Musician By Night: April 2013

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

The Outlaws . . .

The Outlaws are a Southern rock/country rock band formed in Tampa, Florida in late 1967 by guitarist–vocalist Hughie Thomasson, drummer David Dix, bassist Phil Holmberg, guitarists Hobie O'Brien and Frank Guidry, plus singer Herb Pino. Guidry brought the name “The Outlaws” with him when he joined (he had been in another group that had that name). Previous to Guidry's arrival the band was called The Rogues, then The Four Letter Words. By early 1968 O'Brien and Holmberg both left the band to get married, and Frank O'Keefe came in on bass. Later that year, Tommy Angarano joined The Outlaws to replace Herb Pino, bringing Hammond organ sounds and his style of vocals to the band.

Shortly after, he quit and Herb was brought back in. In the spring of 1968 the group's first manager, Paul D., brought them to Epic Studios in New York City to record an album, which was never released after the band and the producer of the album had a falling-out. Guidry left at this point after differences with the manager. The group headed back to Tampa, then got another deal to go to Criteria Studios in Miami. There they recorded another album with producer Phil Gernhard. But this album was likewise never released, and Gernhard vanished soon after. Ronny Elliott was brought in around this time to play bass while O'Keefe briefly switched to guitar. But O'Keefe went back to bass after Elliott left in 1969 and Herb Pino began playing guitars and doing vocals at this time. Drummer Monte Yoho also joined that same year to sub for Dix.

Frank O’Keefe Billy Jones

In early 1970, The Outlaws were joined by two members of the Dave Graham Group that was also managed by Paul D. (Ped-Dyn. Productions.) The Dave Graham Group's Union leader was Monte Yoho, but he was not invited to be part of this line-up.

The early 1970 Outlaws line-up was Hughie Thomasson, Frank O'Keefe, Dave Dix, Billy Jones and Dave Graham. Graham was influential in moving the group toward country-rock, especially the music of Poco. They recorded a cover of The Doors' "Five to One" as an audition to a recording deal that never materialized. This grouping disbanded in the spring of 1970 and the group eventually parted ways with Paul D. Yoho and Herb Pino returned, but by 1971 the offers for gigs had slowed down and the group went into limbo for a year or so, not sure if they would continue.

In 1971 Henry Paul, a singer and guitarist who was born in New York but grew up in the Tampa area, returned from a stay in Greenwich Village NYC to form Sienna, which was more of a country rock outfit. He was joined by Monte Yoho and Frank O'Keefe. In 1972 Hughie Thomasson returned from a brief spell in New York where he'd been backing up folksinger Milton Carroll, joined up with Paul, Yoho and O'Keefe and Sienna became the reborn Outlaws.

Billy Jones, who would sometimes show up to jam with the group on organ in 1971 and 1972, returned from a stint in Boulder, Colorado in 1973 and switched to guitar, giving birth to the band's first infamous guitar trio later dubbed "The Florida Guitar Army". O'Keefe left the group temporarily in 1973–74. Buzzy Meekins and another bassist named Rick stood in until he was able to return. In 1974 Charlie Brusco signed on as manager for The Outlaws. Alan Walden (brother of Capricorn Records founder Phil Walden) was told of the group by Lynyrd Skynyrd frontman Ronnie Van Zant and he joined forces with Brusco as co-manager.

"The Florida Guitar Army"

New Years Eve 1976 – Sam Houston Coliseum – Houston, Texas

Hughie Thomasson, Billy Jones, Frank O’Keefe and Larry Carswell

The band was the first act signed to Arista Records under Clive Davis. Davis was in the audience at a show in 1974 where the band was opening for Lynyrd Skynyrd in Columbia, South Carolina. At the end of Lynyrd Skynyrd's set, lead vocalist Ronnie Van Zant said from the stage: “If you don’t sign the Outlaws, you’re the dumbest music person I’ve ever met—and I know you’re not.”

Monte Yoho (drummer)

The Outlaws' earliest well known songs were "There Goes Another Love Song" and "Green Grass and High Tides", both from their 1975 self-titled debut album. Their 1980 cover of "(Ghost) Riders in the Sky" from the album Ghost Riders was their biggest single chart success, reaching No. 31 on the Billboard "Pop Singles" chart.

