Searching for a Rainbow
No other band has ever had such a truly significant sound as Marshall Tucker Band. Their unique blending of Country, Blues, Soul, Jazz, and Rock crossed all musical boundaries. Add, Doug Gray's truly unique voice, the signature Flute of Jerry, Paul's incredible drum style, George's solid Bluesy guitar with the incredible talent of Toy and Tommy. One can argue many things about the source of MTB's sound. However, you can never argue that the Caldwell's were the soul. Toy was a prolific writer. George McCorkle once told me, "Toy was the master of taking two and three chords and creating a hit". This is so evident with the Rock anthem "Can't you see"! George McCorkle is no stranger to writing hits either. His "Fire on the Mountain" was the Tucker Band's very first top 40 hit. To this day, their videos are aired on VH1 classics, their songs are played on both Classic Rock and country stations. Their contributions to Rock and Country are undeniable. The Marshall Tucker Band was actually considered the "Good Guys" of the Southern Rock Genre. Their strong work ethic, professional demeanor, and pleasant personalities are probably what earned them this title.
The band has been called one of the hardest working bands of all time. In 1974 the band played over 300 shows. Most years, the band played over 200 shows. This is completely unheard of now days. To top it all off, the band would write, record, and tour at this pace. Charlie Daniels once said the tour he did with MTB was one of the most grueling he had ever done. To this day surviving members maintain this kind of work ethic. Doug Gray still tours almost non-stop as Marshall Tucker Band. George McCorkle, writes, records, and performs daily. Paul, teaches, performs, and runs a Drum Stick company.
The passion and heart of this band can only be described as humbling. The band has always been involved with several charities and always were willing to use their stardom to help others. Their talent on the other hand can only be described as the stuff of Legend! I used to believe their were two types of musicians, beginning and advanced. I had heard lots of people use the word "legend" when describing musicians. But, I had never understood what the label meant. But, as a guitarist myself, watching George and Toy taught me the meaning of the word "Legends". Toy's talent was very obvious as he was the primary lead player. What a lot of folks don't know, is that George McCorkle is an incredible guitarist himself. However, he just always felt comfortable as the Tucker Band Rhythm guitarist.
Tragically, April 28, 1980 Tommy Caldwell passed away due to injuries sustained in a jeep accident. The band struggled with the question of continuing. They did, but things would never be quite the same. In the Fall of 1983 the band played it's final show together. Each musician went on to pursue solo efforts.
Sadly, Toy Caldwell also passed away in 1993.
The purpose of this site is to honor the memory of a truly "legendary" band. It is also here to hopefully encourage the band's induction to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. To hopefully, give the band the Rainbow they so desperately worked for.
On a personal note: The Marshall Tucker Band wrote the soundtrack to my life. I have listened to the music for decades. I have had posters of them, records. I never dreamed I would be honored with knowing some of the guys and their families. Their music, and now their friendship has helped me get thru good times and bad. For God's sake "Can't you see" that they deserve to be honored with induction to the hall of fame.
Please browse the site then sign the Petition....
Whether you are a die hard Tucker Head or not you have to agree they deserve to be inducted.