Back In The USA

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the high-energy track "Back In The USA" by The Jeff Healey Band, featured on the recently released Road House: The Lost Soundtrack. This song, a bonus track on the 2024 album celebrating the 35th anniversary of the cult classic film Road House, was recorded during the 1988-89 sessions but never made it into the movie itself. According to The Official Jeff Healey Site, the track was one of seven additional recordings unearthed from the archives, having been "forgotten by the passage of time" until this release. Fans on Facebook have expressed their excitement, with one user commenting on a post about the soundtrack, "This sounds F*CKING FANTASTIC!!!! Jeff was a genius taken from us far too soon," highlighting the emotional impact of hearing these lost tracks. The song’s raw, blues-rock vibe perfectly captures the band’s live energy, which was a hallmark of their performances in the film as the house band at the Double Deuce.

Another tidbit about "Back In The USA" comes from the liner notes shared on jeffhealey.com, which detail the recording process at studios like The Complex and Sunset Sound in Los Angeles. Produced by industry heavyweights Jimmy Iovine and Thom Panunzio, with executive production by Roger Costa and Cristie Healey, the track showcases Jeff Healey’s blistering guitar work and soulful vocals, backed by Joe Rockman on bass and Tom Stephen on drums. A post on X from a fan reflects the song’s significance, noting how the Road House soundtrack introduced them to Healey’s music, with "Back In The USA" standing out for its driving rhythm and nostalgic rock ‘n’ roll spirit. The release of this track has been a long-awaited treat for Zoo Freaks, who’ve been buzzing about it in fan communities like the Jeff Healey Fans Facebook Group, where members share memories of discovering the band through the movie.

Jeff Healey, born Norman Jeffrey Healey on March 25, 1966, in Toronto, Canada, began his musical journey under extraordinary circumstances. Blinded at age one due to retinoblastoma, a rare eye cancer, Healey picked up the guitar at three, developing a unique style of playing the instrument flat on his lap. This technique, which allowed him to create powerful bends and a wide range of notes, became his signature. By his teens, he was performing in Toronto clubs, and at 17, he formed the Jeff Healey Trio, which evolved into The Jeff Healey Band in 1985 with bassist Joe Rockman and drummer Tom Stephen. Their big break came when they were discovered by guitarists Stevie Ray Vaughan and Albert Collins at Albert’s Hall in Toronto, leading to a record deal with Arista Records in 1988. Their debut album, See the Light, featuring the hit "Angel Eyes," skyrocketed them to fame, and their role in Road House in 1989 cemented their place in blues-rock history.

The band’s official online presence is maintained by the Jeff Healey Estate at jeffhealey.com, where fans can find updates, discography details, and merchandise like the Road House: The Lost Soundtrack vinyl. Their Facebook page, with regular posts about Healey’s legacy, keeps the community engaged, while the X account shares fan tributes and archival content. Although there’s no official Instagram account for the band, fans often post Healey-related content under hashtags like #JeffHealeyBand. For Zoo Freaks looking to connect, the Jeff Healey Fans Facebook Group is a vibrant space for sharing stories and rare recordings. Additionally, fan sites like Discogs offer detailed discographies and collectible vinyl listings, keeping Healey’s music alive for new and longtime listeners alike.