While The Outlaws are generally considered to be a part of the southern rock genre, there are distinct differences in their approach and their influences. Their primary similarity to other southern rock bands is the dual lead guitar interplay, a defining characteristic of many southern rock bands. However, The Outlaws’ mix of country and rock elements displays the vocal harmony influences of groups like Buffalo Springfield, the Byrds, and Poco. Their use of three and four part harmonies set them apart from their contemporaries who usually relied on a single lead vocalist.

Hughie Thomasson and Chris Anderson - 2006

Hughie Thomasson's signature guitar playing style and voice were defining characteristics of the band's sound. Thomasson's guitar sound was underpinned by the use of the Fender Stratocaster (and sometimes a Fender Telecaster) played in a quasi-country style mixed with fluid, quick blues runs. Hughie was nicknamed "The Flame" for his flaming fast guitar work. He is a member of the Fender Hall of Fame.

The other lead guitarist, Billy Jones, played mainly a Gibson Les Paul and switched between a clean and distorted sound. A good example of this can be heard on "Green Grass and High Tides" on the right stereo channel. Hughie Thomasson's smooth Stratocaster sound can be heard on the left channel. Thomasson opens the first solo at the intro and plays the first half of the two succeeding longer solos all on the right channel. There are many video examples of his Green Grass solos on the internet.

The records released by the band between 1975 and 1980 are considered the best representation of the band's style. The band was seen on successful concert tours billed with other non-southern rock acts of the time. This contrast of styles was more common at that time than the packaged "genre" tours seen so often these days. The willingness of promoters to mix styles led to The Outlaws gaining a large following in the United States.

The Outlaws style is highly characterized in their first three albums. These are considered the best work of the band with all of the "classic era" band members, except for O'Keefe who was replaced by the left-handed bass player Harvey Dalton Arnold (see below for a complete roster of Outlaws members). O'Keefe and Jones both died in February 1995; Jones by suicide.

The albums released after 1980 are largely viewed by critics as a gradual move away from the original sound that gained them success in the 1970s. The reworking of the Western-styled "Ghost Riders" in 1980 was the band's last taste of big league success, although the band released two more records, Los Hombres Malo in 1982 and Soldiers of Fortune in 1986. As the 1980s came to a close, Thomasson became the final original member of the act. Albums such as Diablo Canyon, released in 1994, were released on smaller independent record labels. The band by now was mostly confined to smaller club dates. This situation led to Thomasson accepting the guitar position in the legendary, and by now much more popular, Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1996. This essentially sidelined The Outlaws for a decade, as Thomasson's voice and guitar style were just too integral a part of The Outlaws' sound for the other members to successfully work without it. In 2000, the Diablo Canyon-lineup released the album So Low, to mixed response from fans. Many cited it as being more of a solo output from Thomasson. After this release, the band again vanished from the musical environment.

Henry Paul went on to form the country band BlackHawk, which had some chart success in the 1990s.

In April 2005, original members Hughie Thomasson, Henry Paul, Monte Yoho, and David Dix reunited as The Outlaws and the rest of the lineup was filled out with former guitarist Chris Anderson, bassist Randy Threet, and Dave Robbins on keyboards. The latter three had been with Paul's country group BlackHawk. The two originals not included in the lineup, guitarist Billy Jones and bassist Frank O'Keefe, could not join as they both died in 1995, within weeks of each other. O'Keefe died of a drug overdose and Jones committed suicide shortly after. Paul and Robbins left to resume their careers in BlackHawk in early 2006, but the remaining band soldiered on. They were part of the Charlie Daniels Volunteer Jam tour in the summer of 2007. Band leader Hughie Thomasson died on September 9, 2007, of a heart attack in Brooksville, Florida.

In December 2007, 2008 Outlaws tour dates were released. In January 2008, The Outlaws lineup would be revealed to include Henry Paul (guitars/vocals), Chris Anderson (guitars/vocals), Billy Crain (guitars), Jon Coleman (keyboards), Brett Cartwright (bass), however, Randy Threet remained and Cartwright never toured, and Monte Yoho (drums). This would be the first lineup in Outlaws' history without Hughie Thomasson on guitar and vocals, as from the band's formation to his death, he was the only constant member, garnering him the nicknames "Mr. Outlaw" and "The Lone Outlaw".

According to the band's web site, The Outlaws announced their intention to continue to tour throughout the summer and fall of 2009 with this lineup and planned to participate in the Simple Man Cruise with Lynyrd Skynyrd in January 2010. It was also stated on the website that the band would change its name to 'Henry Paul Band' due to Thomasson's death, but to continue touring with the same setlists.

