The South Carolina piano tuner after whom the Southern rockers of the Marshall Tucker Band named their group has died. Cocaine caused the death of former Marshall Tucker Band leader Toy T. Caldwell Jr., Spartanburg County Coroner Jim Burnett ruled Thursday. The bands namesake yes, there really was a Marshall Tucker died on Jan. 20, 2023, at the age of 99. With his older brother Toy, he formed the southern rock band the Marshall Tucker Band in 1973 and played bass and was its original frontman until his death in 1980. My name will always be associated with the Marshall Tucker Band and Im proud it is, Caldwell told The Associated Press last fall. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, He'd always stand there and he remembered the words of 'Running Like The Wind' and 'Fly Like An Eagle' and all of those kinds of things because they meant more to him than it did to me. In 2007, they released their newest studio album "The Next Adventure.". The Marshall Tucker Band is an American rock band from Spartanburg, South Carolina.Noted for incorporating blues, country, and jazz into an eclectic sound, the Marshall Tucker Band helped establish the Southern rock genre in the early 1970s. The Marshall Tucker Band continue to celebrate five decades since its inception with more dates of their 50th Anniversary tour, in 2023. Thanks to hits like Cant You See, Heard It in a Love Song, Fire on the Mountain, 24 Hours At a Time, and Take the Highway, the 5x Gold, 3x Platinum-selling Southern Rock group has sold millions of albums worldwide. In 1984 Toy Caldwell, George McCorkle . Marshall Tucker Band ConcertMarshall Tucker Band performs in front of crowd of 5,500 in downtown Spartanburg. Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. Marshall Tucker Band guitarist Stuart Swanlund died in his sleep at home in Chicago August 4th, The Associated Press reports. 14 on the Billboard charts. Well, there wont be another one, man.. And though Doug Gray was officially the lead singer (and is currently the only . person will not be tolerated. Charlie Daniels' decorated career as a singer, song writer, guitarist, and fiddler spanned several decades. [16] Carolina Dreams, released in 1977 and certified platinum that same year, proved to be the band's most commercially successful album, and included the track "Heard It in a Love Song," which reached No. The Marshall Tucker Band performs on Thursday, Feb. 10 at the Fox Theatre; 211 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-471-7000; 313presents.com. ADVERTISEMENT. Keep it Clean. The Marshall Tucker Band had just returned home from a concert they recorded for broadcast on the King Biscuit Flower Hour when Tommy Caldwells Land Cruiser clipped a parked 1965 Ford Galaxy on April 22, 1980, in Spartanburg. Arts and Events Center Don't knowingly lie about anyone Our feature story on the band and their development. Tommy Caldwell described the Marshall Tucker Band's music as progressive country, explaining that the band played country music structures and riffs combined with jazz improvisation upon which more complex structures were built from the country music foundation. Tucker's name became synonymous with the Southern Rock Band, but he was never part of the group. 75 on 24 September 1977). Me and my brother have been playing together forever and, when thats over, were going home. The pair had been playing music together since Tommy was 7, and Toy was 9. They took their name from a hometown piano tuner in the cotton-mill city f Spartanburg, S.C., and set about recording five gold-selling albums (including four in a row starting in 1973) and the platinum smash Carolina Dreams before the end of the 70s. Duval said her father's disability never stopped him from learning and trying new things, and she never thought of her father as blind. "He loved people and could talk to anybody about anything. He loved watching people and people listening to what he did. In 1966, he reported for recruit training at Parris Island, South Carolina. In 1972, they signed with Capricorn Records, the same . They saw the name on a key ring where they used to rehearse and decided it would make a good name for their band. Original lead singer Doug Gray still fronts the band. "Marshall was blind since birth but amazingly could play the heck out of the piano. He described Caldwell as the most jovial, bighearted human being., The Marshall Tucker Band had seven gold and two platinum albums, peaking in the mid-1970s with songs such as Heard It in a Love Song, Cant You See and This Ol Cowboy.. Tickets available t