Born to Wander

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic track "Born to Wander" by Rare Earth from their 1970 album Ecology, and Zoo Freaks, you're in for some cool trivia about this song! Written by Tom Baird, "Born to Wander" perfectly captured the restless, nomadic spirit of the late 1960s and early 1970s youth culture, resonating with the era's "Summer of Love" vibe. The song’s lyrics, like “the wind was my mother, the highway is my brother,” evoke a yearning for freedom and exploration, which helped it climb to number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100. Interestingly, the track was part of Ecology, an album that showcased Rare Earth’s evolution from their earlier psychedelic soul sound, incorporating elements of jazz fusion and Latin percussion, influenced by bands like Traffic and Santana. The album’s title might suggest a focus on environmental themes, but it’s more about capturing the cultural moment, with "Born to Wander" as a standout anthem for wanderlust.

Another tidbit about "Born to Wander" comes from its production context. Ecology was Rare Earth’s third album, but it followed a shelved soundtrack for the 1969 film Generation, which flopped commercially. Several tracks from that soundtrack were remixed and included on Ecology, though "Born to Wander" was a fresh addition that helped define the album’s vibe. In a 2005 interview with Classic Rock Revival, saxophonist Gil Bridges shared that the band’s live energy was key to their studio work, and "Born to Wander" was crafted to reflect the raw, driving feel of their performances. The song’s success also tied into Rare Earth’s pioneering role at Motown, as they were the first all-white band to achieve major success on the label, blending rock with R&B in a way that defied categorization.

Now, let’s dive into how Rare Earth got started. Formed in Detroit, Michigan, in 1960 as the Sunliners, the band began as a group of young musicians playing local gigs. By 1968, they rebranded as Rare Earth, inspired by the trend of edgier band names like Iron Butterfly. The original lineup included Gil Bridges (saxophone, flute, vocals), Peter Hoorelbeke (lead vocals, drums), John Parrish (bass, trombone, vocals), Rod Richards (guitar, vocals), and Kenny James (keyboards). Their early sound was rooted in hard-driving rock with R&B influences, honed through years of performing in Detroit’s vibrant music scene. After an unsuccessful debut album, Dream/Answers, on Verve in 1968, they caught the attention of Motown, who signed them to a new subsidiary label named after the band itself—Rare Earth Records.

Rare Earth’s big break came with their 1969 album Get Ready, featuring a 21-minute cover of the Temptations’ "Get Ready" that became a Top 10 hit. This success established them as Motown’s flagship rock act, blending psychedelic soul with progressive rock elements. Their ability to straddle genres, as noted by Louder, made them unique, seamlessly merging classic rock with R&B. Over the years, the band faced lineup changes and challenges, like Motown’s relocation to Los Angeles in 1972, but their early hits like "Born to Wander" and "I Just Want to Celebrate" cemented their legacy. Sadly, several original members, including John Parrish and Eddie Guzman, passed away in the 1980s and 1990s, but Gil Bridges kept the band’s spirit alive.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to connect with Rare Earth, check out their official website at rareearth.com. You can also follow them on social media via their Facebook page and Instagram for updates on tours and releases. On X, they share posts about their music and legacy. Fans can join discussions at the Rare Earth Forum, a dedicated fan website, or connect with fellow enthusiasts in the Rare Earth Fan Club on Facebook. These platforms are great for sharing memories and celebrating the band’s timeless sound!