Pride and Joy

The Zoo Crew is spinning the infectious grooves of "Pride and Joy" by Coverdale-Page, a track from their 1993 self-titled album, and the Zoo Freaks are surely vibing to its raw energy. This song, one of the standout singles from the album, has a fascinating backstory. The opening riff was crafted by David Coverdale while in Barbados, originally dubbed "Barbados Boogie" before evolving into the swaggering anthem we know today. Jimmy Page brought his signature flair to the track, marking his first recorded harmonica performance since 1965’s "She Just Satisfies" and even pulling out a dulcimer, an instrument he hadn’t played since Led Zeppelin’s "That’s the Way" in 1970. The song’s creation was a true collaboration, with Coverdale noting in interviews that he "immediately latched on" to Page’s riff, sparking a creative synergy that defined the album. Adding to the lore, the music video for "Pride and Joy," directed by Andy Morahan, was a hit on MTV and even caught the attention of Beavis and Butt-Head, cementing its place in '90s rock culture.

Social media offers glimpses into the song’s enduring legacy. In a 2019 post on X, David Coverdale shared a nostalgic photo from the "Pride and Joy" video shoot with Jimmy Page, captioning it with a smiley face, a nod to the good times. Another post from 2023 on X linked to the song’s YouTube video, accompanied by five-star emojis, showing Coverdale’s pride in the track decades later. Fans on X have also celebrated the song, with one noting in 2021 that "Pride and Joy" held the #1 spot on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart for six weeks in 1993, urging the duo for “one more” collaboration. The song’s chart success was no fluke—it hit #1 on the US Mainstream Rock Tracks Chart, a testament to its appeal among rock fans and its ability to blend Whitesnake’s bluesy swagger with Led Zeppelin’s mythic grandeur.

David Coverdale, the voice behind Coverdale-Page, kicked off his career in the early 1970s with a stroke of serendipity. Born on September 22, 1951, in Saltburn-by-the-Sea, England, Coverdale was working in a clothing boutique when he auditioned for Deep Purple in 1973 after responding to a local newspaper ad. His powerful vocals landed him the gig, and he fronted the band until 1976, contributing to albums like Burn and Stormbringer. After Deep Purple’s breakup, Coverdale launched his solo career before forming Whitesnake in 1978, a band that would dominate the hard rock scene in the '80s with hits like "Here I Go Again." His collaboration with Jimmy Page in 1993 was a high point, blending their respective legacies into a critically and commercially successful album.

Jimmy Page, the guitar wizard of Coverdale-Page, began his musical journey in the 1960s as a session musician in London. Born on January 9, 1944, in Heston, Middlesex, Page honed his craft playing on tracks for artists like The Who and The Kinks before joining The Yardbirds in 1966. In 1968, he formed Led Zeppelin, a band that redefined rock music with albums like Led Zeppelin IV and Physical Graffiti. After Led Zeppelin disbanded in 1980 following drummer John Bonham’s death, Page pursued various projects, including soundtracks and collaborations, before teaming up with Coverdale. The Coverdale-Page project was sparked by Geffen Records’ John Kalodner, who saw the potential in uniting these two rock titans.

For the latest on David Coverdale, check out his official website at whitesnake.com, where he shares updates on Whitesnake and his past projects, including Coverdale-Page. His Facebook and Instagram accounts are active with posts about his music and personal reflections, while his X account offers direct engagement with fans. Jimmy Page’s official website, jimmypage.com, dives into his storied career, and his Facebook and Instagram pages feature archival photos and insights into his creative process. Fans can connect on Whitesnake Fan Club on Facebook for Coverdale-related discussions or explore ledzeppelin.com for Page’s Zeppelin legacy. While Coverdale-Page doesn’t have an official site or active socials as a duo, fan communities like the Led Zeppelin Fan Group on Facebook keep the spirit of their collaboration alive.