Southern Man

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the gritty Southern rock anthem "Southern Man" by Doc Holliday from their album Doc Holliday Rides Again.... This track, a fan favorite among Zoo Freaks, captures the raw energy of Southern pride with its driving guitars and Bruce Brookshire’s soulful vocals. One piece of trivia comes from a Facebook post by the band’s official page, which proudly declares, "Ain't no such thing as the old south, if you call Dixie home...WE DO!" alongside hashtags like #southernrock and #southernman, reflecting the song’s defiant celebration of Southern identity. In a 2001 interview with Swampland, Brookshire shared that the album, produced by David Anderle and Tom Allom, was a pivotal moment, building on their debut’s success and helping them share stages with giants like Black Sabbath and Molly Hatchet. Fans on the Rate Your Music community have called "Southern Man" a classic, with one reviewer noting its "old school southern hard rock" vibe, likening it to Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Outlaws.

Another tidbit about "Southern Man" emerges from its reception in Europe, where Doc Holliday cultivated a loyal following. The album Doc Holliday Rides Again..., released in 1981, was a breakthrough, especially overseas, as noted in a Bandcamp post by Grand Union Records. The label highlighted how the album’s HD audio release in 2019 brought its timeless energy to new audiences, with "Southern Man" standing out for its unapologetic Southern spirit. A fan on the Doc Holliday Fan Group shared a story about hearing the song live during the band’s 1989 European tour, describing how the crowd in Germany sang along to every word, a testament to its enduring appeal. The song’s lyrics, paired with its melodic dual lead guitars, have made it an anthem for Southern rock fans, as evidenced by its inclusion in setlists for festivals like Sweden Rock, mentioned in a social media post.

Doc Holliday’s journey began in 1971 when guitarist, singer, and songwriter Bruce Brookshire, alongside his brother Bob, formed a blues band called Roundhouse in Warner Robins, Georgia. As detailed in their bio on Apple Music, Roundhouse honed their craft opening for acts like Ted Nugent and The Beach Boys. By the late 1970s, the band caught the eye of Molly Hatchet’s manager, Pat Armstrong, and Nantucket’s managers, Bill Cain and Jet Matthews. This led to a name change to Doc Holliday, inspired by the legendary Wild West figure, and a record deal with A&M Records in 1980. Their debut album, produced by Tom Allom, hit the Top 30 on the Billboard 200, setting the stage for Doc Holliday Rides Again.... Brookshire’s charismatic vocals and the band’s tight, funky Southern rock sound, as noted in a Swampland interview, drew comparisons to Molly Hatchet and Blackfoot.

Despite a misstep with their 1983 album Modern Medicine, which experimented with pop and techno influences and alienated some fans, Doc Holliday bounced back with a return to their roots in 1986’s Danger Zone. Their resilience and European fanbase, particularly in Germany and Scandinavia, kept them touring and recording through the 2000s, as mentioned on their Instagram. The band’s lineup evolved, with Brookshire as the constant, joined by members like John Samuelson, Eddie Stone, and later Daniel "Bud" Ford and Danny "Cadillac" Lastinger. Their final release, From The Vault, and a 2011 30th Anniversary-Farewell Tour cemented their legacy, as shared on their X account.

Fans can connect with Doc Holliday through their official Facebook page, which has over 3,900 likes and posts updates about their music and legacy. Their Instagram showcases vintage photos and tour memories, while their X account shares occasional throwbacks and fan interactions. For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, the Doc Holliday Fan Group on Facebook is a vibrant community where fans swap stories and rare recordings. Additionally, Pure Southern Rock offers a fan-driven tribute to the band’s contributions to the genre, complete with discography details and tour anecdotes.