Holy Man

The song "Holy Man" from Deep Purple's 1974 album Stormbringer is a soulful, introspective track that stands out for its slower tempo and the emotive vocals of Glenn Hughes, who takes lead on this piece. According to a 2014 interview with album cover artist Joe Garnett, the Stormbringer album cover, featuring a tornado and a Pegasus, was inspired by a 1927 photograph by Lucille Handberg, with the horse tying into the mythical imagery of the title track, though "Holy Man" itself leans more into spiritual reflection than fantasy. Glenn Hughes, in a discussion on his official fan forum, highlighted how the song allowed him to showcase his vocal range, a departure from the band's harder rock sound, influenced by his love for American R&B. A quirky tidbit from a 2019 review on 2loud2oldmusic.com notes that the album, including "Holy Man," contains subtle nods to the era’s funk and blues, which caused tension with guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, who preferred the band’s heavier roots, ultimately leading to his departure after the album’s tour.

Another piece of trivia comes from fan discussions on the Deep Purple Fans Facebook group, where some Zoo Freaks might connect, noting that "Holy Man" was one of the few tracks on Stormbringer where Hughes’ soulful delivery took center stage, making it a favorite for fans of the Mark III lineup. A 2009 review on Progarchives.com praises the song’s “amazing vocals” and its unique place in the album’s diverse tracklist, though some fans felt it strayed from Deep Purple’s classic sound. Interestingly, a post on X from December 6, 2021, by @ThisDayInMETAL, celebrated the album’s release and singled out "Holy Man" as a highlight, reflecting its enduring appeal among dedicated listeners. The song’s mellow vibe and Hughes’ performance make it a perfect spin for the Zoo Crew’s eclectic, hippie-inspired radio sessions.

Deep Purple began in 1968 in Hertford, England, originally as a psychedelic and progressive rock outfit before evolving into pioneers of heavy metal and hard rock. Formed by Jon Lord (keyboards), Ian Paice (drums), Rod Evans (vocals), Nick Simper (bass), and Ritchie Blackmore (guitar), the band initially went by the name Roundabout. Their early sound, heard in albums like Shades of Deep Purple, was rooted in psychedelic experimentation, but by 1970’s Deep Purple in Rock, they shifted to a heavier, riff-driven style that cemented their place alongside Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath as the “unholy trinity” of British hard rock. The band’s breakthrough came with their 1972 album Machine Head, featuring the iconic “Smoke on the Water,” driven by Blackmore’s unforgettable riff. Over the years, lineup changes—most notably the addition of David Coverdale and Glenn Hughes for the Mark III era, which produced "Holy Man"—brought new vocal dynamics and musical influences, as seen in Stormbringer.

The band’s resilience through multiple lineup shifts and their ability to blend hard rock with blues, funk, and soul elements have kept them relevant for decades, with over 100 million albums sold worldwide, as noted on Lyrics.com. Their official social media presence includes Facebook, Instagram, and X, where they share updates on tours and new releases. Fans, or Zoo Freaks tuning into THE ZOO, can dive deeper into the band’s legacy through communities like the Deep Purple Fans Facebook group or explore detailed discographies and reviews on fan-driven sites like The Highway Star, a comprehensive fan website dedicated to the band’s history and ongoing activities.