Wrap It Up

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Wrap It Up" by The Fabulous Thunderbirds from their 1986 album Tuff Enuff, and the Zoo Freaks are loving this high-energy blues-rock anthem. This track, a cover of a Sam & Dave classic written by Isaac Hayes and David Porter, was a minor hit for the band, reaching number 50 on the Billboard Hot 100. Unlike their bigger hit "Tuff Enuff," which soared to number 10, "Wrap It Up" brought a soulful, R&B-infused vibe to the album, showcasing the band’s ability to blend Texas blues with mainstream appeal. The song’s inclusion in films like Gung Ho and Tough Guys helped cement its place in '80s pop culture, giving it a nostalgic edge for fans tuning in today.

One juicy piece of trivia comes from the album’s production: Tuff Enuff, including "Wrap It Up," was produced by Dave Edmunds, whose retro-rock style gave the record a polished yet gritty sound. The band recorded it after years of struggling for a major label deal, and this track’s infectious groove caught the attention of Epic Records, who finally signed them. Fans on The Fabulous Thunderbirds’ Facebook page often share memories of seeing the band perform "Wrap It Up" live in Austin dive bars, where Kim Wilson’s harmonica wails and Jimmie Vaughan’s guitar riffs would leave crowds electrified. Posts on X from fans also highlight how the song’s raw energy still gets people dancing, with one user calling it “the ultimate bar-band banger.”

The Fabulous Thunderbirds got their start in 1974 in Austin, Texas, when singer and harmonica ace Kim Wilson teamed up with guitarist Jimmie Vaughan, bassist Keith Ferguson, and drummer Mike Buck. They were a group of blues obsessives who wanted to channel the raw, swampy sounds of Slim Harpo and Lazy Lester while adding their own Texas flair. Playing gigs at local spots like Antone’s, they quickly became the house band, earning praise from legends like Muddy Waters, who called Wilson his “son.” Their early years were all about grinding it out in the Austin blues scene, opening for heavyweights like the Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton. By 1979, they landed a deal with Takoma/Chrysalis Records, releasing their debut album and setting the stage for their later mainstream breakthrough with Tuff Enuff.

Despite lineup changes—Jimmie Vaughan left in 1990 to pursue a solo career and collaborate with his brother Stevie Ray Vaughan—Kim Wilson has remained the band’s heart and soul, keeping their blues-rock spirit alive. Today, you can catch up with The Fabulous Thunderbirds on their official website for tour dates and news. They’re active on social media, too, with updates on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans also gather at the Tuff Enuff: The Real Story of the Fabulous Thunderbirds Facebook page, which promotes a documentary about the band’s gritty journey. For Zoo Freaks who can’t get enough, sites like Last.fm offer fan-driven content and track insights, keeping the Thunderbirds’ legacy alive.