Somebody Loan Me a Dime

The Zoo Crew is spinning some soulful blues today, Zoo Freaks, with "Somebody Loan Me a Dime" by Rick Derringer from his 2000 album Jackhammer Blues. This track, a cover of a 1967 Fenton Robinson classic, stretches over ten minutes of pure blues magic, showcasing Derringer’s blistering guitar work. According to a review on theblues-thatjazz.com, if you can listen to this song “with dry eyes,” you might not truly feel the blues. The song’s emotional depth comes from its lyrics, which Derringer delivers with soul, painting a story of desperation and longing. It’s a standout on the album, with fans on Amazon calling it “about as blue as it gets,” praising Derringer’s passionate performance alongside tracks like “Shake Your Money Maker.”

Derringer’s take on “Somebody Loan Me a Dime” has roots in blues history. Originally written by Fenton Robinson, the song was famously covered by Boz Scaggs in 1969, featuring Duane Allman’s iconic guitar work. Derringer’s version, released on Jackhammer Blues, pays homage to this legacy while adding his own rock-infused edge. In a 2000 interview snippet found on SecondHandSongs, Derringer mentioned his love for the song’s storytelling, which he felt resonated with his own blues evolution. Fans on Rick Derringer’s Fan Page often share stories of hearing this track live, describing how Derringer’s guitar solos electrify the room, making it a staple in his performances.

Rick Derringer, born Ricky Dean Zehringer on August 5, 1947, in Fort Recovery, Ohio, kicked off his career as a teenage prodigy. At just 17, he fronted The McCoys, a garage rock band that scored a number-one hit in 1965 with “Hang On Sloopy.” According to his bio on Wikipedia, the song knocked The Beatles’ “Yesterday” off the top spot, launching Derringer into the music scene. Inspired by the Bang Records logo featuring a derringer pistol, he adopted his stage name. The McCoys, initially called The Rick Z Combo, opened for The Rolling Stones on their 1966 American tour, cementing Derringer’s place in rock history. By the 1970s, he transitioned to blues rock, collaborating with Johnny and Edgar Winter and releasing his solo debut, All American Boy, in 1973, which included the hit “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo.”

Derringer’s career spans decades, with production credits for “Weird Al” Yankovic’s Grammy-winning tracks “Eat It” and “Fat,” as noted on FamousFix. His work with Steely Dan, Alice Cooper, and Ringo Starr’s All-Starr Band shows his versatility. Fans can connect with him through his official website, where tour dates and music are shared. Follow him on Facebook for updates and fan discussions, or check out his Instagram for rare photos, like one with Magic Johnson. On X, Derringer occasionally posts about gigs and reflections. Join the Rick Derringer Fan Page on Facebook to share your love for his music, or visit fan sites like Music Finder for detailed discographies.