Modern Day Delilah

Hey there, Zoo Freaks, your hippie DJs at THE ZOO are cranking up the vibes with Modern Day Delilah by Van Stephenson from his 1984 album Righteous Anger! This track is a total gem, and we’ve got some juicy trivia to share. Did you know this song was co-written by Van Stephenson and Jan Buckingham, with a satirical nod to the 1980s obsession with big hair and stylists? It’s like a playful jab at the era’s glamorous excess, with lyrics painting a cunning hairdresser as a modern-day Delilah, snipping away strength with her razor-sharp scissors. The song climbed to No. 22 on the Billboard Hot 100, powered by heavy radio play and a slick AOR sound, featuring ace musicians like Dann Huff on guitar and Bill Champlin on backing vocals. Fans on YouTube still rave about its remastered clarity, calling it a standout from an “amazing AOR album.” One commenter on a music blog noted its “marvellous” musical content, perfectly capturing the decade’s party spirit.

Let’s dive into another cool tidbit: Modern Day Delilah was the lead single from Righteous Anger, and its music video, posted by a fan on Westcoast Rendez-Vous, is a time capsule of 1980s flair. The song’s infectious energy almost made it a Top 20 hit, and it’s no wonder why—those catchy hooks and Stephenson’s lyrical wit make it a banger. Some fans on Amazon reviews even call it a satirical masterpiece, with one saying it’s “perfect for Halloween” when paired with the album’s spookier track, I Know Who You Are (And I Saw What You Did). It’s the kind of song that gets the Zoo Freaks dancing, so keep those requests coming!

Now, let’s talk about Van Stephenson, the man behind the magic. Born on November 4, 1953, in Hamilton, Ohio, Van moved to Nashville at age ten and was already rocking garage bands as a teenager. After graduating from seminary school in the 1970s, he moonlighted as a songwriter, landing his first big break with Crystal Gayle’s 1979 country hit Your Kisses Will. His knack for crafting hits grew, penning tunes for Kenny Rogers, Dan Seals, and Restless Heart alongside collaborator Dave Robbins. Van’s solo career kicked off with his 1981 debut album China Girl on Handshake Records, but it was his MCA deal and Righteous Anger in 1984 that put him on the map. Later, he joined forces with Robbins and Henry Paul to form the country trio BlackHawk, topping charts in the 1990s with hits like Goodbye Says It All. Sadly, Van passed away in 2001 from melanoma, but his legacy lives on through his music.

Zoo Freaks, if you’re looking to connect with Van Stephenson’s world, there’s no official website or active social media accounts since his passing, but you can still vibe with his music and legacy. Check out fan-driven spaces like the Discogs page for detailed discography and credits. For community buzz, join the BlackHawk Fans Facebook group, where devotees of Van’s country days share memories and updates about the band. You can also dig into fan discussions on Last.fm, where listeners post about Modern Day Delilah and his other tracks. No official Instagram or X accounts exist, but search hashtags like #VanStephenson on social platforms to find fan tributes. Keep spinning those records, Zoo Freaks, and let’s keep Van’s spirit alive!