Frankenstein

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin the iconic "Frankenstein" by The Edgar Winter Group from their 1972 album They Only Come Out at Night. This instrumental banger got its name from the grueling editing process in the studio, where audiotape was sprawled across the control room, draped over chairs, and overflowing the console. Drummer Chuck Ruff, upon hearing a rough mix, exclaimed, "Wow, man, it's like Frankenstein," likening the stitched-together track to the monster itself. Producer Rick Derringer played a key role, convincing Edgar Winter to transform the experimental piece into something album-worthy, resulting in a #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in May 1973 that sold over a million copies.

Another wild tidbit about "Frankenstein" is its groundbreaking use of the synthesizer. Edgar Winter was the first to strap a keyboard around his neck, using an extended cable for the ARP 2600 synthesizer. This innovation allowed him to roam the stage like a guitarist, delivering high-energy performances that captivated audiences. The song, originally a B-side to "Hangin' Around," became a surprise hit after DJs nationwide were flooded with listener requests, prompting the label to flip the single. It even featured a "double drum solo" with Winter on percussion alongside Ruff, earning it the working title "The Double Drum Song" during recording.

Edgar Winter, born December 28, 1946, in Beaumont, Texas, kicked off his musical journey early, shaped by his family and a natural knack for music. Born with albinism, alongside his brother Johnny Winter, Edgar was mastering multiple instruments—keyboards, saxophone, percussion—and reading music by the time he left home. His genre-blending style, mixing rock, jazz, blues, and pop, shone through in his 1970 debut album Entrance, which included a notable cover of "Tobacco Road." Before forming The Edgar Winter Group, he led Edgar Winter's White Trash, a horn-heavy outfit that released two albums, including the gold-certified live record Roadwork in 1972.

The Edgar Winter Group came together in late 1972, with Winter assembling a stellar lineup: Dan Hartman on bass and vocals, Ronnie Montrose on guitar, and Chuck Ruff on drums. Their debut, They Only Come Out at Night, was a massive success, hitting #3 on the Billboard 200 and staying on the charts for 80 weeks. Winter's innovative spirit, like inventing the keyboard body strap, set him apart, making him a pioneer in rock performance. His career continued with collaborations, including work with Ringo Starr’s All-Starr Band, and a 2022 Grammy-winning tribute album to his late brother, Brother Johnny.

Stay connected with Edgar Winter through his official website, where you can join his email list for updates. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest news and tour info. Fans can dive deeper at the Edgar Winter Fans Facebook group, a vibrant community of Zoo Freaks and beyond sharing their love for his music. Keep rocking with the Zoo Crew, and let "Frankenstein" unleash your inner monster!