One of the Fortunate Few

The Zoo Crew is spinning "One of the Fortunate Few" from Delbert McClinton's Grammy-winning album Cost of Living, a track that captures the raw energy and soulful storytelling that Zoo Freaks love. This song, the opener of the 2005 album, is a tongue-in-cheek reflection on McClinton's life in music, with lyrics that wink at the highs and lows of a hard-earned career. In a 2005 All About Jazz review, critic Doug Collette praised the song’s “brilliant understatement,” noting McClinton’s use of irony to convey a life fully lived. The track was co-written with longtime collaborator Gary Nicholson, a partnership that McClinton described in a 2013 Songwriter Universe interview as fueled by “chemistry” and friendship, often sparked during songwriting retreats in Mexico. Fans on Facebook have shared stories of hearing this song live, with one recalling a 2006 Kentucky concert where McClinton’s “gutsy voice” and harmonica brought the house down, a vibe that perfectly suits the Zoo Crew’s eclectic spin.

Another layer to the song’s charm is its place in McClinton’s broader narrative, as detailed in the biography Delbert McClinton: One of the Fortunate Few by Diana Finlay Hendricks. The book, discussed in a 2018 C&I Magazine interview, reveals how McClinton’s experiences—like playing with blues legends and surviving industry pitfalls—shaped the song’s perspective. In a 2005 NPR interview, McClinton shared that the album, including this track, was inspired by a renewed creative spark after moving to Nashville and buying a home in Mexico, where he found fresh inspiration. Zoo Freaks might dig the story of how McClinton, then nearing 65, told NPR’s Alex Chadwick he felt “like I was 50 again,” channeling that vitality into the song’s upbeat honky-tonk groove. The X community often buzzes with fans posting about the song’s infectious energy, with one user calling it “the ultimate roadhouse anthem” for its blend of blues, country, and rock.

Delbert McClinton’s journey to becoming a blues and roots music icon began in Lubbock, Texas, where he was born on November 4, 1940. As detailed in his Wikipedia bio, he moved to Fort Worth at 11 and was drawn to music early, teaching himself harmonica and soaking up the blues from local radio. By his teens, he was sneaking into juke joints along Fort Worth’s Jacksboro Highway, a hotbed for blues and R&B. His first big break came as a harmonica player with the Straitjackets, a bar band that backed legends like Jimmy Reed, Howlin’ Wolf, and Sonny Boy Williamson II, as noted in a 2022 Texas Highways article. In 1962, his harmonica work on Bruce Channel’s “Hey! Baby” hit number one, and during a UK tour with Channel, McClinton famously gave a young John Lennon tips on harmonica, influencing the Beatles’ early sound. His solo career took off in 1975 with Victim of Life’s Circumstances, and he’s since earned four Grammys, including one for Cost of Living, cementing his status as a Texas music legend.The Zoo Crew is spinning "One of the Fortunate Few" from Delbert McClinton's Grammy-winning album Cost of Living, a track that captures the raw energy and soulful storytelling that Zoo Freaks love. This song, the opener of the 2005 album, is a tongue-in-cheek reflection on McClinton's life in music, with lyrics that wink at the highs and lows of a hard-earned career. In a 2005 All About Jazz review, critic Doug Collette praised the song’s “brilliant understatement,” noting McClinton’s use of irony to convey a life fully lived. The track was co-written with longtime collaborator Gary Nicholson, a partnership that McClinton described in a 2013 Songwriter Universe interview as fueled by “chemistry” and friendship, often sparked during songwriting retreats in Mexico. Fans on Facebook have shared stories of hearing this song live, with one recalling a 2006 Kentucky concert where McClinton’s “gutsy voice” and harmonica brought the house down, a vibe that perfectly suits the Zoo Crew’s eclectic spin.

Another layer to the song’s charm is its place in McClinton’s broader narrative, as detailed in the biography Delbert McClinton: One of the Fortunate Few by Diana Finlay Hendricks. The book, discussed in a 2018 C&I Magazine interview, reveals how McClinton’s experiences—like playing with blues legends and surviving industry pitfalls—shaped the song’s perspective. In a 2005 NPR interview, McClinton shared that the album, including this track, was inspired by a renewed creative spark after moving to Nashville and buying a home in Mexico, where he found fresh inspiration. Zoo Freaks might dig the story of how McClinton, then nearing 65, told NPR’s Alex Chadwick he felt “like I was 50 again,” channeling that vitality into the song’s upbeat honky-tonk groove. The X community often buzzes with fans posting about the song’s infectious energy, with one user calling it “the ultimate roadhouse anthem” for its blend of blues, country, and rock.

Delbert McClinton’s journey to becoming a blues and roots music icon began in Lubbock, Texas, where he was born on November 4, 1940. As detailed in his Wikipedia bio, he moved to Fort Worth at 11 and was drawn to music early, teaching himself harmonica and soaking up the blues from local radio. By his teens, he was sneaking into juke joints along Fort Worth’s Jacksboro Highway, a hotbed for blues and R&B. His first big break came as a harmonica player with the Straitjackets, a bar band that backed legends like Jimmy Reed, Howlin’ Wolf, and Sonny Boy Williamson II, as noted in a 2022 Texas Highways article. In 1962, his harmonica work on Bruce Channel’s “Hey! Baby” hit number one, and during a UK tour with Channel, McClinton famously gave a young John Lennon tips on harmonica, influencing the Beatles’ early sound. His solo career took off in 1975 with Victim of Life’s Circumstances, and he’s since earned four Grammys, including one for Cost of Living, cementing his status as a Texas music legend.

McClinton’s gritty authenticity and genre-blending style—melding blues, country, R&B, and rock—have earned him a devoted following. Fans can connect with him through his official website, where they’ll find tour dates and merch, or follow his updates on Facebook, Instagram, and X. The Delbert McClinton Fan Club on Facebook is a lively hub for Zoo Freaks and other fans to share concert memories, swap vinyl finds, and celebrate his music. Another fan-driven space, the Sandy Beaches Cruise page, highlights McClinton’s annual music cruise, a floating festival running over 25 years where fans join him for performances and jam sessions. These communities keep the spirit of McClinton’s music alive, much like the Zoo Crew’s vinyl spins for their far-out audience.