38 Special
38 Special: A Journey of Resilience and Rock 'n' Roll
Emerging from the vibrant music scene of Jacksonville, Florida, in the late 1970s, 38 Special embarked on a musical journey that would leave an indelible mark on the annals of rock history. Led by the charismatic frontmen Don Barnes and Donnie Van Zant, the band's sound blended elements of Southern rock, country, and blues, creating a unique and infectious musical tapestry.
Early Success and Challenges:
38 Special's debut album, "38 Special," released in 1977, showcased their raw talent and infectious energy. The album's hit single, "Hold On Loosely," catapulted the band to national recognition. However, their success was not without its challenges. In 1980, founding member Donnie Van Zant was tragically killed in a plane crash, leaving an immense void in the band.
Rise to Stardom:
Undeterred, 38 Special regrouped and released a series of albums that cemented their status as one of the most popular bands of the 1980s. With hits like "Rockin' into the Night," "Caught Up in You," and "Second Chance," the band became a staple on radio airwaves and in concert halls across the country.
Second Chance:
The song "Second Chance," released in 1989, became a defining moment in 38 Special's career. Its poignant lyrics and soaring melody resonated with audiences, earning the band their first Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. The song not only became a fan favorite but also served as a testament to the band's resilience and ability to overcome adversity.
Controversies and Internal Struggles:
38 Special's journey was not without its controversies. In the early 1990s, the band faced accusations of sexual harassment, leading to the departure of founding member Larry Junstrom. Additionally, internal conflicts and creative differences within the band led to a period of instability and lineup changes.
Later Years and Legacy:
Despite these challenges, 38 Special continued to record and perform throughout the 1990s and beyond. They released several more albums, including "Resolution" (1997) and "Drivetrain" (1999), which showcased their enduring musical spirit. In 2014, the band was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, a testament to their lasting impact on the music industry.
Today,
38 Special continues to perform and record, albeit with a slightly different lineup. Don Barnes remains the driving force behind the band, and he is joined by long-time members Danny Chauncey, Gary Moffatt, and Bobby Capps. The band's live shows are a testament to their infectious energy and their unwavering commitment to their fans.
Discography:
* 38 Special (1977)
* Special Delivery (1978)
* Wild-Eyed Southern Boys (1979)
* Rockin' into the Night (1980)
* Caught Up in You (1982)
* Strength in Numbers (1984)
* Tour de Force (1985)
* Flashback (1987)
* Rock & Roll Strategy (1988)
* Bone Against Bone (1991)
* Resolution (1997)
* Drivetrain (1999)
* A Wild-Eyed Christmas Night (2001)
* New York City (2006)
* No Place Like Home (2018)
Members:
* Don Barnes - Lead Vocals, Guitar
* Donnie Van Zant - Lead Vocals, Guitar (1977-1980)
* Larry Junstrom - Bass Guitar (1977-1991)
* Danny Chauncey - Keyboards, Vocals
* Gary Moffatt - Guitar, Vocals
* Bobby Capps - Drums, Vocals
Emerging from the vibrant music scene of Jacksonville, Florida, in the late 1970s, 38 Special embarked on a musical journey that would leave an indelible mark on the annals of rock history. Led by the charismatic frontmen Don Barnes and Donnie Van Zant, the band's sound blended elements of Southern rock, country, and blues, creating a unique and infectious musical tapestry.
Early Success and Challenges:
38 Special's debut album, "38 Special," released in 1977, showcased their raw talent and infectious energy. The album's hit single, "Hold On Loosely," catapulted the band to national recognition. However, their success was not without its challenges. In 1980, founding member Donnie Van Zant was tragically killed in a plane crash, leaving an immense void in the band.
Rise to Stardom:
Undeterred, 38 Special regrouped and released a series of albums that cemented their status as one of the most popular bands of the 1980s. With hits like "Rockin' into the Night," "Caught Up in You," and "Second Chance," the band became a staple on radio airwaves and in concert halls across the country.
Second Chance:
The song "Second Chance," released in 1989, became a defining moment in 38 Special's career. Its poignant lyrics and soaring melody resonated with audiences, earning the band their first Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. The song not only became a fan favorite but also served as a testament to the band's resilience and ability to overcome adversity.
Controversies and Internal Struggles:
38 Special's journey was not without its controversies. In the early 1990s, the band faced accusations of sexual harassment, leading to the departure of founding member Larry Junstrom. Additionally, internal conflicts and creative differences within the band led to a period of instability and lineup changes.
Later Years and Legacy:
Despite these challenges, 38 Special continued to record and perform throughout the 1990s and beyond. They released several more albums, including "Resolution" (1997) and "Drivetrain" (1999), which showcased their enduring musical spirit. In 2014, the band was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, a testament to their lasting impact on the music industry.
Today,
38 Special continues to perform and record, albeit with a slightly different lineup. Don Barnes remains the driving force behind the band, and he is joined by long-time members Danny Chauncey, Gary Moffatt, and Bobby Capps. The band's live shows are a testament to their infectious energy and their unwavering commitment to their fans.
Discography:
* 38 Special (1977)
* Special Delivery (1978)
* Wild-Eyed Southern Boys (1979)
* Rockin' into the Night (1980)
* Caught Up in You (1982)
* Strength in Numbers (1984)
* Tour de Force (1985)
* Flashback (1987)
* Rock & Roll Strategy (1988)
* Bone Against Bone (1991)
* Resolution (1997)
* Drivetrain (1999)
* A Wild-Eyed Christmas Night (2001)
* New York City (2006)
* No Place Like Home (2018)
Members:
* Don Barnes - Lead Vocals, Guitar
* Donnie Van Zant - Lead Vocals, Guitar (1977-1980)
* Larry Junstrom - Bass Guitar (1977-1991)
* Danny Chauncey - Keyboards, Vocals
* Gary Moffatt - Guitar, Vocals
* Bobby Capps - Drums, Vocals