Never Been to Spain

Hey there, Zoo Freaks, your hippie DJs at THE ZOO are groovin’ to the sweet sounds of Three Dog Night with their classic tune “Never Been to Spain” from the 1971 album Harmony. This track, penned by the legendary Hoyt Axton, is a country-rock vibe that’s all about dreaming of far-off places while staying true to your roots. Fun fact: Axton originally wrote the line “in Oklahoma, born in a coma,” but Three Dog Night switched it to “Oklahoma, not Arizona” for their version, giving it that soulful twist we all love. The song’s narrator muses about places like Spain and England, feeling connected through music and culture without ever leaving home, and that final verse about Oklahoma hinting at heaven always hits deep. It climbed to #5 on the Billboard charts in ’72, with Cory Wells’ gritty vocals and those climactic builds making it a standout in their catalog.

Dig this: on Reddit, fans on the Music subreddit in 2023 were raving about the song’s killer harmonies and how it’s one of Three Dog Night’s most fun tracks, with some calling it their second favorite after “Shambala.” One user even shared how they only recently learned Axton wrote it, which sent them down a rabbit hole to discover his other gems like “Greenback Dollar” and his role as the dad in Gremlins. Over on r/ClassicRock in 2024, a fan posted about a 1972 performance, praising the lap steel and swinging country-rock energy, saying it’s got that Waylon Jennings vibe. That’s the kind of love this song still gets from the Zoo Freak crowd!

Let’s talk about how Three Dog Night got their start. Formed in Los Angeles in 1967 as Redwood, the band was a vocal powerhouse led by Danny Hutton, Cory Wells, and Chuck Negron, backed by Jimmy Greenspoon on organ, Joe Schermie on bass, Mike Allsup on guitar, and Floyd Sneed on drums. Their name comes from an Australian term for a freezing night when you’d need three dogs to keep warm—pretty far-out, right? They kicked things off at the Whisky a Go Go in ’68, and their self-titled debut album dropped that same year. What made them unique was their knack for covering songs by lesser-known writers like Harry Nilsson and Laura Nyro, turning them into massive hits with their soulful, harmonic spin. From 1969 to 1975, they racked up 21 Top 40 hits, including three #1s, and their cover of Nilsson’s “One” was their first big break, hitting #5. Their ability to blend rock, pop, and soul made them a radio staple, and they’ve kept the party going with over 2,200 shows since 1986.

Zoo Freaks, you can keep up with Three Dog Night on their official website, where you’ll find tour dates and merch. Connect with them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest updates and throwback vibes. For the ultimate fan experience, check out the Three Dog Night Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks like you share memories, rare photos, and love for the band’s timeless tunes. Keep it groovy, and let’s keep spinnin’ those records!