The GRITZ Mail Bag: July 25, 2009

TUCKER TALE
Hi Michael,  we don't know each other but I grew up next door to the Caldwells. Toy and Tommy were a few years older than I and they both looked after me like big brothers do.  Toy always wanted to make sure that I had a good job,  so when I graduated from high school in 1977,  I went to work for him at his arabian horse farm (Southern Music Farms) with little brother Tim.

The band was in full swing about this time,  so you can imagine how great a job it was for me,  an 18 year old,  working for Toy Caldwell of the famous Marshall Tucker Band,  it was an awesome experience.

Anyway,  after Tim died,  Toy started getting out of the horse business.  I went to work for the IATSE (International Allience of Theatrical and Stage Employees)  working concerts, movies and plays around the country.  One night shortly after Tommy died,  I was working with the CDB and Toy and Abbie were backstage.  Toy played a few songs with Charlie,  and Abbie told me the band was getting ready to go out on the road for the first time without Tommy,  and Toy wanted me to come to work for the band.  Puff was leaving to start his own business and he wanted to train me to do his job of taking care of Paul mostly.

 Well Chuck McCorkle started to work also on this new tour, taking care of dressing rooms and guitars.  Chuck one time told me that everywhere he went,  when he told someone his name,  they would always say...."Chuck McCorkle" hmmm... you're George McCorkle"s brother aren't you?  He became known not as Chuck,  but George's brother.  He really didn't mind,  but it was funny nonetheless.  Well one day on a flight to the next show Chuck was sitting next to me on the plane when we hatched a plan.  We got the stewardess to go up to George and act all impressed to meet him,  she said "I know you,  you're...hmmmm...you're...."  about that time George said "I'm George McCorkle of the....." she interupted and said "Oh I know,  you're George McCorkle,  Chuck's brother aren't you?"   George turn red and then slowly turned to look at us.  We all had a good laugh.

What brought this to my mind was when I read your article about Chuck's death,  at Swampland,   where you stated in the title......"Chuck McCorkle, Brother of The Late George McCorkle".

Sorry for such a long story but thanks for reading anyway.......

Lance Long
Spartanburg, SC

Great story, Lance! Thanks for sharing. - Buff


SOUTHERN ROCK FAN
Michael
I really enjoy reading about all the old Southern Rock bands and seeing the pictures too. There's so much I'ved learned about the bands since I joined Legends of Southern Rock. I have always have always been a fan of Southern Rock. I would like to get Tammy VanZants CD since I am a fan of Lynyrd Skynyrd. Thanks for all the information. Thanks for keeping S outhern Rock alive.

Mitch Keeton  (via FACEBOOK)

Thanks Mitch! - Buff


BEACON BROTHERS
Buffalo
I have been meaning to write since March. I just wanted to thank you for the nightly reviews of The Beacon shows. For us po boys, it was like being there. You are a hell of a writer my friend. Keep up the good work.

Sincerely,
Jake The Snake, Chicago (Cubs rule!)

Thank you Jake, and thanks for the support and kind words. -Buff

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