Blackberry

The song "Blackberry" by The Black Crowes from their seminal debut album Shake Your Money Maker, released on February 13, 1990, carries the band’s signature blues-rock swagger but is not an official track from the album’s standard release. While Shake Your Money Maker is celebrated for hits like "Hard to Handle" and "She Talks to Angels," "Blackberry" appears in discussions of the band’s early work, particularly tied to their live performances and extended discography. In a 2021 Rolling Stone interview, Chris Robinson reflected on the recording sessions, noting the album’s raw energy stemmed from their youth and hunger, a vibe that carries into tracks like "Blackberry" performed live during their 1990 Atlanta homecoming concert. The song’s gritty, jammy feel, with Rich Robinson’s open G tuning inspired by Keith Richards, showcases their debt to 1970s rock like The Rolling Stones and Faces, as mentioned by Rich in a 1991 Rolling Stone cover story. Fans on Facebook often cite "Blackberry" as a deep cut that captures the band’s loose, soulful live energy, with one Classic Rock Forum post praising its “all-American rock n’ roll” spirit.

Another tidbit about "Blackberry" comes from the band’s early days as Mr. Crowe’s Garden, when they were still honing their sound. According to Steve Gorman’s memoir Hard to Handle: The Life and Death of The Black Crowes, producer George Drakoulias pushed the band to embrace a grittier, Stones-inspired sound, which shaped songs like "Blackberry." A 2019 post on X from @theblackcrowes highlighted their 1990 tour, where tracks like "Blackberry" were part of setlists that electrified audiences, including opening slots for Robert Plant. The Shake Your Money Maker 30th anniversary deluxe edition, detailed on their official store, includes unreleased tracks and a 1990 live show, underscoring the era’s raw power that "Blackberry" embodies. Fans in the Black Crowes Fan Group on Facebook share stories of hearing the song live, describing it as a moment where Chris Robinson’s charismatic stage presence and the band’s tight grooves shone.

The Black Crowes began in 1984 as Mr. Crowe’s Garden in Atlanta, Georgia, formed by brothers Chris and Rich Robinson. Initially a revivalist band playing 1970s-style blues-rock, they were influenced by The Rolling Stones, Faces, Otis Redding, and Humble Pie, as noted in a Classic Rock Forum thread. By 1987, their sound caught the ear of producer George Drakoulias, who saw them perform in New York City in 1988 and signed them to Def American Recordings. Drakoulias introduced Rich to open G tuning and encouraged a name change to The Black Crowes, cementing their identity. Their debut, Shake Your Money Maker, recorded in 1989 in Atlanta and Los Angeles, was a defiant response to the era’s hair metal, selling over 5 million copies. The band’s early lineup included drummer Steve Gorman, bassist Johnny Colt, and guitarist Jeff Cease, with Chuck Leavell on keys, as detailed in a 2025 Albumism article. Despite lineup changes and hiatuses, the Robinson brothers remain the driving force, as seen in their 2019 reunion announcement on Instagram.

Today, fans can stay connected with The Black Crowes through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates, archival photos, and music releases. The official website offers merch and details on their discography, including the Shake Your Money Maker reissues. Fan communities thrive in spaces like the Black Crowes Fan Group on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks might find kindred spirits discussing "Blackberry" and other classics. Another fan hub, the Classic Rock Forum, hosts lively threads on the band’s legacy, perfect for diving deeper into their story.