Little Miss Dangerous

Zoo Freaks, get ready for a wild ride as we spin Little Miss Dangerous by Ted Nugent from his 1986 album of the same name! This track is a high-octane anthem that became one of Nugent’s biggest hits, especially in Australia, where it was his most successful single. Its fame skyrocketed thanks to its feature in a 1986 episode of the iconic TV show Miami Vice, aptly titled “Little Miss Dangerous.” The song’s pulsating energy perfectly matched the show’s neon-soaked vibe, giving it massive exposure. Fun fact: Nugent himself appeared in another Miami Vice episode, “Definitely Miami,” playing a pimp/drug dealer who meets a gritty end in a shootout with Sonny Crockett. The track “Angry Young Man” from the same album also got airtime in that episode, cementing Nugent’s mid-’80s TV presence.

The music video for Little Miss Dangerous is pure ’80s goodness, directed by Mick Haggerty. It kicks off with a car cruising down a desert highway, cutting to Nugent shredding on stage while Vegas neon lights flash in the background. The album itself, though, got mixed reviews. Some fans loved tracks like “Painkiller” and “Take Me Away” (featuring Dave Amato on lead vocals), but critics like AllMusic’s John Franck called it a “sonic embarrassment,” slamming its heavy use of synthesizers and what some believe was a drum machine. Still, Nugent leaned into the ’80s sound, aiming for a vibe akin to ZZ Top’s Afterburner, though some say the production lacked the punch of his earlier work. Fans on Amazon rave about the album’s nostalgic charm, with one noting Nugent played every instrument in the studio, showcasing his relentless energy.

Despite the criticism, Little Miss Dangerous has its defenders among Zoo Freaks who dig its unapologetic ’80s flair. The album’s cover of “Little Red Book” shocked some, veering into near New Wave territory, which was a bold departure for the Motor City Madman. Posts on Ted Nugent’s Facebook often see fans reminiscing about this era, with some calling it a fun, if polarizing, chapter in his career. On X, Nugent himself has shared throwback posts about the album, hyping its raw energy and his Miami Vice cameo. For more fan chatter, check out the Ted Nugent Fans Facebook group, where devotees swap stories about catching Nugent live during this period and debate the album’s merits.

Now, let’s rewind to how Ted Nugent got his start. Born Theodore Anthony Nugent on December 13, 1948, in Detroit, Michigan, he was a guitar prodigy who first made waves as the lead guitarist for The Amboy Dukes, a ’60s psychedelic band. Their 1968 hit “Journey to the Center of Your Mind” put Nugent on the map, blending trippy vibes with his fiery guitar riffs. By the ’70s, he went solo, unleashing a string of classic albums like Cat Scratch Fever and Double Live Gonzo!. Hits like “Stranglehold” and “Cat Scratch Fever” became anthems, earning him the nickname “Motor City Madman” for his wild stage antics and unfiltered energy. His larger-than-life persona and shredding skills made him a staple on classic rock radio, a legacy that continues to thrive.

Want to dive deeper into Nugent’s world? Visit his official site at tednugent.com for tour dates and merch. Follow him on Facebook and Instagram for updates and throwback pics, or catch his fiery posts on X. Fans can also connect on sites like tednugent.com or join discussions at the Heavy Harmonies discography page. So, Zoo Freaks, crank up Little Miss Dangerous and let the Nuge take you on a wild ride!