Stevie Rave On

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Stevie Rave On", a standout track from Buddy Whittington's self-titled album, and the Zoo Freaks are surely digging its bluesy vibe. This song is a heartfelt tribute to the late Stevie Ray Vaughan, a Texas blues legend whose tragic death in a 1990 helicopter crash deeply impacted Whittington. The lyrics, like "Tried to write you a sad song / Nothin' sad about bein' the best," reflect Whittington's admiration for Vaughan's resilience and mastery, capturing both reverence and a sense of loss. In a 2011 review, Vinyl Me, Please noted that the song resonated deeply with fans, connecting through its themes of legacy and emotional depth, helping cement Whittington's reputation in the blues scene. Whittington has shared in interviews that the song came from a place of personal reflection, channeling his grief into a celebration of Vaughan's larger-than-life presence, making it a fan favorite at live shows.

Another tidbit about "Stevie Rave On" comes from its live performances, which showcase Whittington's fiery guitar work. A 2008 YouTube clip from the Boom Boom Club in London captures Whittington tearing through the song with his 1963 Fender Stratocaster, backed by Roger Cotton on keys, Pete Stroud on bass, and Darby Todd on drums. Fans on platforms like Z-Talk have praised Whittington's ability to blend technical skill with raw emotion, with one user calling him "a great player and an even better guy." The song's chord progression, featuring E7, A7, G7, and D7 at a lively 158 BPM, makes it a perfect fit for the Zoo Crew's high-energy sets, inviting Zoo Freaks to groove along. Whittington's choice to avoid a mournful tone, instead urging "Stevie Rave On," mirrors the uplifting spirit of the Zoo Freaks' radio vibe.

Buddy Whittington, born December 28, 1956, in Fort Worth, Texas, kicked off his musical journey as a kid, captivated by the electric guitar's magic. Growing up in a home filled with music, though no family members played instruments, he was influenced by his sister's record collection, featuring The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and John Mayall's Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton. By age eight, he was plucking strings, mesmerized by the idea that sound traveled from his fingers to an amp across the room. Local TV shows like Cowtown Jamboree and Big D Jamboree, plus AM radio stations such as KXOL and KFJZ, exposed him to country, Western Swing, and early rock, shaping his eclectic style. At 14, he was already gigging in Dallas/Fort Worth clubs along Jacksboro Highway, a gritty proving ground for young musicians.

Whittington's early career took off in high school with his band Short Change, which opened for acts like Point Blank. He briefly wrestled with an upright bass in a restaurant gig, alongside a police officer and a volunteer fireman, but soon returned to guitar, admitting he was "the WORST bass player that had ever lived." In the early 1980s, he formed The Sidemen, showcasing his vocals and guitar chops. A pivotal moment came in 1991 when The Sidemen opened for John Mayall, leading to a call in 1993 to join Mayall's Bluesbreakers after Coco Montoya's departure. Whittington spent 15 years with Mayall, contributing to recordings and global tours, before launching his solo career with his 2007 debut album, which included "Stevie Rave On". Mayall once called him "probably the greatest Bluesbreaker of them all," a compliment Whittington humbly shrugged off in a Vintage Guitar interview.

Zoo Freaks can connect with Buddy Whittington through his official website for updates on tours and releases. His Facebook page is active, sharing gig photos and fan interactions, while his Instagram offers glimpses of his life on and off stage. On X, Whittington engages with fans, posting about new music and Texas blues culture. Fans can also join discussions on the Z-Talk forum, a hub for Whittington enthusiasts sharing stories and gear talk. Additionally, the Buddy Whittington Fan Group on Facebook is a lively community where Zoo Freaks can trade concert memories and celebrate his blues legacy.