Hard Times In The Land Of Plenty

The Zoo Crew is spinning the gritty blues rock anthem "Hard Times In The Land Of Plenty" by Omar & The Howlers, a track that struck a chord with Zoo Freaks back in 1987. This song, the title track from the album, climbed to No. 19 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart and even found its way into the film Like Father Like Son. Its lyrics, raw and unflinching, paint a stark picture of economic disparity in the 1980s, with lines like "Some people have, some people have not" and "Poor people cryin' 'cause they ain't got a dime." The song’s message resonated deeply, reflecting the struggles of the era, and its heartland rock vibe drew comparisons to artists tackling similar themes. Produced by Richard Mullen, the album was recorded as a power trio, with frontman Omar Dykes favoring crunchy power chords over flashy solos, a choice that gave the track its punchy, no-nonsense edge.

One juicy tidbit about the song comes from its cultural impact. Fans on Omar & The Howlers’ Facebook fan group often share stories of catching the band live during their 1987 North American tour, where the song’s infectious groove had crowds howling along. A 2012 review from No Depression called it their "biggest hit to date," noting how it elevated the band from bar gigs to broader fame. The track’s gritty vocal style, heavily influenced by Howlin’ Wolf, gives it a timeless, rebellious spirit that still gets Zoo Freaks tapping their feet. Some fans on X have posted about discovering the song through Austin City Limits, where the band’s performance left viewers floored, cementing its status as a blues rock staple.

Omar Kent Dykes, the heart and soul of Omar & The Howlers, kicked off his musical journey in McComb, Mississippi, where he was born and raised. By age 12, he was strumming a guitar, and at 13, he formed his first band, already hooked on the raw energy of music. In his 20s, Dykes gathered a crew of musicians who dubbed themselves "the Howlers," playing frat parties in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, with a wild mix of R&B, rock ‘n’ roll, and even the odd polka or western swing tune. Dykes has shared fond memories of those early days, when the band was all about keeping the party going. It was during this time that he adopted the name Omar and leaned hard into the blues, drawn to its emotional depth and storytelling.

In 1973, the original Howlers took shape in Hattiesburg, but by 1976, they relocated to Austin, Texas, diving into a vibrant music scene alongside rising stars like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Eric Johnson. The move paid off, though it wasn’t until 1987, when Dykes signed with Columbia Records, that the band hit the big time with Hard Times In The Land Of Plenty. Selling over 500,000 copies, the album showcased Dykes’ growling vocals and the tight rhythm section of Bruce Jones on bass and Wes Starr on drums, a lineup that’s been a cornerstone for decades. Since then, the band has dropped over 25 albums and toured Europe regularly, building a loyal fanbase.

Zoo Freaks looking to connect with Omar & The Howlers can check out their Facebook page for updates and tour news or follow their Instagram for behind-the-scenes snaps. On X, Dykes and the band share thoughts and interact with fans, keeping the blues rock spirit alive. For deeper dives, the Omar & The Howlers Fan Group on Facebook is a hub for diehards swapping stories and rare photos. While no official fan websites stand out, the band’s official site is the go-to for merch, music, and the latest on their journey.