marshall tucker band lead singer dies

It's the Marshall Tucker Band's turn in the spotlight as it bring its 50-year history to the stage at the Charleston Municipal Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 25. He described Caldwell as the most jovial, bighearted human being., The Marshall Tucker Band had seven gold and two platinum albums, peaking in the mid-1970s with songs such as Heard It in a Love Song, Cant You See and This Ol Cowboy.. Wet Willie lead singer Jimmy Hall told Toy Caldwell to book the band at Grant's Lounge in Macon which he did. The song was named the #1 greatest Southern Rock song ever recorded by Ultimate Classic Rock with Sweet Home Alabama as runner-up. He loved it.. Jethro Tulls Thick As a Brick: Concept LP or Parody of One? The band, known for their hits " Can't You See ," " Fire on the Mountain ," and " Heard it in a Love Song ," shared the sad news on Saturday. Threats of harming another Low around 35F. Tommy Caldwell, their original bassist, died following a car accident in 1980 when he was 30, and his brother, guitarist Toy Caldwell. In 1980 Tommy Caldwell died as a result of injuries from an auto accident. Choose wisely! each comment to let us know of abusive posts. I was born with that. Im so proud of our band.. He was 60. Tommy Caldwell spoke to that lasting bond, as musicians and as brothers, in 1978. Borden. A typically rich MTB setlist is bubbling over Five decades of the Marshall Tucker Band sometimes its still hard to understand, said MTB lead singer and founding member Doug Gray, when the run was first announced. Last fall he released his debut album, Toy Caldwell, a mix of rock n roll, country, blues and pop with a lyrical thread of romantic entanglements. "Most of our fans who come to Spartanburg don't even know there's a monumental thing like . He was a member of the band from its formation up until 1983. "Five decades of the Marshall Tucker Band sometimes it's still hard to understand," said MTB lead singer and founding member Doug Gray, when the run was first announced. . "He learned how to use a computer and had a house full of toys such as his organ, piano, harmonica and radio. Frank Fenter and Phil Walden signed the Marshall Tucker Band based on those demos. Arts and Events Center Original lead singer Doug Gray still fronts the band. After a solid 10-year run, Toy Caldwell, Riddle, and McCorkle left the band in 1983. Main songwriter Toy Caldwell only contributed three songs to each of the two albums, both released in 1983; Just Us and Greetings from South Carolina. [5] Music historian Joel Whitburn erroneously attributes "Marshall Tucker" to the owner of the band's rehearsal hall in his book Top Pop Singles, 1955-2002. Survivors include his father, Toy T. Caldwell Sr.; and two daughters, Cassady Good Caldwell and Toy Geneal Caldwell. You know, I think it was Toy Caldwells dad who said, Theres more to gray hair than old bones, and we still have a lot of stories yet to tell, Gray concludes. The band's 1993 release, Walk Outside the Lines, marked a transition to a more country sound, relying less on long improvised jams that were the trademark of the band's early career. Learn how your comment data is processed. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the e-mail address listed on your account. After Tommy Caldwell was killed in a car accident in 1980, he was replaced by bassist Franklin Wilkie. (C) 2015 MT Industries Inc. Share your story https://t.co/FgSy4VIpWz, We're back on the road and ready to rock your town!! 2015-2021 Copyright Best Classic Bands. Swanlund, a South Carolina . March 3, 2023 UTC. The Marshall Tucker Band is an American rock band from Spartanburg, South Carolina.Noted for incorporating blues, country, and jazz into an eclectic sound, the Marshall Tucker Band helped establish the Southern rock genre in the early 1970s. He always said his talent was simply God-given. In fact, The Charlie Daniels Band has played more dates with The Marshall Tucker Band over the past years than any other band weve ever worked with. [18] The album's title track was co-written by country music star Garth Brooks, a long-time fan of the band who considered writing a track for them a "milestone" in his career.[13]. The Marshall Tucker Band continued recording and performing into the 21st century, playing between 150 and 200 shows per year. The Music Trail marker "is a really cool thing," Gray said. The Marshall Tucker Band came together as a young, hungry, and quite driven six-piece outfit in Spartanburg, South Carolina in 1972, having duly baptized themselves with the name of a blind piano tuner after they found it inscribed on a key to their original rehearsal space and theyve been in tune with tearing it up on live stages both big and small all across the globe ever since. The Toy Factory, led by the elder Caldwell, became the southern-rocking Marshall Tucker Band when Tommy joined as bassist in 1972. Mar 09 Patchogue, NY Patchogue Theatre Your Herd from Herald-Dispatch Reach Manager. One of the members noticed the name "Marshall Tucker" inscribed on the building's key, as it had been previously occupied by Tucker