Fly Me Courageous

Zoo Freaks, get ready to crank up the volume as the Zoo Crew spins the electrifying "Fly Me Courageous" by Drivin' N' Cryin' from their 1991 album of the same name! This track, a Southern rock anthem with a hard-hitting edge, became a cultural touchstone during its release, largely due to its coincidental alignment with the Persian Gulf War. The song’s soaring chorus and gritty riffs led some to interpret it as a pro-war rallying cry, a misunderstanding that Drivin' N' Cryin' frontman Kevn Kinney found surprising. In a 2019 interview with Rock and Roll Globe, Kinney clarified that the song’s lyrics were inspired by Ray Charles’ "What’d I Say," aiming for a loose, groove-driven vibe rather than a political statement. Yet, its timing struck a chord, earning the band invitations to perform at Naval and Air Force bases, where pilots shared they listened to the track before missions.

Another juicy tidbit comes from the song’s production saga. The band initially tapped Andy Johns, known for his work with Rod Stewart, to produce the album. But when Johns fell ill, they pivoted to Geoff Workman, who helped shape the album’s raw, powerful sound. Kinney recounted in a 2022 AL.com interview how the recording took place in a sweltering Memphis summer at Kiva Recording Studio, with the band staying at a Holiday Inn where Kinney set up a slot-car track in his room for downtime. The song’s success, peaking at #15 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart, propelled the album to gold status by 1995, cementing its place as Drivin' N' Cryin'’s commercial peak.

On the fan front, Kinney shared a heartfelt story during a 2019 Reddit AMA on r/Music. A fan mentioned how "Fly Me Courageous" was a staple at their college bar, sparking sing-alongs. Kinney’s engagement with fans shines through such platforms, where he’s known for responding with warmth and humor. The song also caught the attention of Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, who covered it for a 2023 Record Store Day compilation celebrating Kinney’s songwriting, with fans on r/jasonisbell praising its raw, Drive-By Truckers-esque energy.

Drivin' N' Cryin' began in 1985 in Atlanta, Georgia, sparked by the creative fire of Kevn Kinney. Originally from Milwaukee, Kinney moved to Atlanta and worked at a sewage treatment plant by day while playing folk music at night. His chance meeting with Frank French at Dragon Path Music studio led to songwriting sessions, often at French’s Far East Futon Company. Kinney then teamed up with Tim Nielsen, a bassist from the local band Nightporters, and drummer Paul Lenz. The band’s name, drawn from one of Kinney’s songs, reflected their blend of driving rock and soulful twang. By 1986, their electric live shows made them a top draw in Atlanta’s club scene, landing a deal with 688 Records for their debut, Scarred But Smarter. A contract with Island Records followed, setting the stage for their rise.

Kinney’s journey wasn’t without hurdles. In a 2022 AL.com piece, he shared how, as a 300-pound high schooler in Milwaukee, he felt like an outsider, finding solace in drama and sci-fi clubs. His move to Atlanta and subsequent weight loss—partly due to speed use—marked a transformative phase. Drivin' N' Cryin'’s eclectic sound, blending Southern rock, folk, and alternative influences, resonated with fans and critics, earning them a 2015 induction into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. Kinney’s solo career, including albums like MacDougal Blues, further showcased his versatility.

Stay connected with Drivin' N' Cryin' through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans can dive deeper at sites like Genius for lyrics and insights or join discussions on the Drivin’ N’ Cryin’ Fan Group on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks and fellow devotees share their love for the band’s timeless tunes.