Back in the High Life Again

Alright, Zoo Freaks, you’re tuned into THE ZOO, where the Zoo Crew is spinning the vibes to keep your soul groovin’! Right now, we’ve got Steve Winwood’s “Back in the High Life Again” from his 1986 album Back in the High Life lifting us all to that high life! Let’s dive into some juicy trivia about this track. Did you know the song’s lyrics were penned by Will Jennings in just 30 minutes? Jennings told Songfacts he pulled the title from a notebook he carried, and the rest of the song just flowed. Steve Winwood, meanwhile, crafted the melody in a moment of raw inspiration. After a dreary winter day at his Gloucestershire home, he picked up a mandolin—the only instrument left in his nearly empty living room—and the Back in the High Life was born. The song features James Taylor on backing vocals, adding that extra soulful layer, and Winwood himself played a mean mandolin, giving it that distinctive twang. It hit #13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Adult Contemporary chart for three weeks, even snagging a Grammy nod for Record of the Year in 1988!

Here’s another wild story: Winwood was going through a divorce at the time, and fans on Songfacts point out that the lyric “you used to be the best to make life be life to me” hits differently knowing that. The song’s upbeat vibe masks a deeper longing for brighter days, reflecting Winwood’s own journey back to the spotlight after a rough patch. And get this—the music video was shot in Manassas, Virginia, with scenes at the train station, giving it that classic ’80s small-town Americana feel. Oh, and the track’s got a conga loop programmed on a Roland TR-808 by drummer Jimmy Bralower, which he and Winwood tweaked at Steve’s New York apartment. Talk about a labor of love!

Now, let’s talk about how Steve Winwood got his start. Born Stephen Lawrence Winwood on May 12, 1948, in Birmingham, England, this guy was a musical prodigy. By age 14, he was already gigging with his older brother Muff’s jazz band and soon joined The Spencer Davis Group at 15. His gritty, soulful voice and killer keyboard skills helped crank out hits like “Gimme Some Lovin’” and “I’m a Man,” blending R&B, rock, and blues into something fresh. By 1967, he formed Traffic, a psychedelic pop outfit that dropped iconic albums like John Barleycorn Must Die and The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys. Winwood’s knack for mixing genres—folk, rock, jazz, you name it—made him a standout. He later jammed with Blind Faith alongside Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker before going solo in 1977 with his self-titled debut. His 1980 album Arc of a Diver, where he played every instrument himself, was a game-changer, paving the way for the massive success of Back in the High Life.

Wanna keep up with Steve? Check out his official website for tour dates, news, and more. He’s also on Facebook, Instagram, and X, sharing updates and throwbacks. For the real Zoo Freaks out there, join fan communities like the Steve Winwood Fans Facebook Group or visit Steve Winwood Fan Club for deep dives into his discography and rare photos. So, crank up “Back in the High Life Again,” let those good times roll, and stay wild with the Zoo Crew!