Jellyroll Blues

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning "Jellyroll Blues" by John Nitzinger from his album Fingers in the Fan for all the Zoo Freaks tuning in. This track, a standout from Nitzinger’s catalog, is a gritty, soulful slice of Texas rock and blues that captures the raw energy of his live performances. While specific interviews or social media posts about "Jellyroll Blues" are scarce, the song’s legacy is tied to Nitzinger’s performance at the 1972 Mar Y Sol International Pop Festival in Puerto Rico, where it reportedly stole the show and became an instant hit for Atlantic Records. The song’s infectious groove and Nitzinger’s distinctive guitar work made it a fan favorite, often cited alongside his other classics like "Louisiana Cockfight" and "Yellow Dog" on fan pages and music forums. Its inclusion on the 2002 album Going Back to Texas, which re-recorded several of his hits, further cemented its place in his repertoire, with fans on Facebook fan groups praising its timeless swagger.

John Nitzinger, a Texas legend, began his musical journey in Fort Worth, where he was a precocious songwriter and guitarist by his own account. In the mid-to-late 1960s, he cut his teeth in local bands and released a few obscure singles, honing his craft in the vibrant Texas music scene. His big break came in the early 1970s when he joined forces with the rock band Bloodrock, writing half of five albums, including the gold-certified Bloodrock 2 for Capitol Records. This success led to a solo deal with Capitol, where he released his self-titled debut in 1971 and One Foot in History in 1973, showcasing his unique blend of bluesy boogie rock and Southern grit. Nitzinger’s early years were marked by relentless touring, sharing stages with icons like Leon Russell, BB King, and Sly & The Family Stone, which helped shape his reputation as a “Texas Tornado of Guitar,” a title earned when he was inducted into Buddy Magazine’s Texas Tornado’s Hall of Fame in 1978.

Nitzinger’s career is a testament to his versatility and resilience. After his solo albums, he collaborated with Carl Palmer in the band 1PM, releasing the single “Dynamite” in 1980, and later joined Alice Cooper for the 1982 Special Forces tour and co-wrote the album Zippers Catches Skin, featuring the hit “I Like Girls.” Despite personal battles with addiction and cancer, Nitzinger continued to perform and record, with his 2002 album Going Back to Texas marking a triumphant return. Fans can connect with his legacy through his official website at nitzinger.com, follow updates on his Facebook page, or join discussions in fan communities like the Nitzinger Fans Facebook group. While his Instagram and X accounts are less active, they offer glimpses into his ongoing influence. For deeper dives, fan sites like Rate Your Music provide discographies and reviews from dedicated listeners.