Sing for the Day

The Zoo Crew is spinning the whimsical Styx track "Sing for the Day" from the 1978 album Pieces of Eight, a song that captures the hearts of Zoo Freaks with its folk-pop charm. Written by guitarist/vocalist Tommy Shaw, this joyful tune is addressed to "Hannah," a name that sparked curiosity among fans. Many initially thought it referred to Shaw’s daughter, but she wasn’t born until 1987, nine years after the song’s release. Instead, Shaw revealed in fan discussions on sites like Songfacts that "Hannah" symbolizes the band’s female fans collectively, expressing his respect and admiration for their support. Shaw’s multi-instrumental touch shines here, as he played guitar, mandolin, and autoharp, giving the track a Renaissance-like feel that stands out on the prog-heavy album.

Another tidbit from Songfacts comments reveals the song’s journey as a single. It was the second single from Pieces of Eight, with catalog number 2110 and "Queen of Spades" as its B-side, but it didn’t crack the Top 40. Around the same time, a DJ out west began heavily playing "Renegade," another track from the album, which gained traction. Instead of releasing "Renegade" as a new single, the label flipped it to the A-side with "Sing for the Day" as the B-side, keeping the same catalog number. "Renegade" soared to #16 on the charts, somewhat overshadowing the gentler "Sing for the Day," which fans like Randy from Colerain Township called "underrated" in online discussions. A music video was made, directed by Bruce Gowers, but it reportedly never aired on MTV, adding to the song’s elusive charm.

Styx began in Chicago in 1972, evolving from earlier incarnations dating back to 1961 when brothers Chuck and John Panozzo formed a band in their basement. As detailed on their official website, they teamed up with Dennis DeYoung, James "J.Y." Young, and John "J.C." Curulewski, initially gaining a local following with their progressive rock sound. Their big break came in 1975 when Tommy Shaw joined, and a major-label deal with A&M Records propelled their power ballad "Lady" to #6 on the Billboard Hot 100. This success, fueled by airplay on Chicago’s WLS, launched them into the national spotlight, leading to a string of multi-platinum albums like The Grand Illusion and Pieces of Eight. Their blend of hard rock, acoustic elements, and theatrical flair defined their rise.

Today, Styx remains active, with their Facebook and Instagram pages buzzing with tour updates and fan engagement. Their X account shares behind-the-scenes moments and reflections on their five-decade career. Fans, much like the Zoo Freaks, connect through communities like the Styx Fans Facebook Group, where they share memories and discuss tracks like "Sing for the Day." The band’s official site, styxworld.com, offers merch, tour dates, and news, including their upcoming "Rockin’ in Paradise" event in 2025. Other fan-driven sites, such as Styx Collector, provide deep dives into memorabilia, keeping the Esprit de Styx alive for fans worldwide.