Thief In The Night

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the gritty, blues-infused track "Thief In The Night" by Bugs Henderson from his album Back Bop! Unreleased '82 Sessions. This song, a standout on the 1999 release, captures the raw, menacing energy of Texas rock from a confident era in Lone Star State music history. According to reviews from Amazon, "Thief In The Night" is one of the first tracks to hook listeners, blending Henderson’s lightning-fast guitar work with a dark, foot-tapping vibe that sets it apart from the bouncier sounds of contemporaries like the Fabulous Thunderbirds. The song’s infectious rhythm and searing blues-rock tone make it a perfect fit for the Zoo Freaks, who no doubt revel in its unpolished, rebellious spirit.

While specific interviews or social media posts about "Thief In The Night" are scarce, the album’s context offers some intriguing trivia. Recorded in 1982 but unreleased until 1999, Back Bop! showcases Henderson at a pivotal moment when he was gaining national prominence. As noted on Discogs, the sessions reflect a polished yet gritty hard rock sound with blues undertones, akin to Henderson’s earlier work like Still Flying. Fans on platforms like Last.fm have praised the track for its “Fender-in-heat” tone, a testament to Henderson’s ability to make his guitar sing with raw emotion. The song’s inclusion among favorites like “Quicksand” and “Rock and Roll Man” suggests it was a high-energy staple in Henderson’s live sets, likely electrifying audiences in Texas clubs during the early ’80s.

Bugs Henderson, born in Palm Springs, California in 1943 and raised in Tyler, Texas, was destined for the guitar from a young age. According to his bio on Amazon, he picked up his first six-string—a Montgomery Ward Airline—at age six, sparking a lifelong passion. As a teenager, Henderson worked in a Tyler record store, soaking up the vibrant Texas music scene of the 1960s, which included legends like Freddie King and Johnny Winter. Sneaking out to catch live gigs at local clubs, he was influenced by roadhouse blues and rockabilly, with James Burton, Ricky Nelson’s guitarist, cited as a major inspiration. By 16, he formed his first band, the Sensors, and later joined Mouse and the Traps, scoring a regional hit with “Public Execution” in 1966.

Henderson’s career evolved through a series of rock bands and studio sessions for country and rock artists, but by the early 1970s, he realized his true calling was blues. His dedication to the genre led to collaborations with guitar icons like B.B. King, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Ray Vaughan, as noted in his Amazon bio. Despite opportunities for stardom, Henderson prioritized family, choosing to limit touring to stay close to his four children in Garland, Texas. His sons Buddy and Cody, and daughter Rose, often joined him on the road, with Buddy on drums, Cody as a sound tech, and Rose handling merchandise. This family-first philosophy, as quoted in a Burnside Records biography, defined his approach: “I stopped and moved into the garden,” embracing a life of music and connection over fame.

Fans can explore more about Bugs Henderson on his official website, though social media presence is limited due to his passing in 2012. His Facebook page remains active with tributes and updates from fans and family, celebrating his legacy. No official Instagram or X accounts are currently maintained, but fan-driven content can be found on platforms like Last.fm. The Bugs Henderson Fan Club on Facebook is a vibrant community where Zoo Freaks and other devotees share stories, rare recordings, and memories of his electrifying performances. For those digging deeper, bugshenderson.com offers a glimpse into his discography and live DVDs, like Live at the Grenada, keeping his Texas blues spirit alive.