Time for Me to Fly

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic track "Time for Me to Fly" by REO Speedwagon, from their 1978 album You Can Tune a Piano, But You Can't Tuna Fish, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it! This song, written by lead singer Kevin Cronin, is a heartfelt anthem about breaking free from a strained relationship. One juicy piece of trivia comes from a Reddit post on the vinyl community, where fans note that the song was inspired by Cronin’s breakup with his high school girlfriend, adding a personal touch to its emotional lyrics. The song’s tender vulnerability, as described in a Vinyl District review, makes it feel like Cronin is baring his soul, with lines like “I’ve swallowed my pride for you” resonating deeply with listeners. Its appearance in the Netflix series Ozark, as mentioned in a blog post by Douglas Vigliotti, gave the song a modern resurgence, introducing it to new fans who crank it up with the windows down.

Another tidbit about "Time for Me to Fly" is its lasting impact despite never cracking the Billboard Top 40, as noted in the same Vinyl District article. Fans on X celebrated the album’s 43rd anniversary in 2021, with @kcreospeedwagon highlighting how the song, alongside “Roll with the Changes,” became one of the band’s most iconic tracks. Interestingly, Dolly Parton covered it in a bluegrass style for her 1989 album White Limozeen, as mentioned on Wikipedia, showing its versatility across genres. The song’s straightforward, positive energy, as Vigliotti’s blog points out, makes it a perfect fit for the Zoo Crew’s vibe, capturing the free-spirited essence of the Zoo Freaks.

REO Speedwagon got their start in 1967 in Champaign, Illinois, when keyboardist Neal Doughty and drummer Alan Gratzer, both students at the University of Illinois, bonded over music, as detailed in their Wikipedia bio. Doughty, who’d tinkered with Beatles songs on his parents’ piano, and Gratzer, a seasoned high school drummer, formed the band, initially playing covers. They named themselves after the REO Speed Wagon, a flatbed truck Doughty spotted in a history class, according to the band’s official history page. By the early 1970s, guitarist Gary Richrath and bassist Gregg Philbin joined, with singer Terry Luttrell fronting the debut album. Kevin Cronin came aboard in 1972 but left briefly due to creative clashes, returning in 1976 to lead the band to stardom, as noted in Cronin’s Wikipedia page. Their relentless Midwest touring, managed by a then-unknown Irving Azoff, built a loyal fanbase, setting the stage for their 1978 breakthrough with You Can Tune a Piano, But You Can't Tuna Fish.

Stay connected with REO Speedwagon through their official Facebook page, where they share tour updates and nostalgic posts, or follow them on Instagram for behind-the-scenes photos. Their X account keeps fans in the loop with quick updates and fan interactions. For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, check out fan communities like the REO Speedwagon Fan Club on Facebook, where enthusiasts share concert stories and rare vinyl finds. Another great spot is Rate Your Music, where fans rate and discuss the band’s discography, including deep cuts from the Zoo Crew’s favorite album.