Little Wing

Zoo Freaks, get ready to vibe with the Zoo Crew as they spin Little Wing from Sting’s 1987 album ...Nothing Like the Sun. This track is a soulful cover of Jimi Hendrix’s classic, reimagined with Sting’s jazzy, bluesy touch, perfect for a laid-back, romantic groove. One juicy tidbit: Sting recorded this with the legendary Gil Evans and his orchestra, a collaboration that was one of Evans’ final creative acts before his passing in 1988. The arrangement leans heavily into jazz, with Branford Marsalis delivering a cerebral saxophone solo that some critics felt could’ve been reattempted for even more polish. Hiram Bullock’s guitar solo, however, steals the show, adding a rich, melodic layer. Sting himself admitted in interviews that covering Hendrix was a bold move, and some fans, like those at Persi Music, felt the stylistic gap between Sting’s smooth vibe and Hendrix’s raw guitar energy made it the album’s weakest link, though others adore its dreamy reinterpretation.

Another cool story comes from the album’s context. Sting was deeply affected by personal and global events while crafting ...Nothing Like the Sun. The death of his mother in 1986 cast a somber tone over tracks like Little Wing, and his time on Amnesty International’s Conspiracy of Hope Tour exposed him to Latin American struggles, influencing the album’s reflective mood. In a 1987 Sky Magazine interview, Sting spoke about embracing his feminine side—creativity, intuition, kindness—which shaped the album’s introspective vibe. Fans on the Official Sting Fan Club site note that Little Wing was a live highlight during the 1987-88 tour, though some, like a reviewer on Sting’s official site, argued guitarist Jeff Campbell’s solo paled in comparison to Hendrix’s original, calling it a “cheap imitation.”

Now, let’s rewind to how Sting, born Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner, kicked off his epic journey. Hailing from Wallsend, England, on October 2, 1951, Sting grew up in a working-class family, the son of a milkman, with dreams of music from a young age. He played jazz in Newcastle nightclubs, earning his nickname “Sting” from a striped sweater that made him look like a bee. After stints as a teacher and ditch-digger, he formed The Police in 1977 with Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers, blending punk, reggae, and rock into a new wave sensation. Their hits like Roxanne and Every Breath You Take skyrocketed them to fame, but Sting’s restless spirit led him to go solo in 1985. His debut, The Dream of the Blue Turtles, fused jazz and pop, setting the stage for ...Nothing Like the Sun. With 17 Grammy Awards and over 100 million records sold, Sting’s genre-bending genius—rock, jazz, reggae, worldbeat—has kept him a global icon.

Want to dive deeper into Sting’s world? Check out his official website for tour dates, music, and news. Connect with him on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest updates, from tour announcements to personal insights. Fans gather at the Official Sting Fan Club for exclusive content, while communities like the Sting Fan Club on Facebook buzz with Zoo Freak-worthy discussions about his music, tours, and legacy. So, keep those dials locked on THE ZOO, and let Little Wing carry you away!