Flyin’ High

The song "Flyin' High" by Blackfoot is a high-energy Southern rock anthem from their 1976 album of the same name, capturing the raw, gritty essence of the band’s early sound. While specific interviews or social media posts directly tied to this song are scarce, the track is noted for its driving rhythm and blistering guitar work, characteristic of Blackfoot’s hard-edged style. The album, released during the band’s formative years, was recorded with a lineup featuring Rickey Medlocke, Charlie Hargrett, Greg T. Walker, and Jakson Spires, all contributing to its songwriting except for a few tracks. Fans on platforms like Blackfoot’s official Facebook often reminisce about the album’s role in defining the band’s place in the Southern rock scene, with some sharing stories of discovering it through vinyl collections or live performances in the 1970s. One fan on a Blackfoot Fan Club Facebook group recalled hearing "Flyin' High" at a Jacksonville concert, describing it as a moment that “lit up the crowd” with its infectious energy.

Despite limited documented trivia specific to the song itself, the album "Flyin' High" stands out for being the only one of Blackfoot’s first five albums not to feature contributions from Rickey Medlocke’s grandfather, Shorty Medlocke, a notable figure in the band’s early history. The song’s lyrics, though not deeply analyzed in available sources, evoke themes of freedom and escape, resonating with the countercultural vibe of the Zoo Crew and their Zoo Freaks audience. On Blackfoot’s X account, the band occasionally shares throwback posts about their early albums, with fans replying about how tracks like "Flyin' High" shaped their love for Southern rock. The lack of extensive interviews about the song reflects its status as a deep cut, but its enduring appeal lies in its raw, unpolished sound, as noted by reviewers on sites like AllMusic.

Blackfoot’s origins trace back to Jacksonville, Florida, where the band formed in 1969. Rickey Medlocke, the driving force behind the group, started as a drummer before taking on vocals and guitar, influenced by his family’s musical roots, particularly his grandfather Shorty, a blues musician. The band’s early days were marked by relentless gigging in the South, honing a harder-edged sound compared to contemporaries like Lynyrd Skynyrd. Initially called Hammer, they changed their name to Blackfoot, inspired by Native American heritage, and built a reputation through raw live performances. By the mid-1970s, they signed with Epic Records, releasing "Flyin' High" as their second album. Medlocke’s leadership and the band’s chemistry, including Greg T. Walker’s bass grooves and Jakson Spires’ powerful drumming, laid the foundation for their success. Their bio on blackfootband.com highlights this scrappy start, emphasizing their rise through the Southern rock circuit.

Blackfoot’s journey wasn’t without challenges. After a string of successful albums in the 1970s and early 1980s, including hits like "Highway Song," their popularity waned, leading to a breakup in 1985. Rickey Medlocke later revived the band in 1987 with new members and has since balanced Blackfoot with his role in Lynyrd Skynyrd. Fans can connect with the band’s legacy through their official Instagram, where they post tour updates and vintage photos, or join discussions on fan-driven platforms like Last.fm, which hosts community-edited bios and song comments. The Blackfoot Fan Club on Facebook is a vibrant space for Zoo Freaks and others to share memories, rare photos, and updates about the band’s occasional performances, keeping the spirit of "Flyin' High" alive.