In May 2010, The Outlaws were featured, along with The Marshall Tucker Band, Molly Hatchet, Blackberry Smoke, and The Chris Hicks Band, on stage at Long Island Southern Jam 2010 in Babylon, NY at Overlook Beach. The all day concert featured a unique jam fest for all the bands. *LI Southern Jam website

For the 2010 tour Dave Robbins returned on keyboards and Henry Paul was involved in a lawsuit brought about by Hughie Thomasson's widow, Mary, which alleged trademark violations. In April, 2011 the case was ruled upon in favor of Henry Paul, Monte Yoho and the co-defendants.

On July 30, 2012, it was announced on the band's website that "their first new album in 18 years" will be released on September 25, 2012, titled "It's About Pride". It will also be accompanied by a separately released DVD documentary about the making of the new album, called "Hid in' Out In Tennessee".

Members:

Current members:

Henry Paul – guitars, vocals (1972–1977, 1983–1986, 2005–2006, 2008–present)
Chris Anderson – guitars, vocals (1986–1989, 2005–present)
Billy Crain – guitars, vocals (2008–present)
Dave Robbins – keyboards, backing vocals (2005–2006, 2010–present)
Randy Threet – bass, vocals (2005–present)
Monte Yoho – drums, percussion (1969, 1970–1979, 2005–present)

Former members:

Hughie Thomasson – guitars, vocals, pedal steel guitar, banjo (1967–1996, 2005–2007)
David Dix - drums, percussion (1967–1969, 1970, 1977–1987, 2005–2007)
Herb Pino - guitar, vocals (1967–1970, 1971–1972)
Phil Holmberg - bass (1967)
Hobie O'Brien - guitar (1967)
Frank O'Keefe – bass, guitar, vocals (1967–1973, 1974–1976)
Frank Guidry - guitar (1967–1968)
Tommy Angarano - Hammond B3, vocals (1968)
Ronny Elliot - bass (1968–1969)
Billy Jones – guitars, keyboards, vocals (1971, 1972–1981)
Dave Graham - guitar, piano, vocals (1970)
Buzzy Meekins – bass (1973–1974)

Rick - bass (1974)
Harvey Dalton Arnold – bass, vocals (1976–1980)
Freddie Salem – guitars, vocals (1977–1983)
Rick Cua – bass, vocals (1980–1983)
Mike Duke - keyboards, vocals (1980–1981)
Bob Jenkins - guitar, vocals (early 1983)
Steve Grisham – guitars, vocals (1983–1986)
Chuck Glass – bass, keyboards, vocals (1983–1987)
Roy McDonald – bass (1987)
Anthony "Nino" Catanzaro – bass, vocals (1987, 1989–1990, 1992–1993)
Barry "B. B." Borden – drums, percussion (1987–1995)
Steve Kaye - bass (1988)
Rich Parks - guitars, vocals (1988; guest - 1991–1992)
Ean Evans - bass, vocals (1988–1989, 1992)

David Lane - guitar (1989), violin (guest - 1982)
Billy Yates - guitars, vocals (1989–1991)
Billy Greer - bass, vocals (1990)
Chris "Hitman" Hicks – guitars, vocals (1990–1996)
Rob Carroll – bass, vocals (1990–1992)
Timothy Cabe - guitars, vocals (1992–1993)
Eric Wynne - bass (1992)
Jeff Howell – bass, vocals (1993–1996)
Billy Davis – guitars, vocals (1993–1994)
Sean Burke - drums, percussion (1995)
Frank Thomas- stand-in drummer (1995)
Kevin Neal - drums (1995–1996)
Steven Elliot - stand-in guitarist (1996)
Ric Toole - guitar (2006)
Jon Coleman - keyboards, backing vocals (2008–2010)

It is getting more and more exciting for me as I do the research into bands like The Outlaws. Learning all the ins and outs of their success stories and their downfalls has taught me a lot about the music business and what I missed after leaving the business to raise a family some 30 years ago.

I must admit that even though I read about the many adversities that these bands face, I also recognize that they are doing what they love each and ever day and not very many of us can state that; that’s for sure.

Well, The Outlaws, similar to Lynyrd Skynyrd have quite a history behind them; they went thru several different band members yet seemed to have captured the heart and soul of the American Southern Country Rockers as they travelled with the likes of Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Marshall Tucker Band, Molly Hatchet, Blackberry Smoke, and The Chris Hicks Band.

