Statesboro Blues

The Zoo Crew is spinning the electrifying "Statesboro Blues" by the Pat Travers Band from their 1977 album Makin' Magic, and the Zoo Freaks are loving this gritty blues-rock classic. This track, a cover of Blind Willie McTell’s 1929 song, was transformed by Pat Travers into a high-octane rendition that became a fan favorite. One juicy piece of trivia comes from Travers himself, who shared in a 2025 interview about a live performance captured in Statesboro Blues (Live In Baltimore 1982). He noted that his expanded five-piece band, including a keyboardist and backing vocalist, gave the song a fresh, muscular edge, making it a standout in his live sets. The song’s raw energy, driven by Travers’ searing guitar and a guest appearance by slide guitarist Brian Robertson on the studio version, has cemented its status as a defining track in his catalog.

Another tidbit from the road: Travers recalled a wild moment from a 2006 Atlantic City show, shared on an Allman Brothers Band forum, where he jammed backstage on “Little Red Rooster” with Perry Farrell of Jane’s Addiction singing. While not directly about “Statesboro Blues,” it shows Travers’ knack for spontaneous, bluesy collaborations that echo the song’s freewheeling spirit. Fans on Facebook often rave about the song’s live versions, with one 2018 post calling it “a blistering ride that never gets old,” reflecting its enduring appeal among the Hammer Heads, as Travers’ loyal fans call themselves.

Pat Travers, born Patrick Henry Travers on April 12, 1954, in Toronto, Canada, kicked off his musical journey as a teen inspired by Jimi Hendrix’s performance in Ottawa. By 12, he was already playing guitar, and by his early teens, he was gigging in local bands like Music Machine, Red Hot, and Merge in Quebec. His big break came when rock legend Ronnie Hawkins spotted him performing with Merge and invited him to join his band. In his early twenties, Travers moved to London, signed with Polydor Records, and released his self-titled debut album in 1976, featuring longtime bassist Peter “Mars” Cowling. The follow-up, Makin’ Magic, with “Statesboro Blues,” skyrocketed his fame, showcasing his fiery guitar work and blues-rock swagger.

Travers’ career has spanned decades, with relentless touring alongside giants like Rush and AC/DC, and albums like Crash and Burn (1980) that pushed his sound into hard rock and new wave. His official website, pattravers.com, keeps fans updated on tour dates and news. You can also follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest posts and behind-the-scenes glimpses. For fan communities, check out the Pat Travers Band Fan Group on Facebook, where Hammer Heads share stories, vinyl finds, and concert memories. The Zoo Crew and Zoo Freaks can keep rocking to “Statesboro Blues” knowing Travers’ legacy is alive and well in these vibrant fan spaces.