You’ve Got to Love Her with a Feeling

The Zoo Crew is spinning a classic today with Rick Derringer's rendition of "You've Got to Love Her with a Feeling" from his 2010 album The Three Kings of the Blues. This track, a tribute to the legendary Freddie King, showcases Derringer's deep respect for the blues masters. In a 2023 interview with Making A Scene, Derringer shared that his love for the blues was sparked by hearing Freddie King's raw emotion, which he channels in this song. He described the recording process as a "spiritual nod" to the three Kings—Freddie, B.B., and Albert—aiming to capture their soulful grit while adding his own fiery guitar flair. The song, clocking in at just over three minutes, is a standout on the album, with fans on The Official Rick Derringer Fan Club Facebook group praising its infectious groove and Derringer's blistering solos.

Zoo Freaks, did you know this track was originally pulled from Derringer's earlier album Blues Deluxe? According to reviews on Amazon, some fans were initially disappointed that The Three Kings of the Blues compiled previously released tracks, but they still raved about the energy of "You've Got to Love Her with a Feeling." Derringer himself posted on X in 2010, calling the song a "heartfelt homage" to Freddie King's 1960 original, emphasizing how he wanted to keep the blues alive for a new generation. The Rick Derringer Official Facebook page often shares throwback photos from the studio sessions, showing Derringer with his signature Gibson, pouring his soul into tracks like this one.

Rick Derringer's journey to blues stardom began in a small Ohio town, where he was born Richard Dean Zehringer on August 5, 1947. At just 17, he skyrocketed to fame with his band The McCoys, whose 1965 hit "Hang On Sloopy" topped the charts, knocking The Beatles' "Yesterday" out of the number-one spot, as noted on his official website. Derringer's early exposure to rock and roll came from sneaking into local clubs to watch bands, picking up guitar techniques by ear. By 1969, he merged his talents with Johnny Winter, forming Johnny Winter And, where he produced and played on several gold and platinum records. His work with Winter, detailed in a Rock's Backpages interview, honed his blues-rock chops, setting the stage for his later solo career and albums like The Three Kings of the Blues.

For more on Derringer, check out his official website for tour dates and merch, or follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Fans can connect on The Official Rick Derringer Fan Club on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks share stories, rare photos, and love for tracks like "You've Got to Love Her with a Feeling." There's also DerringerFanClub.com, a fan-run site with discographies and vintage concert posters. Keep it locked to THE ZOO for more blues vibes!