Saving Grace

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove to "Saving Grace" by Paul Rodgers from his 1997 album Now, spinning on THE ZOO with your favorite hippie DJs, the Zoo Crew! This track, a soulful rock gem, holds a special place in Rodgers' catalog. In an interview with Louder, Rodgers shared that Now was his first solo album of original material since 1983’s Cut Loose, marking a creative resurgence. "Saving Grace" itself is a standout, with its introspective lyrics and bluesy vibe. Fun fact: the song was later re-recorded by Rodgers with Bad Company for their 2002 live album In Concert: Merchants of Cool, giving it a heavier, live edge that fans loved. Rodgers mentioned in a Goldmine Magazine interview that his solo work, including tracks like "Saving Grace," allowed him to explore a more personal side of songwriting, drawing from his life’s highs and lows.

While specific stories about "Saving Grace" are scarce, Rodgers hinted at its significance on his Facebook page in a 2023 post celebrating the Now album’s legacy, noting how the album’s tracks were born from "sparks of ideas" that evolved with his band’s energy. Fans on the Paul Rodgers Fan Club Facebook group often cite "Saving Grace" as a hidden gem, praising its emotional depth. The song’s production, handled by Rodgers and Eddie Kramer, known for working with Jimi Hendrix, adds a polished yet raw feel, as noted in a AllMusic review. Check out fan discussions on the ARN Fan Website, where Zoo Freaks can dive into more trivia about Rodgers’ solo era.

Paul Rodgers, born December 17, 1949, in Middlesbrough, England, kicked off his musical journey in the mid-1960s as a teenager with a passion for blues and rock. According to his bio on his official website, he started with a local band called The Roadrunners (later The Wildflowers), playing bass and singing. This early gig included future Whitesnake guitarist Micky Moody. By 1968, Rodgers co-founded Free, where his powerful vocals and songwriting shone on hits like "All Right Now." His bio on Wikipedia highlights how Free’s success, especially at the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival, launched him into rock stardom. Rodgers’ raw, soulful voice, influenced by blues legends like Muddy Waters, caught the ear of peers like Freddie Mercury, who called him a vocal hero.

After Free disbanded in 1973, Rodgers formed Bad Company, signing with Led Zeppelin’s Swan Song label and churning out classics like "Can’t Get Enough" and "Feel Like Makin’ Love." His ability to blend gritty blues with hard rock made him a legend, as noted in a Sun Records bio. Over the decades, he fronted The Firm with Jimmy Page, collaborated with Queen as Queen + Paul Rodgers, and pursued a Grammy-nominated solo career. Despite health setbacks, including two strokes in 2016 and 2019, Rodgers released Midnight Rose in 2023, proving his resilience. Connect with him on Instagram and X for updates, or join the Paul Rodgers Fan Club and ARN to vibe with fellow Zoo Freaks!