From their first LP in 1973, to their latest release of the "LOVE SONGS" CD in February of 2009, a compilation of powerfully emotional songs of love - both good and bad - the Marshall Tucker Band has never stopped recording or touring. Led today by founding member and lead singer Doug Gray, they represent a time and place in music that will never be duplicated. Gray is quick to credit the band's current dynamic members with carrying on the timeless essence of the Marshall Tucker Band sound. Current members include slide guitarist Stuart Swanlund who joined the band in 1989, the highly respected drummer B.B. Borden, a former member of both Mother's Finest and The Outlaws, multi instrumentalist Marcus Henderson of Macon, Georgia, plays flute, saxophone and keyboards in addition to lead and background vocals, Pat Elwood on bass guitar, and Rick Willis on lead! guitar and vocals, both of Spartanburg SC, are disciples of the Caldwell Brothers. Together they present a powerful stage presence as they continue to tour the country and continue to be powerful force in the world of music.
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, 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. They toured constantly playing sheds, stadiums, theaters, fairs, and festivals.
Years of rigorous tour schedules earned the r! espect of critics and countless dedicated fans. With hit songs like "H eard It In a Love Song," "Fire On The Mountain," "Can't You See," and "Take The Highway," The Marshall Tucker Band earned seven gold and three platinum albums while they were on the Capricorn Records label. During the 90's, the MTB scored four hit singles on Billboard's country chart and one on Billboard's gospel chart. Their music has also been featured on the soundtracks of movies such as Smokey and the Bandit, The Pursuit of D.B. Cooper, Shipwrecked, Crank 2, Don't Mess with Zohan, Stop Loss, Swing Vote, Taking Chance and many others as well as many TV Shows.
"The buying public never really cared whether we were country or rock and roll" says Gray. "They called us a Southern rock band, but we have always played everything from country, jazz, blues, Rock & Roll and all things in-between. As we've become older," Gray grins, eyes twinkling, "our Southern heritage seems to come out even more. But no matter how old we get, we can still rock your sock! s off." Gray also notes that people have gotten "married and buried" to classic MTB songs like "Desert Skies" and "Can't You See". After 37 years, The Marshall Tucker Band continues to be played on classic rock and country radio, and they have never stopped touring.
Today the band records on its own RAMBLIN' RECORDS Label which is distributed by SONY by way of a joint venture with SHOUT! FACTORY and continues to record new material and continues to regularly tour the country to the delight of their fans, old and new.
Don't miss the Marshall Tucker Band this Saturday night at The Cotillion. Doors open at 7:00 pm and the show starts at 8:00 pm with Candy Coburn. Tickets are only $25 in advance or $28 on the day of the show at Select-a-Seat, The Cotillion, House of Sight & Sound (Salina) and the employee clubs. For further information and to charge tickets by phone call 316-722-4201 or logon to http://www.selectaseat.com/ |
