Whiskey, Beer & Wine

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the soulful track "Whiskey, Beer & Wine" by the legendary Buddy Guy from his 2015 album Born To Play Guitar, delighting their devoted Zoo Freaks. This song, a gritty ode to the simple pleasures of a dive bar, captures the essence of Chicago blues with its vivid storytelling. The lyrics paint a picture of a "bucket of blood" joint open until 4 a.m., marked by a neon sign and offering just three things: whiskey, beer, and wine. In a nod to blues history, Buddy Guy references Howlin’ Wolf, recalling how they called booze "ignorant oil" in the old days, a term that hints at its ability to loosen inhibitions, as noted in the song’s lyrics shared on Genius. The track’s raw energy and nostalgic vibe helped the album earn a Grammy for Best Blues Album in 2016, a win celebrated by Guy on his X account in December 2015.

Another layer of trivia comes from the song’s setting, evoking the kind of smoky, hardwood-bar venues where Guy honed his craft. The lyrics mention a "rickety stool" and a cigarette machine selling Camels and Kools, grounding the song in a bygone era of blues culture. Guy’s playful delivery, especially lines like “Come on in here now, you want a little taste of my medication?” reflects his showman spirit, a trait he’s famous for, whether strutting through crowds or playing with drumsticks, as described in his Last.fm bio. Fans on the Buddy Guy Fans Facebook group often share how this song’s laid-back groove and cheeky humor make it a live-performance favorite, with some recounting Guy’s impromptu barroom tales during concerts.

Buddy Guy, born George Guy on July 30, 1936, in Lettsworth, Louisiana, began his journey in music with humble roots. Growing up in a sharecropping family, he taught himself guitar on a homemade two-string instrument before getting his first real guitar, a Harmony acoustic. His early influences included blues giants like Muddy Waters and T-Bone Walker, whose records he heard on the radio. By his teens, Guy was playing locally, and in 1957, he moved to Chicago with dreams of a music career. As detailed in his bio on Amazon, he initially struggled to find gigs but soon made a name for himself through talent-night contests at clubs like the 708 Club, where his fiery guitar work and flamboyant stage antics—using a 100-foot guitar cable to roam bars—caught attention.

Guy’s big break came when he sent a demo to Chess Records, home to his idols Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf. Signing with Chess in 1959, he released his first hit, “First Time I Met the Blues,” in 1960. His early years at Chess were spent as a sideman for artists like Waters and as a collaborator with Junior Wells, but his own albums didn’t gain traction until later. His dynamic style, blending classic Chicago blues with rock’s intensity, eventually won over rock icons like Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton, who cited him as an influence, as noted in his Wikipedia entry. This crossover appeal boosted his fame in the 1970s, leading to a career revival in the 1990s with albums like Damn Right, I’ve Got the Blues.

Fans can connect with Buddy Guy through his Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where he shares tour updates, throwback photos, and snippets of his electrifying performances. The Buddy Guy Fans Facebook group is a lively hub for Zoo Freaks and blues lovers to discuss his music, share concert stories, and post rare videos. Another fan site, BuddyGuy.net, offers a detailed discography, tour dates, and a forum for devotees. Whether you’re grooving to “Whiskey, Beer & Wine” or diving into his storied career, Buddy Guy remains a blues titan whose legacy resonates with every chord.