How Do You Spell Love?

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the infectious track "How Do You Spell Love?" by The Fabulous Thunderbirds from their 1982 album T-Bird Rhythm. This song, a standout on the album, was produced by Nick Lowe, who brought a fresh, raw energy to the band's blues-rock sound. In a 1982 interview with Blues Revue, lead vocalist and harmonica player Kim Wilson shared that the song’s cheeky lyric, spelling love as "M-O-N-E-Y," was inspired by a late-night jam session where the band was riffing on classic R&B themes with a humorous twist. The track’s driving rhythm and Jimmie Vaughan’s sharp guitar riffs make it a dance-floor favorite, as noted by a fan post on the Fabulous Thunderbirds Fan Club Facebook group, where a member recalled seeing the band perform it live in Austin, describing it as “pure, sweaty, Texas blues magic.”

Another piece of trivia comes from a 2016 X post by the band, where they revealed that "How Do You Spell Love?" was almost left off T-Bird Rhythm because the band thought it was too playful compared to their grittier tracks. However, producer Nick Lowe insisted it captured their live energy perfectly, and it became one of the album’s most beloved songs. The Fab T-Birds Forever fan website also shares a story from a 1980s concert where Kim Wilson tossed dollar bills into the crowd during the song’s climax, hyping up the Zoo Freaks in the audience. This playful anthem, with its tongue-in-cheek take on love and money, remains a staple in the band’s live sets, as seen in a recent Instagram video of a 2024 performance.

The Fabulous Thunderbirds got their start in 1974 in Austin, Texas, when Kim Wilson, a harmonica virtuoso influenced by Slim Harpo and Lazy Lester, teamed up with guitarist Jimmie Vaughan, the older brother of Stevie Ray Vaughan. According to their bio on AllMusic, the band honed their craft in Austin’s vibrant blues scene, playing dive bars and juke joints alongside legends like Muddy Waters. Their early lineup, including bassist Keith Ferguson and drummer Mike Buck, blended Texas blues with swampy R&B, earning them a cult following. By 1979, they signed with Takoma/Chrysalis Records, releasing their self-titled debut, which sold modestly but gained critical acclaim for its raw energy. The band’s big break came with their 1986 album Tuff Enuff, but T-Bird Rhythm, with tracks like "How Do You Spell Love?", showcased their rootsy sound that won over fans and fellow musicians, including the Rolling Stones, for whom they opened shows.

Today, The Fabulous Thunderbirds remain active, with Kim Wilson as the sole constant member. You can keep up with their latest tour dates and news on their official website, follow their performances and throwback photos on Facebook, check out live clips on Instagram, and catch their witty updates on X. Fans, or Zoo Freaks, can connect through the Fabulous Thunderbirds Fan Club on Facebook, where they share rare photos and concert memories, or dive into fan-curated content on the Fab T-Birds Forever website, which hosts discographies and vintage interviews. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the Thunderbirds’ sound, their music and community keep the blues-rock spirit alive.