Rachel

The song "Rachel" by Tommy Tutone, featured on their debut album Tommy Tutone, is a vibrant power pop track that captures the band’s early sound. While not as widely recognized as their iconic hit "867-5309/Jenny," "Rachel" has its own charm, with lyrics celebrating a charismatic woman who captivates everyone despite her lack of fancy clothes. According to SongMeanings, the song’s refrain, “Talkin’ ’bout Rachel! Ooh-whoa-oh, Rachel,” reflects a playful admiration for a free-spirited figure who stands out naturally. Though specific interviews about "Rachel" are scarce, Tommy Heath, the band’s lead singer, has often spoken about the band’s knack for crafting catchy, relatable songs. In a 2009 NPR feature, Heath hinted at the band’s early work being inspired by everyday characters, which likely influenced "Rachel"’s narrative. Fans on platforms like Genius have noted the song’s upbeat tempo and sing-along quality, making it a favorite among Zoo Freaks tuning into THE ZOO’s retro playlists.

Despite its cult status, "Rachel" hasn’t sparked as many documented stories as "867-5309/Jenny," which famously caused prank calls across the U.S. However, fan discussions on Tommy Tutone’s official Facebook page suggest that "Rachel" resonates with listeners for its depiction of an unpretentious yet magnetic personality. Some fans speculate the song was inspired by a real-life figure from the San Francisco music scene where the band formed, though Heath has never confirmed this. The lack of concrete anecdotes about "Rachel" adds to its mystique, inviting Zoo Crew DJs to spin their own tales when introducing it. The song’s inclusion on the 1980 album, alongside tracks like "Angel Say No," showcases the band’s early experimentation with power pop, setting the stage for their later breakthrough.

Tommy Tutone was founded in 1978 by Tommy Heath and Jim Keller in San Francisco, a city buzzing with post-hippie counterculture. Heath, the band’s lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, grew up in Philadelphia, Texas, and Montana before chasing the Summer of Love to San Francisco, as noted in a Wikipedia entry. Initially aiming to live as a hippie, Heath’s passion for music took over when he met Keller, a lead guitarist, and Terry Nails, a bassist with ties to artists like Ozzy Osbourne. The trio named the band after Heath’s nickname, “Tutone,” and began playing local gigs. Their first single, "Angel Say No," released in 1980, cracked the Billboard Top 40, earning them a spot opening for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. This early success led to a deal with Columbia Records, culminating in their debut album Tommy Tutone and the follow-up Tommy Tutone 2, which included their biggest hit.

Heath’s journey to music wasn’t straightforward. Before forming Tommy Tutone, he dabbled in various jobs and even stepped away from music in the late 1980s to work in the computer industry in Oregon, as mentioned on Famous Birthdays. His return to performing in the 1990s, including releasing new music like Nervous Love in 1994, showed his enduring love for the craft. Heath remains the only original member still touring under the Tommy Tutone name, living in Portland, Oregon, as of 2024, with a new album planned for release, according to Wikipedia. His resilience and knack for connecting with fans keep the band’s legacy alive, especially for Zoo Freaks who vibe with the Zoo Crew’s retro spins.

Fans can stay updated on Tommy Tutone’s official website or follow their social media on Facebook, Instagram, and X. The band’s online presence is modest but active, with posts about tour dates and nostalgic throwbacks. For deeper fan engagement, the Tommy Tutone Fan Club on Facebook offers a space for enthusiasts to share memories and discuss songs like "Rachel." While dedicated fan websites are rare, platforms like AllMusic provide detailed discographies and reviews, fueling the Zoo Crew’s playlists and keeping the band’s music spinning for new generations.