Papa Was a Rollin' Stone

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as they spin the soulful vibes of Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone by The Black Crowes from their 2022 covers EP, 1972. This track, originally by The Temptations, was reimagined by the Crowes as part of a tribute to the iconic music of 1972. Recorded at the legendary Sunset Sound studio in Los Angeles, the band poured their love for classic rock and soul into this rendition. Frontman Chris Robinson described the project as a celebration of a “watershed moment” in rock history, noting that the authenticity of the era’s music drove their approach. The Crowes’ version swaps the original’s lush strings for raw guitar power and a thick backbeat, with Robinson’s bluesy rasp leading the charge. Their performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! featured Blackberry Smoke’s Charlie Starr filling in on guitar, adding a fresh dynamic to the live groove, though some fans on forums like TDPRI felt the track missed the funky “pocket” of the Motown classic without drummer Steve Gorman.

The EP 1972 was a significant moment for The Black Crowes, marking their first new recordings since 2010’s Croweology. Released initially as an Amazon Music exclusive on May 4, 2022, the band celebrated the 50th anniversary of 1972’s musical legacy with covers of songs by The Rolling Stones, T. Rex, and David Bowie, among others. Chris Robinson emphasized the joy of reuniting in the studio, saying, “This record is about love and devotion to something that makes us feel good.” The band even performed the EP live at the Whiskey a Go-Go, a nod to the venue’s historic 1972 Little Feat show. Social media buzz from their official X account hyped the release, urging fans to preorder the vinyl and CD. While some purists debated the cover’s fidelity to The Temptations’ original, Amazon Music’s Stephen Brower praised the Crowes’ “skill and swagger” in tackling such a soulful masterpiece.

The Black Crowes began their journey in 1984 as Mr. Crowe’s Garden in Marietta, Georgia, founded by brothers Chris and Rich Robinson. Inspired by local acts like R.E.M. and the raw energy of 1960s psychedelic pop and Southern rock, the siblings honed a sound that evolved into a gritty, blues-infused revival of 1970s rock. Initially a quartet, they played small gigs before stabilizing as a five-piece with drummer Steve Gorman, bassist Johnny Colt, and guitarist Jeff Cease. By 1989, producer George Drakoulias signed them to Def American Recordings, introducing them to influences like The Faces and Humble Pie. Their 1990 debut, Shake Your Money Maker, exploded with hits like Hard to Handle and She Talks to Angels, blending soul, blues, and rock into a multi-platinum sensation. The album’s success, coupled with their electrifying live shows, earned them the title of “Best New American Band” by Rolling Stone readers in 1990.

Despite lineup changes and hiatuses, the Robinson brothers have remained the heart of The Black Crowes, navigating breakups and reunions with a commitment to their craft. Their 2019 reunion for the Shake Your Money Maker 30th anniversary tour introduced a new backing band, including guitarist Isaiah Mitchell, and reaffirmed their enduring appeal. With over 30 million albums sold, the band’s legacy as a hard-rock powerhouse is undeniable, earning them a 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nomination. Fans can connect with the Crowes through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates and behind-the-scenes moments. Dedicated fan communities thrive on sites like CrowesBase, a comprehensive fan-run archive, and Facebook groups like Black Crowes Fans, where Zoo Freaks can join discussions and share their love for the band’s soulful sound.