Getting There

Hey there, Zoo Freaks! The Zoo Crew is spinning "Getting There" by Quinn Sullivan from his 2013 album of the same name, and we've got some cool trivia to share about this track. In a 2014 interview on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Quinn revealed that "Getting There" was inspired by his whirlwind experiences as a young musician touring with blues legend Buddy Guy. The song's upbeat tempo and soulful guitar riffs capture the energy of being on the road, chasing dreams, and finding your place in the world. Quinn mentioned in a 2021 Boston Herald article that the title track was a pivotal moment for him, blending his blues roots with a pop-rock vibe, showcasing his desire to evolve beyond the "child prodigy" label. He wrote the song with collaborator Chris Waters, and it reflects his early songwriting efforts to balance personal storytelling with universal themes of growth and ambition.

Another tidbit comes from a 2018 interview with Digital Beat Magazine, where Quinn shared that performing "Getting There" live was a highlight of his shows because it got the crowd moving and allowed him to stretch out with extended guitar solos. Fans on the Quinn Sullivan Facebook page have echoed this, with posts praising the song's infectious groove and how it feels like a journey every time it’s played. A fan on Quinn’s X account once tweeted that "Getting There" was their go-to road trip anthem, resonating with its lyrics about moving forward despite challenges. While Quinn hasn’t shared specific studio stories about the song on his Instagram, he’s posted throwback clips of live performances, captioning one with, “This song always takes me back to those early days of figuring it all out.”

Now, let’s dive into how Quinn Sullivan got started. Born on March 26, 1999, in New Bedford, Massachusetts, Quinn was drawn to music early, thanks to his parents, Carol and Terry Sullivan, who filled their home with classic rock and singer-songwriter tunes from the likes of Neil Young, The Beatles, and Joni Mitchell. According to his bio on quinnsullivanmusic.com, Quinn picked up his first guitar at age three and was taking lessons by five, studying with Brian Cass of The Overclock Orchestra and Stan Belmarce. His natural talent shone through when he wrote his first original song, "Sing, Dance, Clap Your Hands," with Chris Waters. By age six, Quinn made his national TV debut on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, playing The Beatles’ “Twist and Shout,” which caught the attention of blues icon Buddy Guy.

Buddy Guy became a mentor after inviting Quinn on stage during a 2007 performance at the Zeiterion Theater in New Bedford, as noted in a Wikipedia entry. This marked the beginning of Quinn’s rise as a blues guitar prodigy. He toured with Buddy, performed with legends like B.B. King and Eric Clapton, and even played at prestigious venues like Madison Square Garden by age 13. His debut album, Cyclone, dropped in 2011 when he was just 12, followed by Getting There in 2013, which showed his growth as a songwriter. Quinn’s journey from a young talent to a seasoned artist is well-documented on fan sites like Music Within Us, where fans celebrate his ability to blend blues, rock, and soul.

For more on Quinn, check out his official website at quinnsullivanmusic.com, where you can find tour dates and updates. Connect with him on social media via Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest posts and behind-the-scenes content. Fans can also join the community on the Quinn Sullivan Fans Facebook Group, a lively space where Zoo Freaks and others share concert photos, discuss favorite tracks like "Getting There," and keep the vibe alive. Keep rocking with The Zoo Crew, and let’s keep the Quinn Sullivan love flowing!