Rising Sun

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin "Rising Sun" from Paul Rodgers' solo album Cut Loose! This track, released in 1983, showcases Rodgers’ soulful voice and multi-instrumental prowess, as he wrote, sang, and played all the instruments on the album. According to Genius, "Rising Sun" paints a vivid picture of a journey to the land of the rising sun, blending blues-rock with a nod to Eastern imagery, reflecting Rodgers’ ability to weave storytelling into his music. In a 2023 interview on Takin' A Walk Podcast, Rodgers shared that his songwriting often draws from personal experiences and influences like Otis Redding, whose soulful style inspired his early work. While specific anecdotes about "Rising Sun" are scarce, Rodgers has mentioned in interviews that Cut Loose was a deeply personal project, allowing him to explore his creative freedom after leaving Bad Company.

The song’s raw energy captures the essence of Rodgers’ transition to a solo career, a bold move after years with iconic bands. On Paul Rodgers’ official Facebook, fans have celebrated Cut Loose for its stripped-down, authentic vibe, with some calling "Rising Sun" a hidden gem in his discography. Though Rodgers hasn’t shared explicit stories about the song on X or Instagram, he’s noted in a Louder interview that his solo work reflects his love for blues and soul, genres that shine through in "Rising Sun"’s gritty yet melodic tone. The Cut Loose album, as highlighted on ClassicRockHistory.com, marked a pivotal moment where Rodgers proved he could stand alone, delivering a record that’s both introspective and powerful.

Now, let’s take a trip back to how Paul Rodgers became the rock legend we know today. Born on December 17, 1949, in Middlesbrough, England, Rodgers kicked off his musical journey in the mid-1960s, playing bass and singing lead vocals for a local band called The Wildflowers, originally known as The Roadrunners. According to his bio on paulrodgers.com, his big break came in 1968 when he co-founded Free with guitarist Paul Kossoff, bassist Andy Fraser, and drummer Simon Kirke. Free’s blues-rock sound, driven by hits like "All Right Now," catapulted them to fame, making them one of the biggest British acts alongside Led Zeppelin. Rodgers’ soulful voice, praised by the likes of Freddie Mercury and John Mellencamp, became his trademark. After Free disbanded, he formed Bad Company in 1973, delivering anthems like "Feel Like Makin’ Love" and "Bad Company" that defined 1970s rock.

Rodgers’ career didn’t stop there. He later fronted The Firm with Jimmy Page, collaborated with Queen as Queen + Paul Rodgers, and pursued a Grammy-nominated solo career. His bio on Primary Wave Music notes his versatility, having sold over 125 million records and worked with legends like Jeff Beck and Brian May. Fans can connect with Rodgers on his Facebook page, which has over 126K followers, or follow his updates on Instagram and X. For those craving more, check out fan communities like the Paul Rodgers Fan Club on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks can join discussions and share their love for his music. Keep rocking, and stay tuned to THE ZOO for more classic vibes!