Threshold / Jet Airliner

Hey there, Zoo Freaks, it’s your groovy Zoo Crew spinning the vibes on THE ZOO! We’re soaring high with Steve Miller Band’s “Threshold / Jet Airliner” from their 1977 album Book of Dreams. Did you know this track is actually a cover? The song was originally penned by blues-rock artist Paul Pena in 1973 for his album New Train, but due to a contractual dispute with his label, it wasn’t released until 2000. Steve Miller got his hands on Pena’s unreleased gem through his keyboardist and producer Ben Sidran, who was working with Pena. Miller saw hit potential but thought Pena’s version, with its five verses of raw emotion about a reluctant trip to the East Coast, was too long. With Pena’s blessing, Miller tightened it up, pumped up the guitar riff, and turned it into a Top 10 banger that hit #8 on the Billboard charts in ’77. That iconic synth intro, “Threshold,” was a clever move too—Miller made it a separate track, doubling his royalties when radio stations played them together. Smart, right?

Here’s another cool tidbit for you Zoo Freaks: Paul Pena’s original “Jet Airliner” had a funkier edge, reflecting his bluesy roots and his frustration with the music biz. Miller’s version, with its polished rock sheen, made it a classic rock staple, but it also changed some lyrics to fit his vibe. Pena, who was blind by age 20 and passed away in 2005, lived off the royalties from Miller’s hit for much of his life, giving him some well-deserved stability. Fans on Reddit’s ClassicRock community often debate which version’s better—Pena’s raw cut or Miller’s slick take. Some even say the opening riff might’ve been inspired by Cream’s “Crossroads,” since Miller’s a huge Eric Clapton fan. Next time you’re jamming to this tune, listen for that four-syllable “air-o-line-a” in the chorus—fans on Songfacts point out it’s a quirky Miller signature.

Let’s rewind to how Steve Miller got his start, Zoo Freaks. Born in 1943 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Miller was surrounded by music early on. His dad was a doctor but also a jazz buff who hosted jam sessions with legends like Les Paul, who became young Steve’s godfather. By age four, Miller was strumming a guitar, and by his teens, he was gigging in Texas with his buddy Boz Scaggs. In 1966, Miller headed to San Francisco, the heart of the counterculture scene, and formed the Steve Miller Blues Band. After inking a deal with Capitol Records in ’67, they dropped “Blues” from the name and became the Steve Miller Band. Their debut album, Children of the Future, hit in ’68, blending psychedelic rock with bluesy grooves. While early albums like Sailor and Brave New World built a cult following, it was the mid-’70s hits like “The Joker,” “Fly Like an Eagle,” and “Jet Airliner” that made them classic rock royalty.

Wanna connect with the Steve Miller Band and their fans? Check out their official site at stevemillerband.com for tour dates and merch. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for throwback pics and updates. They’re also on X, sharing tour news and fan love. For fan communities, join the Steve Miller Band Fan Club on Facebook to swap stories and setlists with fellow freaks. There’s also Angelfire’s fan site, a retro gem packed with band history and discography. So, Zoo Freaks, keep those dials locked on THE ZOO, and let’s keep on keepin’ on with the Steve Miller Band!