I hope you’re enjoying following along with me as I take you thru the different Southern Rock, Country Rock and Blues-Rock Bands back from the early 70’s. I have a few more that I’d like to cover for my own interests in not for all of you. I believe we all can learn something from each of these artists/bands so I’ll be covering “Molly Hatchet” in my next post. I certainly hope you continue to follow along.

Until next time !!

MUSICIAN by Night

GOD Save “The Blues”

Friday, April 26, 2013

Blackfoot . . .

There was another American Southern rock band from Jacksonville, Florida by the name of Blackfoot that organized during 1970. Though they were primarily a Southern rock band, they were also known as a hard rock act. The band's classic lineup consisted of guitarist and vocalist Rickey Medlocke, guitarist Charlie Hargrett, bassist Greg T. Walker, and drummer Jakson Spires.

They've had a number of successful albums during the 1970s and early 1980s, including Strikes (1979), Tomcattin' (1980) and Marauder (1981).

During the spring of 1969, Rickey Medlocke and Greg T. Walker met New York City native Charlie Hargrett in Jacksonville and organized the band Fresh Garbage with Ron Sciabarasi for keyboards, Rick for drums and vocals, Greg for bass and Hargrett for lead guitar, playing mostly at The Comic Book Club on Forsyth Street.

That autumn, Sciabarasi left Fresh Garbage and lead guitarist Jerry Zambito (ex-Tangerine) joined as a new band, Hammer, was organized with Medlocke performing lead vocals (playing almost no guitar); Greg T. Walker for bass and backup vocals; Jakson Spires, from Tangerine, for drums and backup vocals; DeWitt Gibbs, also from Tangerine, for Hammond organ, Fender Rhodes electric piano and backup vocals; and Hargrett for lead guitar. They soon relocated to Gainesville, Florida to be the house band of Dub's, a well-known topless bar on the outskirts of town.

About the beginning of 1970, the band relocated to Manhattan after a friend, who was working in a music publishing company, told her boss about the band and he had them move to New York City. During the early spring of the same year, the band, after learning of another band on the West Coast named Hammer, decided to change their name to Blackfoot to represent the American Indian heritage of Walker, Spires and Medlocke (Spires is part Cherokee, Medlocke part Sioux, and Walker part Eastern Creek, a Florida Indians tribe). When the band failed to acquire a contract as a result of their relocation, Gibbs quit the band and Medlocke began playing rhythm guitar full-time.

During the spring of 1971, Medlocke and Walker accepted an offer to join Lynyrd Skynyrd and Blackfoot ended for a time. There was a brief attempt to regroup during 1972, but Medlocke quit again and Walker joined The Tokens, who soon changed their name to Cross Country. Hargrett remained in the north, living in Hackettstown, New Jersey. During August 1972 Blackfoot's old friend and roadie, John Vassiliou, visited Hargrett with Reidsville, North Carolina bassist Lenny Stadler from the band Blackberry Hill. Hargrett decided to relocate to North Carolina and invited Medlocke, who'd quit Lynyrd Skynyrd by this time, to reform Blackfoot with Stadler for bass guitar and Jakson Spires for drums. Danny Johnson (later with the bands Derringer and Steppenwolf), from a Louisiana group, Axis, was employed as second guitarist. But Medlocke soon decided to be both main vocalist and guitarist again, so Johnson was employed only briefly.

During the summer of 1973, Stadler quit the band after a tumor was discovered on one of his lungs (it later dissolved). But Stadler decided to leave secular music to join a gospel group. He eventually became a Methodist minister. Greg T. Walker was invited to rejoin at this juncture.

By 1974 the band had returned their base of operations to the Northeast (Northern New Jersey) and Medlocke developed nodes on his vocal cords and temporarily lost his voice. Another singer, Patrick Jude, was brought into the band. After a brief time, Medlocke was able to sing again and Jude was dismissed. Soon afterward, Medlocke and Walker sent producers/session players Jimmy Johnson and David Hood a copy of Blackfoot's material. Johnson and Hood had worked with Medlocke and Walker in Muscle Shoals, Alabama when they were there recording with Lynyrd Skynyrd. No Reservations was released by the company Island Records during 1975 as part of a deal organized by Blackfoot's then manager Lou Manganiello, and their second record album, Flying High, was vended by Epic Records company during 1976. Both record albums were produced by Johnson and Hood.