for his piano tuning business. Thanks to hits like Cant You See, Heard It in a Love Song, Fire on the Mountain, 24 Hours At a Time, and Take the Highway, the 5x Gold, 3x Platinum-selling Southern Rock group has sold millions of albums worldwide. In 1972, The Marshall Tucker Band came together in Spartanburg, South Carolina to form a southern rock group. We'd love to hear eyewitness In 1984 Toy Caldwell, George McCorkle . Toy put up a good front for the others, but now I know he had to be torn apart inside., Doug Gray, who sang the groups No. Duval said her father's disability never stopped him from learning and trying new things, and she never thought of her father as blind. Tommy Caldwell described the Marshall Tucker Band's music as progressive country, explaining that the band played country music structures and riffs combined with jazz improvisation upon which more complex structures were built from the country music foundation. In 2004, they released another studio album, Beyond the Horizon, and the following year released a Christmas album, Carolina Christmas. [33] The band's 1979 album Running Like the Wind features a pop rock and jazz fusion sound. He would do interviews and had always good words for us," said Douglas Gray, lead singer of Marshall Tucker Band. When Lovin Spoonful Members Reunited for a Great Cause in L.A. Roger Daltrey on Woodstock, Tommy: Career-Spanning Interview, The Jaggerz The Rapper: You Know What Hes After, #1 Singles of 1970: A Bridge to a New Decade, Radio Hits in February 1967: B-Sides Rule. Mar 10 Collingswood, NJ Scottish Rite Auditorium Its just who we are, and I dont think we should run from it. We won't share it with anyone else. The BCB team brings you the latest Breaking News, Contests, On This Day rock history stories, Classic Videos, retro-Charts and more. He loved it.. Daniels who passed away in July of 2020, had helped Marshall . When you know that people like that love you, that's just as important as the guy that's down the street drinking that beer and saying, 'This ole beer gut I got isn't getting any smaller.' In 1972, they signed with Capricorn Records, the same . Take the Highway was also used in the movie. When you wake up and want to put a smile on your face, you think of the songs that always manage to reach down and touch your soul the moment you hear the first note. And that's how I got to the patriotic headline above. He tuned pianos in South Carolina for decades. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. Don't knowingly lie about anyone Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. People ask me all the time what Im gonna do when I turn 80, and I always say, The same thing that were continuing to do now. Were road warriors, theres no doubt about that and I dont intend to slow down. May the MTB wagon train continue running like the wind on a long hard ride for many more years to come. He would not elaborate. 3:31 PM. Invalid password or account does not exist. TheMarshall Tucker Band are mourning the loss of the man who lent their group his name. Doug Gray sees no end to the road that lies ahead for The Marshall Tucker Band, whose legacy is being carried forward by the man himself and his current bandmates, drummer B.B. Posted Tue, Jan 24, 2012 at 7:47 pm CT. A big part of the current Marshall Tucker Band sound is the respected talent of Chris Hicks on guitar. Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. Next stop: Derry, NH. High 57F. The Marshall Tucker Band had just returned home from a concert they recorded for broadcast on the King Biscuit Flower Hour when Tommy Caldwells Land Cruiser clipped a parked 1965 Ford Galaxy on April 22, 1980, in Spartanburg. By the age of sixteen, Caldwell was passionate about music, sports, and his other obsession, motorcycles. ", VIDEO: Marshall Tucker Band performs in Spartanburg. Plus, the bands mighty music catalog, consisting of more than 20 studio albums and a score of live releases, has racked up multi-platinum album sales many times over. And I heard them all over the radio back then too. Toy Caldwell died in 1993, after too much cocaine stopped his heart. with a healthy dose of hits like the heartfelt singalong Heard It in a Love Song, the insistent pleading of Cant You See (the signature tune of MTBs late co-founding lead guitarist and then-principal songwriter Toy Caldwell), the testifying Fire on the Mountain, the wanderlust gallop of Long Hard Ride, and the explosive testimony of Ramblin, to name but a few. They are good memories.. Its a tragic loss to me, and to the music industry, McCorkle said. Lead singer Doug Gray relayed the keychain story to PEOPLE in 2021, and said the fateful practice session took place in February 1972. We needed a name asap and the rest is history! Tickets start at $25. Formed in 1971, the Marshall Tucker Band (MTB) laced its rock and roll with doses of country, blues, and jazz, selling millions of albums in the 1970s and 1980s and influencing acts such as Waylon Jennings, Hank Williams, Jr., Charlie Daniels, and Kid Rock. On 1982's Tuckerized, only two songs were written by band members; 'Sea, Dreams & Fairy Tales' by