MARSHALL TUCKER BAND
THIS IS MY MOST VIEWED and ... (more)
Added: May 02, 2007
MARSHALL TUCKER BAND
THIS IS MY MOST VIEWED and DISCUSSED VIDEO!
The Marshall Tucker Band got its start in Spartanburg, S.C. when Gray teamed up with Tommy Caldwell and Toy Caldwell, Paul T. Riddle, George McCorkle and Jerry Eubanks, borrowing the name "Marshall Tucker" from a piano tuner who's name was found on a key ring in their old rehearsal space. In 1972, they signed with Capricorn Records, the same label that guided The Allman Brothers Band, Wet Willie, and others to national fame. The MTB opened shows for The Allman Brothers in 1973, and the following year, they began to headline their own shows across America due to the platinum-plus sales of their debut album.
Tommy Caldwell was the band's bassist and front man from 1973 until the time of his death (from injuries sustained in a jeep accident) in 1980. He also sang background vocals and wrote several songs, including Melody Ann, which was the only song he ever performed lead vocals on. Tommy was the leader and visionary of the group. He was an inspiration to many and friend to everyone.
It was from the heart and soul of Toy Caldwell that the majority of Marshall Tucker's music originated. His lyrics and music have touched many. For alot of us it has touched us in a way no other music has, before or since. His thumb playing style created its own unique tone. He was the band's lead guitarist and primary songwriter from 1973 - 1983. He also played steel and acoustic guitar. He sang lead on several songs, including Can't You See, This Ol Cowboy, and Blue Ridge Mountain Sky. After leaving MTB he formed the Toy Caldwell Band and in 1992 released a self-titled CD, his only solo album. It was re-released as Son of the South by his friend Charlie Daniels in 2000 (on Charlie's label, Blue Hat Records). Sadly, Toy passed away due to heart disease in 1993.
George McCorkle was MTB's rhythm guitarist from 1973 - 1983. He also wrote many great songs including Fire on the Mountain, Silverado, Last of the Singing Cowboys, Holdin' On To You, and several others. In 1999 he released his first solo CD, American Street. Today he resides in the Nashville area and is a songwriter. His songs have landed on several of country's top artists. One of the most recent is Cowboy Blues on Gary Allen's platinum Smoke Rings in the Dark. For the latest news on George visit his website.
Drummer Paul Riddle was with the band from 1973 - 1983. He was heavily influenced by Buddy Rich and his jazz styling were unique to a rock and roll band and heavily contributed to their unique style of music. He still lives in Spartanburg where he owns a drum stick company, The Carolina Stick Company, and teaches lessons. He occasionally sits in with the Allman Brothers Band and plays in a local band called Throbbe
Jerry Eubanks, a sax player by trade, was asked by Toy Caldwell if he knew how to play flute... and although he didn't, that didn't stop him from answering Toy's question with a resounding "hell yeah!." He set out to learn real quick and thus the addition of the instrument that made MTB's sound unique from all other southern rock bands was made. Jerry was a mainstay in the band from 1973 - 1996. His flute and sax solos were, along with Toy's guitar licks, the signature of the band. After 25 years of life on the road, he enjoy a life of leisure in Spartanburg with his wife and children. He also plays in a band called the Lipnikkies. And he's even got his own website!
Doug Gray began singing at the age of about 4 or 5 at an American Graffiti style diner. He hasn't stopped singing since. Tommy was the band's original front man, bantering with the crowd and introducing songs. Doug never said too much... but time changes everyone! After Tommy passed away there obviously was a big void in the band. Though Franklin Wilkie was hired to replace Tommy on bass, the band still need someone to step into his on-stage roll. Doug did so, though somewhat reluctantly. It's a role he obviously relishes today. After almost 30 years on the road and over 5,000 shows, you can still see the love he has for doing what he does.
