The First Day of Summer

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as they spin The First Day of Summer by Tony Carey from his 1984 album Some Tough City! This track isn’t just a catchy summer vibe; it’s got a deeper meaning. In a 1984 interview with the Georgia Straight, Carey shared that the song isn’t literally about the first day of summer but captures the feeling of when life takes a turn for the better—like winning the lottery or celebrating a personal milestone. He described it as that moment when “the whole world knows your name and nothing feels the same.” This optimistic spin made the song a perfect follow-up to his hit A Fine, Fine Day, reaching #33 on the Billboard Hot 100 and resonating with fans for its feel-good energy.

Another cool tidbit comes from a 2021 interview with The College Crowd Digs Me, where Carey explained the song’s imagery. He painted a picture of New York City in summer, with secretaries swapping overcoats for summer dresses, signaling a shift in seasons and a burst of youthful energy. This vivid storytelling reflects Carey’s knack for weaving relatable, cinematic moments into his music. The song’s production also stands out, with a blog post from PopRedux80 praising its “doubled-up snare” and “Layla-ish guitar lick” that give it a rocking edge. Carey had high hopes for the track, telling Ear of Newt in 1984 that he believed it would break Some Tough City wide open—and its chart success proved him right.

Tony Carey’s journey to this hit started in Watsonville, California, where he was born on October 16, 1953. Music was in his blood early on. As a kid, he played his church’s piano during off-hours and even got to tinker with the pipe organ. By seven, his family got him a piano, and at eleven, he picked up an acoustic guitar, forming a band that covered The Mamas and the Papas. His dad gifted him a Lowrey organ at fourteen, sparking a rock band inspired by The Doors. Carey’s big break came in the mid-1970s when he joined Rainbow, the heavy metal band led by Ritchie Blackmore. As their keyboardist, he contributed to the iconic Rainbow Rising (1976) and On Stage (1977) albums, showcasing his wild organ work. But Carey wasn’t a metalhead at heart, and he left Rainbow in 1977, frustrated by the band’s cold dynamics and lack of creative freedom.

After moving to Germany in 1978, Carey launched his solo career and explored new avenues, including his sci-fi rock opera project Planet P Project. His 1984 album Some Tough City, recorded in Frankfurt, marked a turning point, blending introspective lyrics with AOR and pop-rock vibes. Carey’s versatility shines through in his work as a producer and collaborator with artists like Joe Cocker and Peter Maffay, and he’s penned over a thousand songs for himself, others, and film/TV projects. Despite a scary battle with bladder cancer in 2009, Carey made a full recovery and kept creating, releasing introspective works like Lucky Us and performing Rainbow classics with his Tony Carey’s Rainbow Project.

Stay connected with Tony Carey through his Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts,(where you can catch updates on his music and live shows. Fans can also dive into his world at Planet P Project’s official site or join discussions at the Tony Carey Fans Facebook group. For Rainbow enthusiasts, Rainbow Fanclan offers a deep dive into his early days. So, Zoo Freaks, keep those dials locked on THE ZOO and let The First Day of Summer carry you to that moment when everything feels just right!