Band History and Career

The Marshall Tucker Band was founded in Spartanburg, South Carolina, in 1972 by Toy Caldwell (guitar, fiddle, mandolin, steel guitar), his brother Tommy Caldwell (bass guitar), and George McCorkle (rhythm guitar). Other members of the original band included lead singer Doug Gray, keyboardist Frank Coughlan, and drummers Paul Riddle and Jerry Eubanks. Tommy Caldwell wrote or co-wrote most of the band’s material, which often reflected his personal interests in Southern culture, religion, cars, and the outdoors.

The Caldwell brothers and McCorkle first played together in a band called The Toy Factory in the late 1960s. They cut a few singles that received local airplay but did not achieve any national success. In 1972, they decided to form their own band and recruited Gray, Coughlan, Riddle, and Eubanks. The Marshall Tucker Band was named after a blind piano tuner. The band’s self-titled debut album was released in 1973 and included the hit single “Can’t You See.” The album reached No. 38 on the Billboard 200 chart and was certified Gold by the RIAA. The band’s second album, A New Life, was released in 1974 and reached No. 27 on the Billboard 200. The album Where We All Belong was released in 1974 and was certified gold by the RIAA. The Marshall Tucker Band’s fourth album, Searchin’ for a Rainbow, was released in August 1975 and reached No. 15 on the Billboard 200. The album included the single “Fire on the Mountain”. The Marshall Tucker Band’s fifth album, Long Hard Ride, was released in June 1976. This album featured keyboardist Paul Riddle and guitarist Tommy Caldwell, who had recently joined the band. The album reached No. 32 on the Billboard 200 chart and was nominated for a Grammy.

The following year, the Marshall Tucker Band released their sixth album, Carolina Dreams. The album featured the hit single “Heard It in a Love Song”, which reached No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The album peaked at No. 11. Album was the band’s album to be certified Platinum by the RIAA. The band’s seventh album, Together Forever, was released in 1978. The band’s next album, 1979’s Running Like the Wind, reached number 22 on the Billboard 200 chart.

The 1980s were a big decade for the Marshall Tucker Band. They released a total of six albums. The band’s lineup changed a bit in the 80s, with bassist Tommy Caldwell leaving in 1980. Anthony Crawford also joined the band during this decade, playing guitar and adding his distinctive vocals to the mix.

The 1990s were a quieter decade for the Marshall Tucker Band, with only five albums released. However, these albums were still well-received by fans and critics alike. The band continued to tour regularly throughout the decade.

The 2000s saw a resurgence in popularity for the Marshall Tucker Band. They released three albums, one of which was a greatest hits collection. The band also toured extensively during this decade, including a highly successful reunion tour with original bassist Tommy Caldwell.