Toy Caldwell and 'Sweet Elaine' by George McCorkle. Feb 23 Derry, NH Tupelo Music Hall [1] Lead vocalist Doug Gray remains the only original member still active with the band. SPARTANBURG, S.C. (AP) _ Toy T. Caldwell Jr., former lead guitar player and singer for the Marshall Tucker Band, died Thursday, and the cause was under investigation, a coroner said. Click here to stay informed and subscribe to Herald-Dispatch. He's done so much, we should write a book.". "We are in California right now for our shows, but I wish we were over there to give the family our condolences," Gray said. I'm very honored and blessed to have done this (for a living.) [21][23][27][28][29][30] The band's music has also been categorized as blues rock,[25] country rock,[27] jazz rock,[27] and as a "proto-jam band". He barely sang 3 songs. You truly did not know what you were getting until you took that bite and dropped the needle. These days, it is original singer Doug Gray who is keeping the Marshall Tucker train rolling. Feb 11 Vinton, LA Delta Downs Racetrack, Hotel & Casino The Instagram post also said "Marshall was blind since birth but amazingly could play the heck out of the piano. May 02, 2022. Marshall Tucker Band ConcertMarshall Tucker Band performs in front of crowd of 5,500 in downtown Spartanburg. Youll find me back in the country in South Carolina. The rest of the lineup includes Gray on vocals, Clay Cook on guitar, flute, and keyboards; Pat Elwood on bass; B.B. Share with Us. that is degrading to another person. Celebrating 50 years, the band is set to perform 41 concert dates in 26 states in 2022, starting January and ending in June. [4], He was the older brother of co-founder and bass guitarist Tommy Caldwell, who was killed at age 30 in an automobile accident on April 28, 1980, and to Tim Caldwell, who on March 28, 1980, one month prior to Tommy's death, was killed at age 25 in a collision with a Spartanburg County garbage truck on S.C. Highway 215. Don't Threaten. January 22, 2023. Caldwells body was found by his wife, Abbie Good Caldwell, at their home in Moore, about 80 miles northwest of Columbia, said Bill Doble, vice president of music for Cabin Fever Entertainment, for whom Caldwell recorded. You wont find me in another band when this ones over, Tommy said after the release of the aptly titled Together Forever. [34] The band's 1998 album Face Down in the Blues consisted, as its title implies, entirely of blues music.[23]. Your data will be safe!Your e-mail address will not be published. He's the only remaining original member. You have permission to edit this article. Caldwell died on April 28, 1980, after lingering in critical condition at Spartanburg General Hospital for almost a week. Though he never played in the Marshall Tucker Band, Tucker, who died on Jan. 20, was an important part of the rockers' history. "Marshall Tucker is 94 years old and still alive," marvelled Doug Gray, the straight-talking frontman of the southern rock band that co-opted . One of the major Southern rock bands of the '70s, the Marshall Tucker Band was formed in Spartanburg, SC, in 1971 by singer Doug Gray, guitarist Toy Caldwell (born 1948, died February 25, 1993), his brother bassist Tommy Caldwell (born 1950, died April 28, 1980), guitarist George McCorkle (born 1947, died June 29th, 2007), drummer Paul Riddle, and reed player Jerry Eubanks. Early pioneers of country rock, The Marshall Tucker Band, topped the charts in the 1970's. But tragedy would soon test the bands faith. The concert is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. and will be free to attend. His younger brother Timmy, who was not a member of the band died a month before him, also the result of a car crash at age 25. Hope to see you there!! It was just a freak accident, Moon Mullins, a crew member for the band, said later. After 15 years with the band, Caldwell left in 1985 to begin a solo career. 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 whose name was found on a key ring in their old rehearsal space. In 1972, Caldwell and McCorkle once again revamped the band's line-up, eventually settling on Tommy Caldwell on bass, George McCorkle rhythm guitar, vocalist Doug Gray, and Jerry Eubanks, flute/tenor sax, while adding Paul Riddle on drums; the new line-up adopted the name "Marshall Tucker Band." person will not be tolerated. Sending blessings to his wife and family.. After hearing the band play at Grant's Buddy Thornton and Paul Hornsby recorded the band's demo at Capricorn Studios in Macon, Georgia. Nope, Gray's an uniquely positive, gregarious sort of fella. When the band started using his name, Tucker didn't know anything about it and the band didn't know him. They took their name from a hometown piano tuner in the cotton-mill city f Spartanburg, S.C., and set about recording five gold-selling albums (including four in a row starting in 1973) and the platinum smash Carolina Dreams before the end of the 70s. He and a few blind friends would go to Columbia to discuss politics for blind people. Tommys Jeep, modified for off-road driving with oversized tires, flipped onto its side and Caldwell suffered a head