What a Wonderful World

The Zoo Crew, those laid-back hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning "What a Wonderful World" by Joey Ramone from the album Don’t Worry About Me for all the Zoo Freaks tuning in. This track, a punk-infused cover of the Louis Armstrong classic, was released on Joey Ramone’s posthumous solo album in 2002. Joey’s version trades the original’s gentle optimism for a raw, upbeat edge, with his distinctive nasal vocals and a driving guitar sound. In a 2002 interview with Rolling Stone, producer Daniel Rey, who worked closely with Joey, shared that the singer loved the irony of punking up such a hopeful song, calling it a “tongue-in-cheek take” that still honored the beauty of the world through Joey’s unique lens.

Fans and posts have kept the song’s story alive. On X, the official Ramones account once highlighted the track, noting how Joey recorded it during his battle with lymphoma, infusing it with a gritty yet heartfelt vibe that resonated with listeners. A fan on Ramones Fan Group recalled hearing it live in the studio era, describing how Joey’s playful delivery turned the mellow classic into a punk anthem, perfect for the Zoo Freaks’ eclectic vibe. Trivia-wise, the song was part of Don’t Worry About Me, released after Joey’s passing in 2001, and its video, featuring archival footage and animations, became a touching tribute, as noted in fan discussions on Instagram, where followers still celebrate its quirky charm.

Joey Ramone, born Jeffrey Ross Hyman on May 19, 1951, in Queens, New York, kicked off his legendary career as the frontman of the Ramones, the pioneering punk rock band. Growing up in Forest Hills, he was drawn to music early, influenced by 1960s rock like The Beatles and The Who, as well as glam acts like T. Rex. In 1974, he co-founded the Ramones with friends Johnny (John Cummings) and Dee Dee (Douglas Colvin), taking the stage name Joey Ramone and initially playing drums before stepping up to vocals. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1976 on Sire Records, unleashed blistering tracks like “Blitzkrieg Bop” and defined punk with its fast, raw, three-chord sound, recorded on a shoestring budget, as Joey later reflected in interviews.

The Ramones built a legacy with 14 studio albums and relentless touring, shaping punk rock worldwide before disbanding in 1996. Joey launched his solo career late, with Don’t Worry About Me showcasing his spirit. Explore his story at his official website, follow updates on Facebook, check pics and tributes on Instagram, and see posts at X. Fans connect at Ramones.com, a hub for history and merch, and the Ramones Fan Group on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks and others share love for Joey’s enduring, rebellious legacy.