Thorn in My Pride

The Zoo Crew is spinning The Black Crowes' soulful track "Thorn in My Pride" from their 1992 album The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion, a favorite among Zoo Freaks. This song, a standout on the album, is a deeply emotive piece that showcases the band’s ability to blend Southern rock with introspective lyrics. In a 2023 interview with The Black Crowes Official Store, Chris Robinson reflected on the recording process, noting that the sessions for the album were raw and spontaneous, with "Thorn in My Pride" capturing a live-in-the-studio energy. The track’s gospel-infused outro, featuring background vocalists Taj Artis and Barbara Mitchell, was a spontaneous addition that producer George Drakoulias encouraged, giving the song its haunting, soulful close. Fans on Facebook have shared stories of hearing the song live during the band’s 1993 Houston show, later released as part of the 2023 Super Deluxe Edition, describing its extended jam as a transcendent experience.

Another piece of trivia comes from drummer Steve Gorman’s memoir Hard to Handle, where he describes the band’s mindset during the album’s creation. "Thorn in My Pride" was written during a period of tension between brothers Chris and Rich Robinson, with its lyrics reflecting personal struggles and pride as a double-edged sword. The song’s slower, soulful tempo was a deliberate shift from the album’s harder-rocking tracks like "Remedy," showing the band’s versatility. A 2023 X post by the band celebrated a live performance of the song at Village Studios, highlighting its enduring appeal. Fans on the Black Crowes Fan Club Facebook Group often cite the song’s lyrical depth, with lines like “My angels, my devils, a thorn in my pride,” resonating as a meditation on inner conflict.

The Black Crowes began as a gritty, blues-rock outfit in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1984, originally called Mr. Crowe’s Garden after a children’s book. Brothers Chris and Rich Robinson, still in high school, were the driving force, inspired by 1960s psychedelic pop, Southern rock, and local acts like R.E.M. Their early sound leaned toward jangly pop, but by the late 1980s, they’d embraced a raw, 1970s-style blues-rock vibe, influenced by The Rolling Stones and The Faces. Signed to Def American Recordings in 1989 by producer George Drakoulias, they released their debut album, Shake Your Money Maker, in 1990. The album’s success, driven by hits like “Hard to Handle,” propelled them to fame, selling over five million copies. Despite lineup changes and sibling rivalries, the Robinsons’ commitment to authentic rock and roll has kept the band relevant, with The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion cementing their legacy as revivalists of classic rock.

Stay connected with The Black Crowes through their official website, where you can find tour dates and merchandise. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates on new releases and live performances. Fans can join the Black Crowes Fan Club on Facebook to connect with other Crowes enthusiasts. Another great fan resource is Crowesbase, a comprehensive fan-run site with detailed discographies, setlists, and band history, perfect for Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper into the band’s legacy.