The Wild Frontier

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning "The Wild Frontier" by Bruce Hornsby & The Range for their devoted Zoo Freaks. This track, from the 1986 album The Way It Is, is a lively departure from the album’s more introspective hits like the title track or "Mandolin Rain." Lyrically, it paints a vivid picture of a chaotic, almost dystopian urban scene—think "gaseous haze," "ten lanes," and "Aztec princesses" seeking revenge—before yearning for the simplicity of the "wild frontier." Co-written with his brother John Hornsby, the song’s energetic vibe and quirky imagery reflect Hornsby’s knack for blending rock, jazz, and a touch of Southern storytelling. In a 2011 Facebook Q&A, Hornsby shared that the song’s playful, adventurous spirit was inspired by his love for pushing musical boundaries, a trait that’s defined his career. Some fans on the Reddit thread about Hornsby’s work have called it the “most rocking” track on the album, though not all agree, with one reviewer on Classic Rock Forum describing it as “forced” and “awkward,” preferring Hornsby’s smoother piano-driven sound.

Another tidbit about "The Wild Frontier" comes from its place in Hornsby’s early performances with The Range. During their 1986 tours, the band leaned into a theatrical presentation, sometimes donning 1930s-inspired suits to evoke the “Virginia sound” they were crafting—a mix of rock, jazz, and bluegrass that felt both timeless and rooted in Hornsby’s Williamsburg roots. In a 2006 interview with Style Weekly, Hornsby recalled how The Range’s name itself was chosen to reflect the open, American feel of songs like "The Wild Frontier," with its references to wide-open spaces and a longing for escape. The song also appeared as the B-side to the iconic "The Way It Is" single, as noted on 45cat, giving it a special place in the band’s breakout moment. Fans on the Bruce Hornsby Fan Group often cite its upbeat tempo as a live show highlight, where Hornsby’s improvisational piano solos could stretch the song into a jam-band favorite.

Bruce Hornsby’s journey to stardom began in Williamsburg, Virginia, where he was born on November 23, 1954, to a musically inclined family. His mother, Lois, was a piano player, and his father, Robert, a former musician turned attorney, encouraged his early interest in music. Hornsby started playing piano as a child and was steeped in a mix of classical, jazz, and rock influences. After high school, he gigged in local bands, including a Grateful Dead cover band called Bobby Hi-Test and the Octane Kids with his brother Bobby. He briefly attended the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music and Berklee College of Music, honing his jazz and improvisation skills, before moving to Los Angeles in the early 1980s to chase a music career. There, he and his brother John scraped by, writing songs and playing in bars, until Hornsby landed a gig touring with Sheena Easton’s band alongside future Range bassist Joe Puerta.

In 1984, Hornsby formed Bruce Hornsby & The Range with Puerta, drummer John Molo, guitarist George Marinelli, and multi-instrumentalist David Mansfield. The band’s demo initially struggled to attract record labels, but Hornsby’s persistence paid off when RCA signed them. Their debut album, The Way It Is, released in 1986, skyrocketed with the title track hitting number one on the Billboard Hot 100, earning them a Grammy for Best New Artist in 1987. Hornsby’s unique blend of heartland rock, jazz-inflected piano, and socially conscious lyrics set him apart in a crowded 1980s pop landscape. His collaborations with artists like the Grateful Dead, where he played over 100 shows from 1990 to 1992, and later with Ricky Skaggs and Bon Iver, showcase his versatility, as detailed on his official website.

Fans can connect with Hornsby’s latest projects and tour dates on his official website, follow his updates on Facebook, Instagram, and X, or join discussions in the Bruce Hornsby Fan Group on Facebook. Another fan hub, the Bruce Hornsby Fans website, offers a deep dive into his discography and live recordings, perfect for Zoo Freaks looking to explore more of his eclectic career.