Hard Headed Woman

Hey there, Zoo Freaks, it's your groovy pals from the Zoo Crew spinning those vinyl vibes here at THE ZOO, where the music flows like a peaceful river through the cosmic forest. We're cranking up the turntable with "Hard Headed Woman" by Fandango from their far-out album "One Night Stand." Man, this tune has that raw energy that just grabs your soul and takes you on a ride through the rockin' wilderness. Let us share some cool stories and trivia about this song, dug up from old interviews and those wild social media echoes that keep the spirit alive.

Back in the day, Fandango was all about blending that pop rock groove with a dash of hard rock spice, and "Hard Headed Woman" is a prime example from their 1979 release. Composed by Denny LaRue and Rick Blakemore, it's the fourth track on "One Night Stand," clocking in with that infectious rhythm that makes you wanna sway under the stars. Joe Lynn Turner, the band's lead vocalist and guitarist, poured his heart into it, delivering vocals that are husky and relaxed, really defining the band's mellow AOR vibe. In one of his reflections shared on social media, Turner talked about how the album captured the essence of their live energy, saying it was a time when they were opening for legends like The Allman Brothers and Chicago, feeling the crowd's love wash over them like a warm summer rain.

Trivia-wise, did you know that "One Night Stand" was Fandango's third album, and it helped solidify their unique sound? Fans on platforms like X have been reminiscing about how the record, with tracks like "Thief In The Night" and "Dancer," showcased their influences from The Eagles and southern rock. One Japanese enthusiast posted about how the album refined their style, establishing originality that still resonates today. Turner has mentioned in interviews that during the making of "One Night Stand," the band faced all sorts of adventures, from late-night sessions to the thrill of hitting the road. He once quipped in a chat that the song's title might nod to those stubborn spirits we all encounter, but musically, it's about that unyielding groove that keeps pulling you back.

There's this cool story from Turner's bio where he recalls the band's equipment getting stolen after a gig at Chicago Fest, which pretty much signaled the end of Fandango's run. But before that, "Hard Headed Woman" was part of the magic that got Turner noticed by Ritchie Blackmore's crew. Barry Ambrosio, Blackmore's assistant, caught wind of Turner's talents through Fandango's records and set up that fateful audition for Rainbow. Imagine jamming in local clubs and suddenly catapulting to arena stages – that's the dream, man! Social media posts from fans often highlight how this track embodies the band's eclectic mix, blending R&B, pop, and jazz elements into something truly cosmic.

In an old Facebook update, Turner shared thoughts on the album, saying, "Today Joe continues to share his thoughts from the making of the album," reflecting on the creative process. He described how the band, including keyboardists like Larry Dawson (who later played with Uli Jon Roth), poured their souls into every note. Trivia buffs love pointing out that the album sleeve had the tracks printed in the wrong order – talk about a psychedelic mix-up! And while specific quotes on "Hard Headed Woman" are rare, Turner's interviews often touch on how songs like this were born from late-night jams, capturing the raw emotion of life's twists and turns.

Now, let's groove into how Fandango got started. It all began around 1976 in the Tri-state area – New Jersey, New York, Connecticut – as a four-piece band hitting the local clubs with that fresh energy. Joe Lynn Turner, born Joseph Arthur Mark Linquito, had been rocking out since high school with a group called Ezra, covering heroes like Jimi Hendrix, Free, and Deep Purple. He changed his name on guitarist Rick Blakemore's suggestion, drawing from blues legend Big Joe Turner, and it stuck when they signed with RCA in 1977 after adding more members like Bob Danyls on bass, Abe Speller on drums, and Denny LaRue on keyboards.

Turner has shared in his bio that Fandango was his first taste of national success, describing the band as an eclectic brew of R&B, pop, country, jazz, and melodic rock. They signed that deal in March 1977, and their self-titled debut dropped that year, followed by "Last Kiss" in 1978. By "One Night Stand" in 1979, they were opening for big names like The Marshall Tucker Band and Billy Joel, booked by Phil Walden's Paragon Agency – the same folks who handled Otis Redding back in the day. It was all about that peaceful pursuit of the perfect sound, man, touring and creating vibes that connected with folks on a deeper level.

The band's lineup evolved, bringing in talents like Larry Dawson and Santos on percussion, adding layers to their music. Turner played guitar and sang on all four albums, with "Cadillac" in 1980 being their last before he joined Rainbow. He often reflects on those early days as formative, learning the ropes of the rock world amidst the free-spirited 70s scene. In one interview, he mentioned how the band's southern rock influences came from jamming with acts like Wet Willie, creating a sound that was both hard-hitting and soulful.

For all you Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, check out Joe Lynn Turner's official website at https://joelynnturner.com, where you'll find bios mentioning "One Night Stand" and the band's journey. Follow him on his official Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/joelynnturnerofficial, Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/joelynnturnerofficial, and X at https://x.com/joelynnturner for updates and throwbacks to Fandango days. There are fan sites too, like the Blue Desert page at https://www.westcoast.dk/artists/f/fandango, which details the album and song, and the Deep Purple net discography at http://www.deep-purple.net/discography/fandango/fandango.html, listing "Hard Headed Woman" explicitly.

We've got one special shoutout to our home base – tune in to more rockin' tunes at THE ZOO, where the music never stops flowing. Fandango's story is a reminder of how a bunch of dreamers can create something timeless, starting from humble club gigs to leaving a mark on the rock landscape. "Hard Headed Woman" might not have been a chart-topper, but its spirit lives on in the hearts of true rock lovers, echoing the band's passion for blending genres in a way that's pure magic.

As we wrap this up, remember that Fandango's brief but brilliant run paved the way for Turner's legendary career. From those early Ezra days to Fandango's four albums, it's all about following the music's call. Peace, love, and keep those vibes high, Zoo Freaks – until next spin!