Mid 1970s

By late 1975, the group was living back in Gainesville, Florida. During 1977 they communicated with Black Oak Arkansas' manager, Butch Stone, who hired them as the backing group for one of his clients, Ruby Starr, who had been a backup singer for Black Oak but was now becoming self-employed. After the stint with Ruby ended during 1978, they met Brownsville Station manager Al Nalli and his partner Jay Frey, who got them a contract with the company Atco Records.

Blackfoot Strikes, produced by Al Nalli and engineered by Brownsville Station drummer Henry Weck, was recorded in Nalli's basement studio in Ann Arbor, Michigan and was completed by January 1979. It was destined to be the band's most commercially successful effort. The song "Train, Train", written by Rickey's grandfather, "Shorty" Medlocke, became their first success and best known song. "Highway Song" proved to be another success for them later that year.

The group toured frequently during 1979; late during the year they opened for the band The Who at the Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan while developing their next album, Tomcattin, which was released during 1980. They went on to release the album Marauder during 1981 and Highway Song Live during 1982.

1980s

During the early 1980s the "southern rock" genre was considered passe by the pop music press, so the band began attempting to change their style somewhat. They decided to add keyboards to the group once again. Organist Ken Hensley (ex-Uriah Heep) was contacted and agreed to join during 1982 in time for their next record album, Siogo. But the poor sales for Siogo had the band thinking they might have to "modernize" for the new MTV generation. It was thought that perhaps Hargrett with his "biker type" appearance might not be appropriate for television.

Hargrett reluctantly decided to end his employment with the band during January 1984 having not played on their next album, Vertical Smiles, which had been recorded in Atlanta in late 1983 with former Yes band's engineer Eddie Offord. This album was rejected by Atco. But the revamped version, which was released finally during October 1984, also failed to sell well.

Ken Hensley, not accustomed to Blackfoot's intense tour schedule, quit by late 1984 and was replaced by former Axe band's singer/guitarist "Bobby" Barth. But by December 1985, with their popularity waning and good-quality engagements becoming few, the band decided to quit. During February 1986 the Blackfoot company was dissolved. Medlocke decided to continue with a new team that included Doug "Bingo" Bare (keyboards, synthetics, backup vocals), Jerry "Wizzard" Seay (from Mother's Finest, bass guitar, backup vocals) and Harold Seay (drums, percussion). For their 1987 album Rick Medlocke and Blackfoot (their final album for Atlantic Records), the new group was attempting a more radio-style 1980s rock music sound. Many of the group's fans were not all that happy with the changes.

During 1988, Wizzard and Seay quit and Gunner Ross (drums, percussion), bassist Mark Mendoza and Neal Casal (guitar) were employed. Mendoza quit by the end of the year and Rikki Mayr (ex-Lizzy Borden band) began playing bass for the band during early 1989.

1990s

During 1990 a new album, Medicine Man, was released by the Independent Loop Company.

By 1992, Medlocke had revamped the team yet again and hired three other players: Benny Rappa (drums, percussion), Mark Woerpel (an ex-Whiteface guitarist who had done some studio work for Medlocke for earlier albums) and Tim Stunson for bass guitar. Another new album, After the Reign, was released during 1994 by the company Wildcat and, like Medicine Man, had something of the band's old style. During 1994, also, the Rhino Records collection Rattlesnake Rock N' Roll: The Best of Blackfoot was released.

By 1996, Blackfoot was: Medlocke, Stet Howland, John Housley (from Ragady Ann) for lead and rhythm guitar and Bryce Barnes (from Edwin Dare) for bass guitar. That same year, Medlocke rejoined Lynyrd Skynyrd, this time as a guitarist. But he continued to tour with Blackfoot honoring all dates booked through 1997, then disbanded the group to concentrate on Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Live On The King Biscuit Flower Hour, a 1983 concert recording, was released during early 1998, and EMI released Live during 2000, also culled from the band's heyday.

2000-2011

During 2004 a second resurrection of Blackfoot occurred with original members Jakson Spires, Greg T. Walker and Charlie Hargrett. Medlocke was not available, so the lead vocals role was given to Bobby Barth. During March 2005, Spires died suddenly of an aneurysm, but the band decided to persevere. In compliance with the will of Spires, Austrian drummer Christoph Ullmann was hired as the new drummer.

