We continue this series with a funny, but ultimately affirming, name change story.

DANIEL ZOTT and JOSHUA EPSTEIN are from Detroit, Michigan just across the Detroit River north of my hometown of Wïndsor, Ontario Canada.

In 2009 they got together and formed an indie dance band with a dubious name. They called themselves DALE EARNHARDT JR JR. 🇺🇸

They achieved significant indie success. A while in they wrote to NASCAR driver DALE EARNHARDT JR. and explained that they not making fun of his name. Apparently he responded that he was aware of them, was honoured and gave his blessing for to continue using the name by saying they would not be hearing from his CAT

Notwithstanding this refreshing take, in 2015 DALE EARNHARDT JR JR changed their name.

It seems that when they performed live, some persons were showing up at the gigs thinking they were going to meet the real NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. They band felt horrible this was occurring so they changed their name to JR JR. Kudos to them.

And so, time for a song. When I first heard this tune I did not know it was a cover version. It is actually a GIL SCOTT HERON tune that he released in 1977. The song was fitting then and even more so when it was released by these guys in 2011. The song is ‘We Almost Lost Detroit’. [Ed. Note- Those from this area understand that sentiment but that is a story for another day.]

SPOTIFY- https://spotify.link/rqoiX7mJUCb

(SONG 614)

Play Loud Or Perish

9/7/2023