The 100 Defining Moments in Southern Rock: Part Five
by Michael Buffalo Smith
And we continue....
28. “Stompin’ Room Only” Released (2003) The “Holy Grail” for Marshall Tucker Band fans, these live recordings from the mid-1970’s have been sought after for years by fans. Originally slated to be released by Capricorn, the album took 28 years to see the light of day. In 2003 Shout! Factory released the Paul Hornsby produced album, and Toy and Tommy fans rejoiced.
27. Duane at FAME (1968) Duane Allman asked FAME Studios exec Rick Hall if he had any session work. Hall said not right now, and Duane said okay, and that he would just pitch a tent in the parking lot, and when some work came up, Rick could let him know. It wasn’t long before Duane got his shot, playing on Wilson Pickett’s Hey Jude LP. After that, the rest is history, as Allman played on many great records by Aretha Franklin, King Curtis, Delaney & Bonnie, Boz Scaggs and many others, cementing his legacy.
26. Kid Rock brings Dickey Betts on tour (2008) Kid Rock’s Rock and Roll Revival tour of January, 2008 featured Rev. Run from Run DMC, Pater Wolf from J. Geils Band and Dickey Betts from The Allman Brothers, bringing Dickey’s great music to a whole new audience.
25. Toy Caldwell Dies at Home (Feb 25, 1993)The legendary guitarist and primary songwriter for The Marshall Tucker Band died at home in Spartanburg, SC at the age of 45 from resperatory problems. The world lost a one of a kind guitar picker and human being.
24. Shorty Medlocke (1970’s) A Florida musician and the Grandfather of Rick Medlocke of Blackfoot and Skynyrd. Shorty was a major influence on the Blackfoot Band, and played harp at the opening of “Train, Train,” a song he wrote. He also co-wrote “Fox Chase” and “Rattlesnake Rock and Roller.”
23. “The Swampers” Immortalized in a Skynyrd Song (1974) The Muscle Shoals Swampers, the studio band during the sixties and seventies that dominated Shoals recordings, received a shout out from Ronnie Van Zant and Lynyrd Skynyrd in the band’s ever popular song.
22. One More From The Road- Lynyrd Skynyrd (1976) The now legendary double live Skynyrd LP produced by Tom Dowd gave us the definitive live version of “Free Bird.”
21. Fire On The Mountain- The Charlie Daniels Band (1975) The album that put Charlie over the top, with hits “Long Haired Country Boy” and “The South’s Gonna Do it Again,” the original also included a bonus disc of live music from the first Volunteer Jam, an item that is highly sought after by collectors today.
20. The Marshall Tucker Band First Album Debuts on WORD Radio (1973) Growing up in Spartanburg, SC, our local AM rock station was the main source of rock and roll entertainment. Billy Mac followed up his January 1, 1973 count down of the top 100 of the year with the debut playing (by anyone) of the Tucker album and an in studio chat with the band members. They guys were off and running.
19. Duane and the Dead (Feb 11, 1970) The Grateful Dead rocked the Fillmore East with some heavy special guests. The jam on “Dark Star" with Duane Allman, Peter Green and Arthur Lee from Love is legendary. During “Turn On Your Lovelight" Butch Trucks got on Mickey's drum kit, Mickey played percussion, Barry Oakley played second bass, Peter Green and Duane Allman played guitar, and Gregg Allman joined in on organ and vocals. Pigpen and Gregg traded off vocals. Classic.
18. Highway Call (1974) Dickey (as Richard) Betts put out a classic album filled with country music that remains one of The Buffalo’s all time favorites, featuring Vassar Clements, The Rambos, Johnny Sandlin and more. The perfect bookend with Gregg’s Laid Back that same year.
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