During 2006 the band toured and was joined by Southern Rock All Stars's Jay Johnson (the son of Jimmy Johnson, their original co-producer) for guitar and vocals after Barth was sidelined for a shoulder and neck operation. Barth resumed performing later that year. During November 2006 Ullman left to return to Austria and was succeeded by Mark McConnell. In April 2007 Blackfoot dismissed Johnson and McConnell. That year the band toured and consisted of bassist Walker, Hargrett, Barth and drummer Michael Sollars. Later that year a live DVD was released. In 2009 Scott Craig was employed as drummer.

During the spring of 2010, Barth was forced to undergo emergency back surgery. Former Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Mike Estes was then employed for lead vocals/guitar and Kurt Pietro replaced Scott Craig on drums. In the summer of 2011 Charlie Hargrett was replaced by Randy Peak.

2012-present

The year 2012 introduced a completely new line-up personally chosen and to be produced by founding member and front man Rickey Medlocke.

The new line-up was modeled after the live high energy version of Blackfoot in the early 80s. Blackfoot is in the process of booking a full line up of live dates, which can be viewed on their new website, www.blackfootband.com.

Greg T. Walker, Charlie Hargrett, Michael Estes and Pietro subsequently regrouped under the band name Fired Guns, whilst Rickey Medlocke continued to perform with Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Members:

Current members:

Sean Chambers - lead vocals, guitar (2012–present)
Tim Rossi - guitar, vocals (2012–present)
Brian Carpenter - bass, vocals (2012–present)
Michael Cannizzaro - drums, vocals (2012–present)

Former members:

Rickey Medlocke - vocals, guitar, dobro, mandolin, drums (1969–1971, 1972–1997)
Charlie Hargrett - guitar (1969–1971, 1972–1984, 2004–2011)
Greg T. Walker - bass, backing vocals (1969–1971, 1973–1986, 2004–2011)
Ron Sciabarasi - keyboards (1969)
Jerry Zambito - guitar (1969)
Jakson Spires - drums, percussion, backing vocals (1969–1971, 1972–1986, 2004–2005; died 2005)
Dewitt Gibbs - keyboards, backing vocals (1969–1970)
Leonard Stadler - bass (1972–1973)
Danny Johnson - guitar (1972)
Patrick Jude - vocals (1974)

Ken Hensley - keyboards, guitar, backing vocals (1982–1984)
Bobby Barth - lead vocals, guitar, keyboards (1984–1986, a2004–2006, 2006–2010)
Doug Bare - keyboards, backing vocals (1986–1992)
Jerry "Wizzard" Seay - bass, backing vocals (1986–1988)
Harold Seay - drums, percussion (1986–1988)
Gunner Ross - drums, percussion (1988–1992)
Neal Casal - guitar (1988–1992)
Mark Mendoza - bass (1988)
Rikki Mayr - bass, backing vocals (1989–1992)
Benny Rappa - drums, percussion (1992–1994)
Mark Woerpel - guitar, synthesizer (1992–1996)

Tim Stunson - bass (1992–1996)
Stet Howland - drums, percussion (1994–1997)
John Housley - guitar (1996–1997)
Bryce Barnes - bass (1996–1997)
Christoph Ullmann - drums, percussion (2005–2006)
Jay Johnson - guitar, vocals (2006–2007)
Mark McConnell - drums, percussion (2006–2007; died 2012)
Michael Sollars - drums, percussion (2007–2009)
Scott Craig - drums, percussion (2009–2010)
Mike Estes - guitar, vocals (2010–2011)
Kurt Pietro - drums, percussion (2010–2011)
Randy Peak - guitar (2011)

Once again, it has been very interesting doing the research on Blackfoot. They have quite a history behind them; they went thru several different band members much like Lynyrd Skynyrd. They seemed to have captured the heart and soul of the American Southern Rockers as they travelled with the likes of Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Marshall Tucker Band, Z.Z. Top, The Outlaws and even 38 Special.

I hope you’re enjoying following along with me as I take you thru the different Southern Rock and Blues-Rock Bands back from the early 70’s. I have a few more that I’d like to cover for my own interests in not for all of you. I believe we all can learn something from each of these artists/bands so I’ll be covering “The Outlaws” in my next post. I certainly hope you continue to follow along.

Always remember that music and playing music will keep you young. Just watch the bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd, Aerosmith, Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and many more on shows such as Palladium as see how they continue to light-up those stages just as they did 25-30 years ago. That is a true professional.

Well once again, until next time, please remember to “Support Live Music”. That keeps all the musicians working which is very important. Your support is greatly appreciated.