injury that would ultimately prove fatal. Now Available: 134 Rock-n-Roll Legends Crossed the Rainbow in 2017 - A Tribute to their Lives Dismiss, May 12, 2016 no comments. However, the "new" band has been together 25 years, whereas the original group lasted just . Mar 08 Norwalk, CT Wall Street Theater In the early fall of 1973 Marshall Tucker Band was still a young and hungry group out to prove themselves every time they hit the stage. Just last month, the band's namesake, Marshall Tucker, passed away on Jan. 20 at the age of 99. Toy Talmadge Caldwell Jr. (November 13, 1947 - February 25, 1993) was the lead guitarist and main songwriter of the 1970s Southern Rock group The Marshall Tucker Band. The group will take the stage around 8:30 p.m. The Marshall Tucker Band performs on Thursday, Feb. 10 at the Fox Theatre; 211 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-471-7000; 313presents.com. Caldwell's body was found by his wife, Abbie Good Caldwell, at their home in . Ten years later, Toy Caldwell died of heart disease. There is no Marshall Tucker in The Marshall Tucker Band. By 1984, hed left the Marshall Tucker Band, creating a huge hole as the group lost its lead guitarist, vocalist on Cant You See and principal songwriter. Ive been in tune with how music can make you feel, right from when I was first in the crib, explains lead vocalist and bandleader Doug Gray, whos been fronting the MTB since the very beginning. They are good memories.. Feb 25 Warren, PA Struthers Library Theatre Caldwell, who along with his brother, Tommy, formed the . Jul 21 Batavia, NY Batavia Downs Gaming, Related: Listings for 100s of classic rock tours. VIP tickets will be available to purchase. Always give. Borden on drums; and new member Marcus Henderson on flute. AllRightsReserved. "Marshall was blind since birth but amazingly could play the heck out of the piano. https://t.co/dc7ZKVxqEI, Remembering Toy Caldwell today. Last year in celebration of the groups 50th anniversary, Gray and the rest of the group's current members - guitarists Rick Willis and Chris Hicks, drummer B.B. Toy and Tommy and I all knew exactly what we were doing when we were getting into it, and we all knew that we just wanted a beer at the end of the night.". Colin Larkin (ed. Last fall he released his debut album, Toy Caldwell, a mix of rock n roll, country, blues and pop with a lyrical thread of romantic entanglements. 0. "I lost a brother just yesterday, not a real brother but a 'brother' brother out in California, and he was a Christian biker," Gray added. [2] The band's current line-up consists of Gray on vocals; keyboard player, saxophonist and flautist Marcus James Henderson; guitarists Chris Hicks and Rick Willis, bassist Tony Black, and drummer B.B. [22] The follow-up album, A New Life, was categorized as having more of a country sound. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. Tenth, the final album to feature Tommy Caldwell, was their last Top 40 album. Sole original member Doug Gray brings the South Carolina band to Symphony Hall Feb. 4. "Our band's namesake, Mr. Marshall Tucker, passed away peacefully yesterday morning at the age of 99.". They were just so cool and so unique that I fell in love with the band, and I also fell in love with the music. [5][6][7], Toy Caldwell was found dead in bed by his wife, Abbie, on February 25, 1993, at his home in Moore, South Carolina. Marshall Tucker Band. He always said his talent was simply God-given. Franklin Wilkie, a former bassist in Toy Caldwells pre-Marshall Tucker group, took over for Tommy but the band never regained its commercial momentum. Often associated with such similar-minded acts as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Blackfoot, Marshall Tucker Band and .38 Special, Molly Hatchet is best known for . VIP tickets will be availableto purchase. But when singer Doug Gray looks out at the audiences at . We are thankful for Mr. Marshall Tucker and the life he lived! Marshall Tucker's lead singer, Doug Gray, says the lyrics are timeless, and still resonate today. He died on 28 April 1980 of injures from a Jeep crash a weekearlier. Since Tommys death, he was there in body only, Toy Caldwells wife Abbie said in 1998. Feb 24 Rutland, VT Paramount Theatre This performance is captured on the 2006 release, Live on Long Island. Though the Marshall Tucker band have always been primarily a rock band, they have had country connections throughout their career. Get concert info and buy tickets to The Marshall Tucker Band's upcoming concert at ABATE of PA 45th Annual Party in Brockway on jun. Their namesake died recently. In 1966, members of several such bands merged to form the Toy Factory, named after guitarist Toy Caldwell. Be Proactive. He loved playing in front of people, McCorkle said. or anything. Be Truthful. [26], The band's eclectic musical style has predominantly been categorized as Southern rock. 21.) Get concert info and buy tickets to The Marshall Tucker Band's upcoming concert at Wildwood Springs Lodge in Steelville on Oct 28, 2023, all at Bandsintown. He said the group was scheduled to open for the Allman Brothers and still didn .