Certified Blues

The Zoo Crew is cranking up the vibes at THE ZOO radio station, spinning ZZ Top's "Certified Blues" from the album RAW: ‘That Little Ol’ Band From Texas’ Original Soundtrack for all the Zoo Freaks out there. This track, originally featured on ZZ Top’s First Album in 1971, got a raw, live-in-the-room treatment for the RAW album, recorded during an impromptu jam session at Gruene Hall in Texas. As ZZ Top shared in a 2019 post on X, the band’s engineer Robin Brians captured the alchemy of their early blues-rock sound during the filming of their Grammy-nominated documentary, That Little Ol’ Band From Texas. Billy Gibbons noted in an interview on the band’s official website that the session was unplanned, with their gear already set up, allowing them to just pick up their instruments and let the music flow. The result was a gritty, unpolished take that harkens back to their roots, with Gibbons’ growling guitar and Dusty Hill’s thumping bass driving the bluesy groove.

Another tidbit about "Certified Blues" comes from the band’s commitment to their craft, as seen in the RAW sessions. According to a quote on their Facebook page, Gibbons described the recording as a return to their early days, playing together in a “mostly unfettered way” to capture the intimacy of their live sound. This track, alongside others like “La Grange” and “Tush,” showcases their knack for blending humor and Texas swagger, a hallmark of their style. Fans on the ZZ Top Fans Facebook group often rave about how "Certified Blues" feels like a time machine, transporting them to the smoky bars where ZZ Top honed their chops. The song’s inclusion in the documentary soundtrack, as highlighted in a 2019 X post, underscores its role in defining the band’s raw, unfiltered energy.

ZZ Top got their start in Houston, Texas, in 1969, when guitarist and vocalist Billy Gibbons, fresh from the breakup of his psychedelic rock band Moving Sidewalks, teamed up with bassist Dusty Hill and drummer Frank Beard. Gibbons, inspired by blues legends like John Lee Hooker and Muddy Waters, wanted to create a sound that was both gritty and infectious. As detailed on their official website, the trio signed with London Records in 1970 and released ZZ Top’s First Album in 1971, which included "Certified Blues." Their early years were marked by relentless touring, playing dives and honky-tonks across the South, building a cult following with their blues-boogie sound. By 1973, their album Tres Hombres and the single “La Grange” catapulted them to national fame, cementing their reputation as Texas blues-rock icons.

The band’s evolution from barroom rockers to MTV superstars in the 1980s with hits like “Sharp Dressed Man” and “Legs” showcased their ability to adapt while staying true to their roots. Fans can dive deeper into their story on the ZZ Top Fan Club website, where devotees share concert memories and rare photos. ZZ Top’s Instagram is packed with throwback shots and tour updates, while their X account keeps the conversation lively with posts about their latest projects, like the RAW Whisky Tour. The ZZ Top Fans Facebook group is a great spot for Zoo Freaks to connect, swap stories, and celebrate the band’s enduring legacy.