Hush

The Zoo Crew is spinning the psychedelic vibes of Deep Purple’s “Hush” from their debut album Shades of Deep Purple, and Zoo Freaks, you’re in for a treat with this one! This track, released in 1968, wasn’t originally a Deep Purple creation but a cover of a song written by Joe South for country-soul singer Billy Joe Royal in 1967. South, leaning on the dashboard of a car, penned “Hush” in just five minutes when Royal passed on another song, “Rose Garden.” Deep Purple’s version, however, transformed the mid-tempo southern chug into a roaring, organ-driven psychedelic rock anthem. Guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, inspired by Royal’s recording while in Germany, pushed for a tougher, bolder arrangement, and the band recorded it in just two takes at London’s Pye Studios. The result? A No. 4 hit on the US Billboard Hot 100, though it oddly flopped in the UK. Fun fact: the band initially wanted their cover of The Beatles’ “Help!” as their debut single, but their label insisted on “Hush,” a decision that paid off big in the US.

Another wild story comes from the recording session itself. The band nearly scrapped “Hush” because no one brought Royal’s record as a reference. Bassist Nick Simper saved the day by calling his friend Rod Freeman, who rushed over with his guitar and scribbled down the chords and lyrics. Keyboardist Jon Lord, in a 2009 Mojo interview, recalled initially thinking the song was “a bit too disco” but admitted Blackmore’s vision to toughen it up made it work. Lord’s iconic organ riff, played like conga drums, gave the track its samba-like groove, a technique he’d honed in his previous band, The Artwoods. The song’s enduring appeal is clear—it’s been a staple in Deep Purple’s live sets for decades, with a re-recorded version in 1988 for their 20th anniversary album Nobody’s Perfect. Rick Wakeman of Yes fame has also praised “Hush,” telling Classic Rock that Lord’s wild organ playing on the track blew him away, making Shades of Deep Purple one of his favorite albums.

Deep Purple’s journey to “Hush” began in 1967 when former Searchers drummer Chris Curtis envisioned a supergroup called Roundabout, where musicians would rotate like a musical carousel. Curtis recruited Jon Lord and Ritchie Blackmore, but he bailed before the project took off. Lord and Blackmore, undeterred, brought in vocalist Rod Evans, bassist Nick Simper, and drummer Ian Paice to form the band’s Mark I lineup in Hertford, England. Initially named Roundabout, they switched to Deep Purple, inspired by Blackmore’s grandmother’s favorite song. Their early sound, heavily influenced by Vanilla Fudge, blended psychedelic and progressive rock with classical flourishes, as heard on Shades of Deep Purple. Recorded over three days in May 1968, the album marked their debut, with “Hush” propelling them to fame in the US. The band’s relentless touring, including supporting Cream on their 1968 US tour, cemented their reputation as a powerhouse live act.

Zoo Freaks can dive deeper into Deep Purple’s world through their official channels and fan communities. The band’s official website offers tour dates, news, and merch, while their Facebook and Instagram pages share updates and throwback photos. On X, they engage with fans and post about their latest projects. For those craving more, the fan-run site The Highway Star is a treasure trove of news, reviews, and discography details. Fans can also connect on the Deep Purple Fans Facebook group, where enthusiasts swap stories, rare photos, and concert experiences, keeping the spirit of “Hush” and the band’s legacy alive.