Lucille

The song "Lucille" by Blackhorse, featured on their 1979 self-titled album, is a high-energy cover of Little Richard’s classic, infused with the band’s gritty Southern rock flair. According to a Tumblr post by vinylspinning, the track showcases vocalist John Teague’s soulful intro, setting the stage for the band’s rowdy, barroom-ready rendition. Fans on Rate Your Music have praised "Lucille" as a standout, with one reviewer calling it their favorite track for its fast-paced, hard-hitting vibe, perfectly capturing the band’s ability to blend Southern rock with a near-metal edge. The song’s raw power reflects Blackhorse’s reputation for electrifying live performances, with grainy 1980 footage mentioned in the same Tumblr post showing the band’s intense stage presence shortly after the album’s release. This cover was a bold choice, paying homage to rock’s roots while amplifying it with Blackhorse’s signature Texas swagger.

Another piece of trivia comes from the band’s connection to their local scene. The vinylspinning Tumblr post notes that Blackhorse’s album includes a track called “Spencer’s Corner,” which pokes fun at a local rock club that briefly banned the band for wearing cowboy hats on stage. While not directly about "Lucille," this anecdote highlights the band’s rebellious spirit and deep ties to their Texas roots, which bleed into the defiant energy of their music. Fan testimonials, as mentioned in the same post, still circulate online, describing Blackhorse’s concerts as “kick-ass,” suggesting that "Lucille" was likely a crowd-pleaser during their live sets. The song’s placement on the album, alongside other hard-riffing tracks like “Fox Huntin’,” shows Blackhorse’s knack for keeping the pace relentless, a quality that resonated with their dive-bar audiences.

Blackhorse was a power trio from Mineral Wells, Texas, formed in the early 1970s by Gary James (lead guitar, vocals), Paul-Anthony Middleton (bass, vocals), and John Teague (drums, vocals). According to a Tumblr bio, the band spent nearly a decade grinding it out in the Texas music scene, sharing stages with acts like ZZ Top, Bloodrock, and Point Blank but never achieving the same fame. Frustrated by the lack of a record deal, they self-funded their debut album in 1979, a private pressing meant to promote their live shows and sell at gigs. This DIY approach, as noted on Rate Your Music, underscores their determination to get their music heard, even without major label support. Their sound, influenced by Southern rock giants like Lynyrd Skynyrd and Blackfoot, also carried a heavier, almost proto-metal edge, reflecting the shifting musical landscape of the late ’70s.

The band’s origins are rooted in the Central Texas music circuit, where they built a loyal following through relentless touring and club performances. The Tumblr post describes how Blackhorse packed clubs and ballrooms, earning enough to finance their album despite never landing a major label contract. Their proximity to the Dallas/Fort Worth metro area gave them access to a vibrant rock scene, but their obscurity today is partly due to the limited distribution of their album, with only 1,000 CDs reissued, as mentioned on Rate Your Music. Blackhorse’s story is one of raw talent and perseverance, embodying the spirit of a working-class band that played for the love of the music and their fans.

Official online presence for Blackhorse is limited, reflecting their status as an obscure act from the pre-digital era. The band’s most reliable online hub is their profile on Spirit of Metal, which includes discography and bio details. No official Facebook, Instagram, or X accounts for Blackhorse could be found, likely due to their dissolution after the 1979 album and the era they operated in. Fan-driven content exists on platforms like Rate Your Music, where enthusiasts share reviews and ratings, and Tumblr, where vinyl collectors post about their music. No dedicated fan websites or Facebook groups specifically for Blackhorse were identified, but their music continues to be discussed in niche Southern rock and hard rock communities online, keeping their legacy alive among dedicated listeners like the Zoo Freaks.