke switching to guitar and vocals full-time by 1972.

The band’s early years were tough, as detailed in a 2016 Louder article. They moved to New York, sleeping seven to a room in a tiny Manhattan apartment, only to have half their gear stolen from their van. Despite setbacks, they kept grinding, signing with Island Records for their 1975 debut No Reservations. It wasn’t until 1979’s Strikes, with hits like Train, Train (written by Medlocke’s bluegrass musician grandfather, Shorty Medlocke), that they broke through, cementing their place in Southern rock alongside Lynyrd Skynyrd. Medlocke’s early stint with Skynyrd as a drummer in 1971 also shaped his musical chops, but Blackfoot’s harder, rawer edge set them apart.

Stay connected with Blackfoot through their official channels. Check out their Facebook for updates on shows and new music, like their 2016 album Southern Native. Follow them on Instagram for behind-the-scenes shots, and keep up with their posts on X for the latest band news. For die-hard Zoo Freaks, join the Blackfoot Fans Facebook group to swap stories and rare photos, or visit Ed Trader’s Blackfoot Fan Site for exclusive video clips and a detailed band history. Keep rocking, Zoo Freaks!