Love Don't Mean a Thing

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Love Don't Mean a Thing" by Deep Purple from their 1974 album Stormbringer, and the Zoo Freaks are vibing to its funky, soulful groove. This track, part of the Stormbringer album, stands out for its R&B influence, a departure from Deep Purple’s classic hard rock sound. In a 2014 interview with BraveWords, bassist Glenn Hughes shared a juicy tidbit about the song’s origins. He recalled that guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, despite his public disdain for funky music, was inspired by a Black musician he met in Chicago during the Burn tour. Blackmore borrowed the vibe of a song he heard, which shaped the groovy, funky feel of "Love Don't Mean a Thing." Hughes chuckled, noting that Blackmore’s guitar work on the track is undeniably funky, saying, “That little son of a bitch, he plays funky on it!” This revelation adds a layer of irony, as Blackmore’s frustration with the band’s funkier direction contributed to his departure after Stormbringer to form Rainbow.

Another piece of trivia comes from the song’s reception. While "Love Don't Mean a Thing" was released as the B-side to the "Stormbringer" single in January 1975, it didn’t win over all fans. A review on Rate Your Music called it one of the least impressive tracks on the album, criticizing its “limp and boring” feel and lackluster lyrics. Yet, for Hughes and vocalist David Coverdale, the song was a bold experiment in blending soulful R&B with Deep Purple’s sound, showcasing their vocal chemistry. Hughes’ lascivious delivery, as noted in the BraveWords interview, gives the track a sultry edge, making it a hidden gem for fans who dig the Mk III lineup’s soulful swagger.

Deep Purple began in 1968 in Hertford, England, when drummer Chris Curtis recruited Jon Lord (keyboards), Ritchie Blackmore (guitar), Dave Curtis (bass), and Bobby Woodman (drums) to form a band initially called Roundabout. Jon Lord, in a 1971 interview with New Musical Express, explained that the name “Deep Purple” came from Blackmore’s suggestion, inspired by his grandmother’s favorite song, a 1938 jazz standard. Early on, the band cycled through vocalists and bassists, with Rod Evans and Nick Simper joining for their self-titled debut in 1968. Their big break came with the Mk II lineup—Ian Gillan (vocals), Roger Glover (bass), Blackmore, Lord, and Ian Paice (drums)—and the 1970 album In Rock, which defined their hard rock sound. Hits like “Smoke on the Water” from 1972’s Machine Head cemented their global fame. Despite lineup changes, including the Mk III era with Coverdale and Hughes for Stormbringer, Deep Purple’s innovative blend of heavy metal, blues, and classical influences made them pioneers of the genre.

You can keep up with Deep Purple on their official website, where they share tour dates, news, and merch. They’re active on social media too, with posts about their latest gigs and re-releases on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans, or Zoo Freaks looking to connect, can dive into communities like the Deep Purple Fans Facebook group, where enthusiasts share memorabilia and discuss the band’s legacy. For more fan-driven content, check out The Highway Star, a dedicated fan site with news, reviews, and tour updates. Whether you’re grooving to "Love Don't Mean a Thing" or exploring Deep Purple’s storied career, these platforms keep the spirit of the band alive for fans worldwide.