Twisting The Night Away

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin Rod Stewart’s rockin’ cover of “Twistin’ The Night Away” from his 1972 album Never a Dull Moment! This track, originally written and recorded by soul legend Sam Cooke in 1961, was reimagined by Rod with a loose, rollicking energy that captures the spirit of a wild night out. In his Storyteller anthology, Rod shared, “A Sam Cooke song. I could never sing it better, so we just took it in a different direction.” And what a direction! The song speeds up and slows down, driven by Ronnie Wood’s cranked-up guitar and Micky Waller’s powerful drum thump, ending with a frenzied burst of twisting guitar licks. Mark Leviton of Words And Music nailed it, saying the track “embodies all the qualities that one admires in Stewart, the refusal to take himself too seriously, the attention to detailed arranging, the energetic involvement in the material.” It’s no wonder this cover feels like a party where everyone’s invited to twist the night away!

Here’s a cool tidbit for you Zoo Freaks: Rod’s version of “Twistin’ The Night Away” wasn’t just a one-hit wonder. Released as a single in 1973, it climbed to #59 on the Billboard Hot 100, but it got a second life in 1987 when Rod re-recorded it for the Innerspace movie soundtrack, hitting #80 on the charts. Talk about a song that keeps on twisting! Rod’s love for Sam Cooke shines through—he’s a huge soul music fan, having also covered Cooke’s “Shake” in 1966 and The Isley Brothers’ “This Old Heart Of Mine” in 1975. The 1972 recording, featuring members of The Faces and session pros like Ray Jackson on mandolin, was cut at London’s Morgan and Olympic studios, giving it that raw, live-in-the-room vibe. Despite its retro appeal (the twist craze was long gone by ’72), Rod’s take brought a nostalgic swagger that had fans dancing like it was 1962 all over again.

Now, let’s rewind to how Rod Stewart, the raspy-voiced legend, got his start. Born Roderick David Stewart on January 10, 1945, in London, Rod’s music journey kicked off in 1962 when he took up busking with a harmonica. By 1963, he was playing harmonica and singing with The Dimensions, a local band. His big break came in 1964 when he joined Long John Baldry and the All Stars, sharpening his stage presence. In 1967, Rod teamed up with the Jeff Beck Group, where his soulful growl helped shape early heavy metal vibes alongside future Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood. By 1969, he was juggling a solo career and fronting The Faces (formerly Small Faces), blending rock, folk, soul, and R&B. His debut solo album, An Old Raincoat Won’t Ever Let You Down, dropped that year, but it was 1971’s Every Picture Tells A Story and the smash hit “Maggie May” that catapulted him to global stardom, topping charts in the UK, US, Canada, and Australia. Rod’s unique mix of swagger, heart, and that unmistakable voice made him a rock icon.

Zoo Freaks, want to keep up with Rod Stewart? Check out his official website for tour dates and news. Connect with him on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest updates, from throwback pics to new music teases. Fans are buzzing in communities like the Rod Stewart Fan Club on Facebook, where diehards share memories and concert stories. You can also dive into fan-driven sites like Rod Stewart Fan Club for exclusive merch and forums. So, crank up “Twistin’ The Night Away,” join the dance floor, and let’s keep the Zoo Crew party rolling!