Maria Bartiromo

Alright, Zoo Freaks, you're tuned into THE ZOO with your favorite hippie DJs, the Zoo Crew, spinning the wildest tracks for our far-out listeners! Right now, we’re grooving to Maria Bartiromo by Joey Ramone from his solo album Don’t Worry About Me. This tune’s got a wild story behind it. Joey, the punk rock legend from The Ramones, wrote this song about financial journalist Maria Bartiromo, nicknamed the “Money Honey.” Legend has it, after The Ramones broke up in 1996, Joey was kicking back, watching a ton of TV, and became totally smitten with Bartiromo’s broadcasts on CNBC’s Squawk Box. He started emailing her for investment advice, asking about stocks like Intel and AOL, without her realizing he was *the* Joey Ramone. They struck up a friendship, and Joey, being the romantic soul he was, penned this catchy tribute to her, released posthumously in 2002 after his passing in 2001.

Here’s a cool tidbit, Zoo Freaks: Joey invited Maria to hear Maria Bartiromo performed live at the iconic CBGB club in Manhattan, but she couldn’t make it because she had to be up at the crack of dawn for her show. She later said she regretted not pulling an all-nighter to see it, especially since Joey passed away before they could arrange for him to perform it on the New York Stock Exchange floor, which would’ve been epic! Maria was so touched by the song that she even posted on X in 2018 about buying the original handwritten lyrics at an auction, calling it “so cool.” Fans on Reddit’s Ramones community have mixed feelings about the song—some love its quirky departure from The Ramones’ usual sound, while others find the stock market theme a bit out of left field for punk rock. Either way, it’s a sweet nod to Joey’s knack for writing about unexpected muses, like Spider-Man or professional wrestling.

Let’s dive into how Joey Ramone got his start, Zoo Freaks. Born Jeffry Ross Hyman on May 19, 1951, in Forest Hills, Queens, Joey grew up in a modest household where his mom, Charlotte, sparked his love for music. As a shy kid, he found his calling in rock ‘n’ roll, influenced by his mom’s eclectic record collection. Before he was a punk icon, Joey was actually the drummer in a glam rock band, but he got kicked out for not being “pretty enough.” Talk about a raw deal! Undeterred, he co-founded The Ramones in 1974 with his buddies Johnny, Dee Dee, and Tommy, taking on the role of lead vocalist. With his lanky frame, leather jacket, and signature shades, Joey became the voice of punk, belting out raw, fast anthems like I Wanna Be Sedated and Blitzkrieg Bop. The Ramones’ no-frills sound and rebellious spirit made them countercultural icons, even if mainstream fame eluded them during their 22-year run until 1996.

Joey’s legacy lives on, Zoo Freaks, and you can keep up with his vibe at his official website, where you’ll find merch, music, and more. Check out the official Joey Ramone Facebook page for updates and tributes, or follow along on Instagram for throwback photos and fan love. On X, the Joey Ramone account keeps the punk spirit alive with posts about his music and legacy. For the real Zoo Freak experience, join the Ramones Fans Facebook group, where diehards share stories, rare pics, and love for Joey’s work. You can also surf over to fan sites like Ramones.com for band history or connect with the community at Ramones World. Keep rocking, Zoo Freaks, and let’s keep Joey’s rebel heart beating loud!