Blazin' Your Own Trail Again

The Zoo Crew is spinning the uplifting track "Blazin' Your Own Trail Again" by REO Speedwagon, from their 1978 album You Can Tune a Piano, But You Can't Tuna Fish, for all the Zoo Freaks out there. This song, written by lead singer Kevin Cronin, carries a message of optimism and self-discovery. In an interview on Songs & Stories from Camp Cronin, Cronin shared that he wrote the song while driving to one of his final solo gigs before rejoining REO Speedwagon. He pulled off the road near a trailhead, hiked into a forest, and reflected on his journey during his time away from the band. This moment of gratitude for being back with REO inspired the song’s lyrics about finding your own path and embracing happiness.

Another piece of trivia comes from the song’s place on the album, which marked a turning point for REO Speedwagon. You Can Tune a Piano, But You Can't Tuna Fish was the band’s first album to crack the Top 40, peaking at No. 29 and eventually going double platinum with over 2 million copies sold in the U.S. While singles like "Roll with the Changes" and "Time for Me to Fly" became iconic, "Blazin' Your Own Trail Again" stood out for its introspective tone. Guitarist Gary Richrath, in a 1982 Guitar Player interview, noted that the album allowed him to explore a more melodic and harmonic guitar style, which added a warm, reflective quality to tracks like this one.

REO Speedwagon began in 1967 at the University of Illinois in Champaign, where keyboardist Neal Doughty and drummer Alan Gratzer formed the band. They took their name from a vintage flatbed truck, the REO Speed Wagon, spotted in a history class. The group cycled through several lead singers early on, with Kevin Cronin joining in 1972, briefly leaving, and then returning in 1976 to solidify their classic lineup. Their early years were marked by relentless touring across the Midwest, building a loyal fanbase with their energetic live shows. By the late 1970s, albums like You Can Tune a Piano, But You Can't Tuna Fish and the 1980 blockbuster Hi Infidelity, which sold over 10 million copies, propelled them to international fame with hits like "Keep On Loving You" and "Can’t Fight This Feeling."

Fans can connect with REO Speedwagon through their official Facebook page, Instagram account, and X profile, where they share tour updates, nostalgic posts, and fan interactions. The band’s official website, reospeedwagon.com, offers tour dates, merchandise, and news. For Zoo Freaks looking to join the fan community, the REO Speedwagon Fans Facebook Group is a vibrant space where enthusiasts share memories, photos, and concert experiences. While no official fan websites stand out, the band’s social media presence and active fan groups keep the spirit of REO Speedwagon alive for longtime supporters and new listeners alike.