Marshall Tucker Band's reach spans generations
If the radio stations seem to be playing the same music, it might be time to rediscover an old favorite.
There’s one band that a generation or two has held up as a source of authenticity for not just country, but rock’n’roll and jazz: The Marshall Tucker Band.
“Billboard Magazine said it best,” said lead vocalist and founding member Doug Gray. “‘We don’t know what to call them or what type of music they play, because you can hear jazz or rock’n’roll and country all in one song, so we just call them damn good.’”
Formed in Spartanburg, South Carolina in 1972, The Marshall Tucker Band took its name from a local piano tuner whose name was on the key to a rehearsal hall. The original lineup included brothers Tommy and Toy Caldwell along with Jerry Eubanks, George McCorkle, Paul Riddle and Gray. In 1980, Tommy Caldwell died in an auto accident and four years later, Toy Caldwell, McCorkle, and Riddle decided to retire. Gray and Eubanks continued to record and perform as The Marshall Tucker Band.
Eubanks retired in 1996, and now Gray continues to lead the current band lineup which includes B.B. Borden on drums; Tony Black on bass and vocals; Gray on lead vocals and tambourine; Marcus James Henderson on keyboards, saxophone, flute and vocals; Chris Hicks on guitar and vocals; and Rick Willis on guitar and vocals.
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The band has recorded 22 studio albums, three DVDs and three live albums. Their most famous songs are 1973’s “Can’t You See”, 1975’s “Fire on the Mountain”, 1977’s “Heard it in a Love Song” and 1979’s “Last of the Singing Cowboys.” Even though the peak of their charted success was nearly forty years ago, Gray says that vintage collectors have continued the stream of interest in the band, along with a dedicated schedule of touring — nearly 150 shows a year.
“Collectors went back to vinyls, which led sold out shows,” Gray said. “People wanted a resurgence, and are looking for real music again if you want to know the truth.”
Gray believes that current music doesn’t have a lot of relatability and perhaps some has “lost its soul.”
“A whole other generation will have another interpretation of our music,” he said. “They’re looking for something to identify with, something to grasp.”
Gray speculated that the authenticity of their work is capturing a younger audience whose parents forced their kids to listen in the car years ago. Now, their demographics of online downloads span the age range of 18- to 52-year-olds.
“And they must be downloading the obscure songs that never made it on the radio,” Gray said. “They demand some of that in the live show because they scream it out.”
Gray also said that they play a wide variety of audiences, but stay true to their own music.
“It all relates, they understand the lyrics because they were so meaningful, from California to Las Vegas to Florida, our language and our music is embedded in their heart,” Gray said.
Music, across the board, is universal and somethings that can easily transcend time and span generations.
“It’s good for people to know that there are things they can hold onto,” Gray said. “And maybe in 10 years they say, ‘Gosh I gotta go see that band again, because I remember where I was the first time I heard that band!’ It’s memorable music and it’s going to last for a long time.”
Cassie McClure is a freelance writer and may be reached at cassiemcclure@gmail.com.
If you go
What: Marshall Tucker Band live
When: 6 p.m. Friday, April 28
Where: North Stage, downtown Main Street
Cost: $35 for single day, $60 for weekend pass (includes rodeo), $150 for VIP pass
Info: www.lascrucescountrymusic.com