One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer

Hey there, Zoo Freaks, the Zoo Crew’s got the vinyl spinning with George Thorogood and The Destroyers’ classic “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer” from their 1977 debut album. This tune’s a wild ride, blending two John Lee Hooker songs, “House Rent Boogie” and “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer,” into a storytelling medley that’s pure blues-rock fire. Originally written by Rudy Toombs and recorded by Amos Milburn in 1953, the song got a gritty makeover by Hooker in 1966 before Thorogood turned it into an 8-minute barroom anthem. Fun fact: Thorogood’s version was a crowd-pleaser in East Coast dives, where he’d stretch it past 10 minutes to keep the drinks flowing and the vibes high—bartenders loved it for boosting tabs! Fans on Reddit have shared wild stories of drinking games tied to the song, like taking shots of bourbon or scotch every time George growls the words, though most warn it’s a fast track to trouble. A post on X from April 2025 hyped their “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Story” series, kicking off with a tale called “The Country of California,” showing this song’s still inspiring Thorogood’s crew to keep the party rolling.

Thorogood’s take isn’t just a cover—it’s a love letter to the blues. He weaves in Hooker’s “House Rent Boogie” to paint a picture of a down-and-out guy dodging his landlady and drowning his sorrows at the bar. In a 2011 YouTube interview, Thorogood’s passion for the blues shines, with fans noting his respect for legends like Hooker, even if his raspy, high-energy style adds a unique edge. Some purists on Reddit argue Hooker’s rawer version outshines Thorogood’s, but others defend George’s comedic timing and slide guitar flair, especially lines like “come down hyeuh!” A Facebook post from 2021 shared a live 1984 performance clip, reminding us how Thorogood’s showmanship—like tossing his slide to a fan—made him a rock ‘n’ roll pro wrestler of the stage. The song’s legacy lives on, with Instagram fans praising its storytelling and raw energy, cementing it as a Thorogood signature alongside “Bad to the Bone.”

Now, let’s rewind to how George Thorogood got his start. Born in Wilmington, Delaware, on February 24, 1950, he was a baseball-loving kid who played semi-pro second base in the ‘70s. Music called louder, though, inspired by blues giants like Robert Johnson and Elmore James. Thorogood kicked off as a solo acoustic act in 1970, channeling raw, rootsy vibes. By 1973, he teamed up with high school buddy Jeff Simon on drums to form the Delaware Destroyers, gigging in Newark’s Rathskeller bar and Deer Park Tavern. To make ends meet, he roadied for blues legend Hound Dog Taylor, soaking up the Chicago blues sound that shaped his style. In 1975, John Forward caught their gritty live set and helped land a deal with Rounder Records. Their 1977 debut, George Thorogood and the Destroyers, dropped “One Bourbon” and set the stage for their high-octane boogie-blues to dominate ‘80s rock radio. With over 20 albums, two Platinum, six Gold, and 15 million records sold, Thorogood and his Destroyers are still touring, celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2024.

Zoo Freaks, you can keep up with George and the Destroyers on their official website, where you’ll find tour dates and merch. Follow their high-energy posts on Facebook, catch killer live clips on Instagram, and check their “One Bourbon” story series on X. For fan love, join the George Thorogood and The Destroyers Fan Club on Facebook, where devotees swap concert stories and vinyl finds. There’s also George Thorogood Wiki, a fan-run site diving deep into his discography and lore. So, crank up “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer,” and let’s keep the Zoo vibes rockin’!