Last Of The Blues

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning "Last Of The Blues" by The Rocky Athas Group, a track from their album of the same name, for all the Zoo Freaks tuning in. This song, a soulful blues-rock anthem, carries the weight of Texas blues with its gritty guitar riffs and heartfelt lyrics. According to Musixmatch, the song was penned by Rocky Athas, Larry Wayne Samford, Guthrie Shelby Kennard, and Gregg Diamond, weaving a narrative of resilience and renewal with lines like "New love walked in... Like I’ve been renewed." The track’s raw energy makes it a perfect fit for the Zoo Crew’s eclectic vibe, resonating with listeners who crave authentic, unfiltered music.

While specific interviews or social media posts about "Last Of The Blues" are scarce, Rocky Athas’ Facebook page often highlights his passion for delivering powerful blues performances, with fans commenting on the emotional depth of his music. One fan on the page described a live performance of the song as “like a storm rolling through the Texas plains,” capturing its dynamic intensity. The song’s lyrics, available on Musixmatch, reflect a journey through hardship to hope, a theme Athas has explored throughout his career. The Zoo Crew likely chose this track for its ability to connect with their audience’s love for music that tells a story, making it a staple for late-night radio sessions.

Rocky Athas, the mastermind behind The Rocky Athas Group, began his musical journey in the Oak Cliff district of Dallas, Texas, where he was born on October 15, 1954. As detailed on his Wikipedia page, Athas founded his first band, Lightning, in his teens, touring Texas and opening for local acts. By age 23, he was named one of the Top 10 guitarists by Texas music magazine Buddy, sharing the honor with legends like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Billy Gibbons. This early recognition propelled him to join Black Oak Arkansas as a lead guitarist, where he wrote hits like “Ready as Hell” and “Wild Bunch.” His collaborations with icons like Buddy Miles, Glenn Hughes, and John Mayall further cemented his reputation as a blues-rock powerhouse.

Athas’ influences, including Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Freddie King, shaped his distinctive style, blending technical prowess with raw emotion. His work with The Rocky Athas Group began in 2003 with the album *Miracle*, produced by Jim Gaines, and continued with releases like *VooDoo Moon* and *Shakin’ the Dust*. Fans can connect with him through his official website, Facebook, and Instagram. While his X account is less active, it occasionally shares updates about performances. Dedicated fan communities, like the Rocky Athas Fans Facebook group, buzz with discussions about his live shows and discography, offering Zoo Freaks a place to dive deeper into his music.