Dust My Broom (Live)

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the soulful "Dust My Broom (Live)" by Freddie King, a track that’s got the Zoo Freaks vibing. This live acoustic version, pulled from the album Live at the Electric Ballroom, 1974, captures King’s raw energy and distinctive guitar style. One juicy piece of trivia about this song is its deep roots in blues history. Originally penned by Robert Johnson in 1936 as "I Believe I’ll Dust My Broom," it was transformed by Elmore James in 1951 with his iconic slide guitar riff, which King later adapted. King’s version, especially the live cut, showcases his ability to blend Texas and Chicago blues influences, delivering a performance that’s both gritty and soulful. In a 1974 interview with Guitar Player magazine, King mentioned how he loved the song’s raw emotion, saying it was like “telling a story with every note,” which you can feel in the acoustic set’s intimate vibe.

Another cool tidbit comes from the recording context of the live album. The Electric Ballroom performance, recorded in Dallas, included a rare acoustic set alongside electric tracks, showing off King’s versatility. Fans on the Freddie King Fans Facebook group often rave about how this version of "Dust My Broom" feels like King is playing right in your living room. A post on X from 2021 by @bluezharp called King the “Texas Cannonball” and highlighted his ability to make classics like this his own, noting his funky spin on the blues. The song’s lyrics, about leaving a no-good lover and hitting the road, resonate with the blues’ storytelling tradition, and King’s passionate delivery makes it a standout. The Zoo Freaks are probably digging how this track’s history and King’s flair make it a perfect fit for their free-spirited airwaves.

Freddie King got his start in the blues world through a mix of family influence and sheer grit. Born Fred Christian on September 3, 1934, in Gilmer, Texas, he was introduced to the guitar at age six by his mother, Ella Mae King, and his uncle. Growing up in a musical household, he soaked up Texas blues sounds and later moved to Chicago as a teenager, diving into the city’s vibrant blues scene. In Chicago, he formed his first band, the Every Hour Blues Boys, with guitarist Jimmie Lee Robinson and drummer Frank “Sonny” Scott. King faced rejection from Chess Records but caught a break in 1960 when he signed with Federal Records. His debut single, “Have You Ever Loved a Woman,” and the instrumental “Hide Away” became hits, with “Hide Away” reaching number five on the R&B chart in 1961. King’s style, rooted in Texas blues but flavored with Chicago’s electric edge, set him apart, earning him a spot as one of the “Three Kings of the Blues Guitar” alongside Albert King and B.B. King.

You can keep up with Freddie King’s legacy through his official website at freddieking.com, though it’s more of a tribute site since King passed away in 1976. His official Facebook page shares updates on his music and legacy, while the Freddie King Official Instagram posts vintage photos and clips. On X, the Freddie King account keeps the conversation alive with fans. For Zoo Freaks wanting to connect with other fans, the Freddie King Fans Facebook group is a lively spot to share stories and rare recordings. Another great fan resource is the Blues Rock Review site, which often features articles and discussions about King’s influence. The Zoo Crew’s spin of “Dust My Broom (Live)” is a perfect way to celebrate King’s enduring impact on the blues.