Don’t You Know What the Night Can Do?

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin Don’t You Know What the Night Can Do? by Steve Winwood from his 1988 album Roll with It. This sultry track, co-written with Will Jennings, hit number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and held the top spot on the Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart for two weeks. But here’s the juicy trivia: the song sparked some controversy when it appeared in a Michelob beer commercial before its official single release. Critics accused Winwood of “selling out,” but he clarified in a 1990 biography that the song wasn’t crafted for the ad. His manager, Ron Weisner, explained in Billboard and Rolling Stone that Winwood allowed Michelob to use the track for tour sponsorship, not because it was written as a jingle. Winwood himself noted, “They started putting the commercial on the TV before the single was out. It looked like I had written a beer jingle!” The song’s romantic vibe, a signature of Jennings’ lyrical style, also shares DNA with hits like Up Where We Belong, making it a perfect fit for those late-night Zoo Crew vibes.

Another cool tidbit about Don’t You Know What the Night Can Do? comes from its music video, which captures the song’s nocturnal allure. Filmed in a darkened room with Winwood surrounded by fire, the video features him composing and singing while a couple dances and he strolls with dogs—a dreamy, eclectic visual that screams 1988. The track’s success helped propel the Roll with It album to platinum status, selling over three million copies, as noted in a 2024 post on X by @ThatEricAlper. The album, Winwood’s biggest, also featured hits like the title track and Holding On, cementing his 80s solo stardom. For Zoo Freaks digging the song’s lush sound, it’s worth noting that Winwood’s multi-instrumental talent—keyboards, guitar, and that soulful voice—drove its creation, blending blue-eyed soul with rock and pop.

Now, let’s rewind to how Steve Winwood got his start, a journey that’s pure rock ‘n’ roll folklore. Born on May 12, 1948, in Birmingham, England, Winwood was practically raised on music. He first sang in his church choir and learned piano as a kid, but by his teens, he was hooked on American blues and rock, teaching himself bass, guitar, and drums. At just 15, he dropped out of school to join his brother’s band, the Spencer Davis Group, where he became the lead vocalist and keyboardist. By 1965, at 17, he was belting out hits like Gimme Some Lovin’ and I’m a Man, as highlighted in a 2020 X post by @dvesean. His soulful tenor and organ skills made the group a global sensation, but Winwood’s restless creativity led him to form Traffic in 1967, a psychedelic pop outfit known for albums like John Barleycorn Must Die. He later joined Blind Faith with Eric Clapton in 1969, and his solo career took off in the 80s with smashes like Higher Love and Roll with It.

Winwood’s early days weren’t without quirks. A 1982 story from his official website recounts a wild teenage adventure in Norway with the Spencer Davis Group. A promoter lured Winwood and his manager to a “fantastic party” that turned out to be a snowy trek to a room with a tinny record player, half a bottle of illegal whiskey, and 40 young fans. Winwood, then 17, handled it with a grin, showcasing the “strange innocence” that defined his resilience. His school didn’t approve of his rockstar life, though—Great Barr Comprehensive kicked him out at 16 for his “unsavory activities” with the band, as detailed on his site. Despite the establishment’s disdain, Winwood’s talent shone through, earning him a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction with Traffic in 2004 and a spot as No. 33 on Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Singers list.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to connect with Steve Winwood, check out his official Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts for updates on tours and music. His website is a treasure trove of career highlights, from Spencer Davis Group to his 2008 album Nine Lives. Fans can also dive into communities like the Steve Winwood Fan Club on Facebook, where devotees share memories and rare tracks. Another great spot is WinwoodFans.com, a fan-driven site with discographies, photos, and forum discussions. So, keep those dials locked on THE ZOO, and let Winwood’s soulful grooves carry you through the night!