Let It Rock

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning "Let It Rock" by George Thorogood and The Destroyers from their 2011 album 2120 South Michigan Ave. for all the Zoo Freaks out there. This high-energy track, clocking in at 2:55, is a standout on the album, which pays tribute to the legendary Chess Records and its iconic blues and rock 'n' roll artists. "Let It Rock" itself is a cover of a Chuck Berry classic, originally released in 1960, and Thorogood’s version cranks up the tempo and adrenaline, showcasing his signature gritty, revved-up style. In a 2011 interview with PopMatters, Thorogood highlighted the song’s raw energy, noting it’s a perfect example of the “almighty rhythm element of rhythm and blues,” a hallmark of his approach to music. The Destroyers—Hank Carter on saxophone, Jeff Simon on drums, Billy Blough on bass, and Jim Suhler on guitar—bring a tight, driving force to the track, making it a dancefloor favorite for old-school fans.

While specific anecdotes about "Let It Rock" from social media or interviews are scarce, the album’s context offers some fun trivia. The title 2120 South Michigan Ave. refers to the address of Chess Records in Chicago, where legends like Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, and Chuck Berry recorded. Thorogood has often shared how deeply Chess influenced him, and in a 2011 chat with JCRMusicNews, he explained that the album was a lifelong dream to honor the mentors who shaped his sound. Fans on George Thorogood and The Destroyers Fan Group have echoed this, with posts praising “Let It Rock” for its relentless pace and Thorogood’s husky vocals, often calling it a go-to for live shows where the band’s party-ready vibe shines. The track’s placement alongside cuts like “Seventh Son” and “Mama Talk to Your Daughter” underscores Thorogood’s knack for blending reverence for the classics with his own rockin’ edge.

George Thorogood’s journey to rock 'n' roll stardom began in the early 1970s in Wilmington, Delaware. Born on February 24, 1950, he initially pursued baseball, even playing semi-pro, but a love for blues and rock shifted his path. Inspired by artists like Elmore James, John Lee Hooker, and the Chess Records roster, Thorogood picked up the guitar and started jamming in local clubs. In 1974, he recorded his debut album, Better Than the Rest, though it was released later. By 1976, he’d formed The Destroyers, and their self-titled album, released in 1977 by Rounder Records, put them on the map with raw, bluesy energy. The 1978 follow-up, Move It On Over, with its hit title track, cemented his reputation as a high-octane performer, blending blues covers with original grit.

Over decades, Thorogood and The Destroyers have released 17 studio albums, toured relentlessly, and earned a loyal following. You can keep up with them on their official website, where tour dates, news, and merch are posted. They’re active on social media too—check out their Facebook for updates and fan interaction, follow them on Instagram for behind-the-scenes shots, and catch their latest posts on X. Fans also gather at sites like George Thorogood Net for discographies and history, and the George Thorogood and The Destroyers Fan Group on Facebook is a lively spot for Zoo Freaks and others to share stories, photos, and love for the band’s enduring sound.