Feelin’ Good

The Zoo Crew is spinning the raw, Southern rock energy of Feelin’ Good by Blackfoot from their 1976 album Flyin’ High, and the Zoo Freaks are surely vibing to its gritty, Skynyrd-esque groove. This track, clocking in at a tight 2:47, kicks off the album with a punch, blending upbeat tempos and powerhouse guitar riffs that capture the band’s early, unpolished charm. Fans on platforms like Amazon have praised its “very Synyrd-ish” feel, with one reviewer noting it’s “up tempo and groovin’,” perfectly setting the stage for the album’s hard-rocking vibe. Interestingly, the song’s raw production has been described as almost demo-like, which some fans argue adds to its authentic Southern rock allure, drawing comparisons to influences like the Allman Brothers and even a hint of Wishbone Ash in its guitar work. While specific stories about the song’s creation are scarce, its place as the album opener suggests it was a statement of Blackfoot’s bold, no-frills style, meant to grab listeners right out of the gate.

Blackfoot’s journey began in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1969, when a group of young musicians—Rickey Medlocke, Charlie Hargrett, Greg T. Walker, and Jakson Spires—came together with a shared love for hard-edged rock and Southern soul. Initially called Hammer, they rebranded as Blackfoot, drawing inspiration from their Native American heritage, particularly Medlocke’s Sioux and Cherokee roots. Medlocke, the band’s charismatic frontman, had already cut his teeth in the music scene, even briefly drumming for Lynyrd Skynyrd before Blackfoot took shape. Their early years were marked by relentless gigging in the Southeast, honing a sound that fused Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Southern swagger with heavier influences like Led Zeppelin. By the time they recorded Flyin’ High, their second album, they were carving out a niche in the Southern rock scene, though they never quite hit the mainstream heights of some peers. The band’s raw energy and Medlocke’s distinctive vocals, described as “kickin’” by fans, helped them build a loyal following through the 1970s and early 1980s.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper into Blackfoot’s world, the band’s official online presence offers plenty to explore. Their official website is a hub for news, tour info, and merch, keeping the spirit of their music alive. On Facebook, Blackfoot engages with fans through posts about their legacy and occasional updates, while their Instagram showcases vintage photos and modern tributes to their Southern rock roots. Over on X, they share quick updates and connect with fans reminiscing about classics like Feelin’ Good. For those craving community, fan-driven spaces exist too. The Blackfoot Fans Facebook group is a lively spot where enthusiasts swap stories, share rare photos, and celebrate the band’s discography. While independent fan sites from the early 2000s have largely faded, as noted in a Reddit thread about the decline of such platforms, Blackfoot’s dedicated fanbase keeps the conversation going through these modern channels.