Hangin' Around

Hey there, Zoo Freaks, your hippie DJs at THE ZOO are groovin’ to the laid-back vibes of Hangin’ Around by the Edgar Winter Group from their killer 1972 album They Only Come Out at Night. This track’s all about cruisin’ with the radio on, feelin’ good, and just lettin’ life roll by. Did you know it was the leadoff track for the album but got a bit overshadowed by monster hits like Frankenstein and Free Ride? Still, it’s a fan favorite for its chill, drop-out-of-school-and-drive vibe, peaking at #39 on the singles chart. The song’s got that gritty, Stones-like texture, thanks to guitarist Ronnie Montrose’s explosive riffs, and it’s a perfect snapshot of the band’s eclectic energy.

Here’s a cool tidbit: Hangin’ Around captures the spirit of just “bein’,” with lyrics about sleeping all day and not caring about the world whizzing by. In a 2017 Vinyl District piece, it’s described as a “paean to Saturday night” for folks too lazy to feel guilty about ditching high school. The track’s raw edge comes from the all-star lineup, including Dan Hartman, who wrote it and laid down those iconic guitar chords. Edgar himself said in interviews that Hartman’s feel was unmatched, giving the song its unique soul. Plus, producer Rick Derringer helped shape its loose, good-time feel, making it a staple for aimless weekend drives.

Now, let’s rewind to how Edgar Winter got his start. Born in Beaumont, Texas, on December 28, 1946, Edgar and his brother Johnny Winter, both born with albinism, were steeped in music from the jump. Their dad, John Winter II, had them playing instruments as kids, and by the time Edgar was a teen, he was a multi-instrumental wizard—keyboards, sax, percussion, you name it. He could read and write music like a pro before he left home. His 1970 debut album Entrance blended rock, jazz, blues, and pop, showing off his genre-bending style. But it was forming the Edgar Winter Group in 1972 with cats like Hartman, Montrose, and Chuck Ruff that shot him to fame, with They Only Come Out at Night hitting #3 on the Billboard 200.

Edgar’s no one-trick pony—he invented the keyboard body strap to rock out on stage, freeing him up to wail on his ARP 2600 synth or sax while keeping the crowd hyped. His early gigs with Johnny’s band in the late ‘60s laid the groundwork, where he’d jam out riffs that later became Frankenstein. Over the years, he’s played with legends like Ringo Starr, Tina Turner, and David Lee Roth, and his music’s been sampled in tracks like Tupac’s Runnin’ (Dying to Live). The dude’s still out there, keepin’ the rock ‘n’ roll flame alive.

Wanna stay in the loop with Edgar? Check out his official website at edgarwinter.com for tour dates and news. He’s active on Facebook, sharing updates and throwback pics, and you can catch him on Instagram for behind-the-scenes vibes. Follow him on X for quick takes and fan shoutouts. For the real Zoo Freaks, join the Edgar Winter Fans Facebook Group to connect with other diehards swapping stories and rare vinyl finds. Keep it groovy, and let’s keep Hangin’ Around!