Low Rider

The Zoo Crew is spinning the iconic track "Low Rider" by War, a funky anthem from their 1975 album Why Can't We Be Friends? that’s got the Zoo Freaks grooving. This song, a love letter to Chicano lowrider culture, was born from a blend of improvisation and meticulous studio work. In a Song Exploder interview, War’s bandleader Lonnie Jordan and producer Jerry Goldstein revealed how the track came together through spontaneous jams, with B.B. Dickerson’s driving bass line and Charles Miller’s alto saxophone riff setting the vibe. The lyrics, like “low rider don’t use no gas now,” were inspired by a band member’s young son cruising in a pedal car, a story shared by a War member in a radio interview, adding a playful twist to the song’s laid-back cool.

Another tidbit from the song’s legacy is its cultural reach. "Low Rider" hit number one on the Billboard R&B charts and was later used as the theme for the George Lopez sitcom, cementing its place in pop culture. It’s been sampled by the Beastie Boys in their track “Slow Ride” and covered by artists like Korn and Exodus, showing its cross-genre appeal. A fan on Lyrics.com noted its use in a jewelry commercial, highlighting its enduring presence in media. There’s also a persistent rumor, mentioned by a fan named Tom M. from Vancouver on Songfacts, about a mythical 20-minute version with an extended sax solo, though no evidence confirms its existence, leaving fans craving more.

War started in 1969 in Long Beach, California, as a musical melting pot blending funk, soul, jazz, rock, and Latin influences. Originally called the Creators, the band was formed by Howard E. Scott and Harold Brown in 1962. They later became Nightshift, backing blues artist Deacon Jones, when producer Jerry Goldstein spotted them. Goldstein paired them with Eric Burdon, formerly of The Animals, and renamed them War. Their debut album, Eric Burdon Declares "War", featured the hit “Spill the Wine,” launching their career. After Burdon left, War’s multi-ethnic lineup, including members like Lonnie Jordan, B.B. Dickerson, and Lee Oskar, continued to craft hits like “The Cisco Kid” and “Why Can’t We Be Friends?,” reflecting their message of brotherhood and harmony drawn from the diverse ghettos of Los Angeles.

You can keep up with War on their official website, where they share tour dates and news, like their 50th-anniversary celebration of Why Can’t We Be Friends?. They’re active on Facebook, posting about shows and memories, and on Instagram, sharing funky throwbacks. Their X account is buzzing with tour updates, like a recent post about a July 19th show at Naper Settlement. Fans connect on platforms like the War (The Band) Fan Group on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks can join discussions and share their love for the band’s timeless grooves.