Rocking Chair Rock 'N' Roll Blues

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Rocking Chair Rock 'N' Roll Blues" by Elf from their 1974 album Carolina County Ball, and the Zoo Freaks are in for a treat with this bluesy rock gem. This track, the sixth on the album, showcases the band’s raw energy and soulful vibe, driven by Ronnie James Dio’s unmistakable vocals and Mickey Lee Soule’s dynamic keyboard work. One piece of trivia about the song comes from its lyrical content, which captures a sense of youthful rebellion and the struggle to find one’s place in the world. Lines like “Mama told me so son you’re getting slow / Find a girl to make your own” reflect a playful yet poignant take on growing up, with Dio’s delivery adding a layer of cheeky defiance. The song’s blend of boogie-woogie piano and hard-hitting rock riffs makes it a standout, with Soule’s performance often praised for acting like a “second bassist and guitarist” simultaneously, as noted in a 2014 fan blog post on Tumblr.

Another tidbit about "Rocking Chair Rock 'N' Roll Blues" is its context within Carolina County Ball, which was produced by Deep Purple’s Roger Glover. Despite Elf’s brilliance, the album didn’t achieve commercial success, a point of frustration for Glover, who championed the band’s unique sound. A post on X from @DeepPurplePod in April 2025 highlighted the album’s release, noting its alternate U.S. title, L.A. 59, chosen because “Carolina” and “County” were deemed too regional for American audiences. Fans on platforms like Elfband Wiki have celebrated the song’s raw, unpolished feel, which captures Elf’s live energy. The track’s introspective lyrics, paired with its upbeat tempo, create a contrast that resonates with listeners, making it a favorite among die-hard Zoo Freaks tuning in to THE ZOO.

Elf’s journey began in Cortland, New York, in the late 1960s, initially under names like The Electric Elves and The Elves. The band was formed by cousins Ronnie James Dio (then Ronald Padavona) and David Feinstein, with a lineup that evolved to include Mickey Lee Soule on keyboards, Gary Driscoll on drums, and later Craig Gruber on bass. Their early sound was rooted in rock and roll with a bluesy edge, influenced by acts like The Rolling Stones and early Deep Purple. By 1972, they caught the attention of Deep Purple’s Roger Glover and Ian Paice, who produced their self-titled debut for Epic Records. This connection was pivotal, as Elf toured with Deep Purple, gaining exposure but struggling to break through commercially. Dio’s powerful voice and charismatic stage presence set the band apart, laying the groundwork for his later success with Rainbow, Black Sabbath, and Dio.

Unfortunately, Elf does not have an active official website or social media presence today, as the band disbanded in 1975 when Dio joined Rainbow. However, fans keep the spirit alive through dedicated spaces online. The Elfband Wiki is a treasure trove of information, detailing the band’s discography and history. On Facebook, the Elf Band Fans group is a vibrant community where Zoo Freaks and others share memories, rare photos, and discussions about tracks like "Rocking Chair Rock 'N' Roll Blues." While there’s no official Instagram or X account for Elf, searching hashtags like #ElfBand on these platforms reveals fan posts and tributes. These fan-driven efforts ensure Elf’s legacy endures, even without an official online presence.