Why “Stray Cat Strut” Almost Didn’T Make It Onto The First Album

April 1, 2025

It was the summer of 1979, and the air in the studio was thick with tension. The band, known as the Stray Cats, had just finished their first album, but something felt off. They had poured their hearts into their music, especially this one song that had a special place in the lead singer’s heart. “Stray Cat Strut” was more than just a catchy tune; it was a reflection of their lives—young, restless, and filled with dreams of rock ‘n’ roll glory. But as the final tracklist was being debated, doubts began to creep in.

Brian Setzer, the band’s frontman, could sense the uncertainty around him. Some of the band members and producers believed the song was too quirky, too different from the rest of the album’s sound. They argued that it didn’t fit the polished image they were trying to project. As the discussions grew heated, Brian felt a wave of frustration wash over him. This song held the essence of who they were—a blend of punk rock energy and rockabilly flair. He believed it deserved a place on the album, but convincing everyone else was proving to be a challenge.

One late night, while everyone else had gone home, Brian found himself alone, strumming his guitar. The haunting melody of “Stray Cat Strut” echoed through the empty room, and he remembered why he wrote it in the first place. It was about the carefree lifestyle they lived, wandering the streets with nothing but their music and dreams. In that moment, he realized he had to fight for it. It wasn’t just a song; it was the soul of the band. With a renewed sense of determination, he gathered the courage to present it one last time to the group.

The next day, in a small meeting filled with anxious faces, Brian passionately defended his vision for the song. He spoke about the message behind the lyrics, the imagery of resilience, and the playful spirit that encapsulated youth. Slowly, he started to win them over, sharing the melody and performing a stripped-down version right there in the room. As the last note hung in the air, a transformation began. The skepticism faded, and the spark of excitement lit up their eyes. They realized this was not just another track; it was a potential anthem for anyone who ever felt like an underdog.

“Stray Cat Strut” eventually found its rightful place on the album, and it became a defining song for the Stray Cats. When the album was released, the catchy tune resonated with fans around the world, capturing the hearts of those who felt like misfits. Brian and the band received countless letters from fans who felt understood and empowered by the song. The Stray Cats not only achieved their dream of making it in the rock music scene, but they also carved out a special space in the hearts of young people everywhere.

Looking back, Brian realized that the struggle to keep “Stray Cat Strut” on the album was a turning point in his career. It taught him the importance of staying true to his passion and beliefs, even in the face of doubt. The song became a symbol of resilience and the power of music to connect people. Through perseverance, the Stray Cats embraced their uniqueness, and “Stray Cat Strut” soared to the heights of success, proving that sometimes the most unlikely paths lead to the most extraordinary destinations.