Hoochie Coochie Man

Alright, Zoo Freaks, the Zoo Crew is spinning some righteous vibes with "Hoochie Coochie Man" by The Jeff Healey Band from the newly released Road House: The Lost Soundtrack. This track, a cover of the Willie Dixon classic, was laid down during the same sessions as their debut album, See the Light, while the band was also acting in the 1989 cult film Road House. According to a post on The Official Jeff Healey Site, the soundtrack’s release in 2024 was a labor of love by the Jeff Healey Estate, Sony, and Mondo. They dove deep into Sony’s vaults, remixing and remastering original tapes, though two tracks, including this one, needed extra work due to lost masters. Fans on the site’s comment section, like one who called it “F*CKING FANTASTIC,” were blown away by the raw energy and Jeff’s genius, with some shedding tears over his and Patrick Swayze’s legacies tied to the film.

Another cool tidbit comes from the vibe of the recording process. The Estate shared on Facebook that the band had total creative freedom, with Sony never questioning their vision. This track, featured in the Double Deuce scenes, captures Jeff’s searing guitar riffs and soulful vocals, which, as a fan on Reddit noted, perfectly complemented the film’s gritty barroom chaos. The song’s live feel, as heard in clips on YouTube, mirrors Jeff’s stage presence, where he’d playfully duel with guest guitarists, only to “leave them in the dust,” as bassist Alec Fraser told NPR.

Now, let’s groove into how Jeff Healey got his start. Born Norman Jeffrey Healey on March 25, 1966, in Toronto, Canada, Jeff lost his sight at age one due to retinoblastoma, a rare eye cancer. Undeterred, he picked up a guitar at three, developing his signature style of playing it flat on his lap, like a pedal steel gone wild. By nine, he was showcasing his chops on TVOntario’s Cucumber program. At 15, he formed Blue Direction, a cover band gigging around Toronto’s bars. His big break came after forming The Jeff Healey Band with bassist Joe Rockman and drummer Tom Stephen. They tore up local spots like Grossman’s Tavern and Albert’s Hall, catching the ears of legends like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Albert Collins. Signed to Arista in 1988, their debut See the Light and Road House role skyrocketed them to fame, with hits like “Angel Eyes” and this very track.

For all you Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, check out The Official Jeff Healey Site for news, merch, and updates on the upcoming 2026 documentary, See the Light: The Jeff Healey Story. Connect with the community on Facebook, where the Estate posts memories and rare photos, or follow Instagram for visual throwbacks. On X, fans share love for Jeff’s legacy. Join fan hubs like the Jeff Healey Fan Group on Facebook, where devotees swap stories and rare tracks. For vinyl and CDs, hit up Discogs, a go-to for collectors. Keep it funky, Zoo Freaks!