https://t.co/cV1LQZJxmo, Answer in the comments https://t.co/ZOEtHA6UrH, If I die at 23, won't you bury me in the sunshine? I cannot imagine the pain he was in after his brothers deaths. Lead singer Doug Gray (third from left) is the only original member left in The Marshall Tucker Band. "Our band's namesake, Mr. Marshall Tucker, passed away peacefully yesterday morning at the age of 99.". Tickets are available at Ticketmaster. You knew what you were getting on the A side, that square of chocolate. The Instagram post also said "Marshall was blind since . "They know the words better than I do. Threats of harming another Survivors include his father, Toy T. Caldwell Sr.; and two daughters, Cassady Good Caldwell and Toy Geneal Caldwell. No cause of death has been revealed. Your data will be safe!Your e-mail address will not be published. Borden. Caldwell married his wife Abbie on September 12, 1969. In the early fall of 1973 Marshall Tucker Band was still a young and hungry group out to prove themselves every time they hit the stage. SPARTANBURG, S.C. (AP) _ Toy T. Caldwell Jr., former lead guitar player and singer for the Marshall Tucker Band, died Thursday, and the cause was under investigation, a coroner said. We had the commonality of having all grown up together in Spartanburg, explains Gray about his original MTB bandmates, guitar wizard Toy Caldwell and his brother, bassist Tommy Caldwell, alongside rhythm guitarist George McCorkle, drummer Paul T. Riddle, and flautist/saxophonist Jerry Eubanks. Caldwell had a lightning fast thumb on guitar, McCorkle said. 0. Don't Threaten. "Five decades of the Marshall Tucker Band sometimes it's still hard to understand," said MTB lead singer and founding member Doug Gray, when the run was first announced. "Marshall was blind since birth but amazingly could play the heck out of the piano. ", VIDEO: Marshall Tucker Band performs in Spartanburg. We are thankful for Mr. Marshall Tucker and the life he lived! [8][9][10] Nevertheless, a toxicologist's report found that the cause of death was a cardiac arrest brought on by cocaine use.[11]. By the age of sixteen, Caldwell was passionate about music, sports, and his other obsession, motorcycles. However, the "new" band has been together 25 years, whereas the original group lasted just . [25], Remembering the early years in 2012 Doug Grey describes the band as being like ''a bowl of soup like your mom would cook. [25] Billboard charts have categorized the band as country, blues and adult contemporary. Four years later, Toy Caldwell, McCorkle and Riddle retired, leaving . Under license to Marshall Tucker Entertainment Inc.#The. They signed with Capricorn Records and released their first album in 1973, The Marshall Tucker Band. Toy Caldwell was the group's lead guitarist and main songwriter.[3]. (Marshall Tucker recently passed away, READ HERE). While the band had reached the height of its commercial success by the end of the decade, it has recorded and performed continuously under various line . Then tragedy struck. He loved playing in front of people, McCorkle said. Toy Talmadge Caldwell Jr. Toy Talmadge Caldwell Jr., a founding member of the Marshall Tucker Band, died in his sleep on Wednesday at his home in Moore, S.C. Through tragedy, various lineup changes and more have happened with the band, but it has now spanned a half-century. Photo: Mariah Gray. Last fall he released his debut album, Toy Caldwell, a mix of rock n roll, country, blues and pop with a lyrical thread of romantic entanglements. After 15 years with the band, Caldwell left in 1985 to begin a solo career. His last performance with the band was on April 18, 1980. The six founding members of Marshall Tucker were, brothers Tommy and Toy Caldwell on bass and lead guitar, rhythm guitarist George McCorkle, drummer Paul T. Riddle, lead singer Doug Gray and Jerry Eubanks on flute and saxophone. One of the major Southern rock bands of the '70s, the Marshall Tucker Band was formed in Spartanburg, SC, in 1971 by singer Doug Gray, guitarist Toy Caldwell (born 1948, died February 25, 1993), his brother bassist Tommy Caldwell (born 1950, died April 28, 1980), guitarist George McCorkle (born 1947, died June 29th, 2007), drummer Paul Riddle, and reed player Jerry Eubanks. The only original member of the MTB is the lead singer and honestly he doesn't have much voice left. "And we didn't realise this until five years ago, that the . We are just regular people. The Return of the Museum Ball, Photos: Huntington wins sectional championship, Photos: Cabell Midland vs. Spring Valley, boys basketball, Photos: Wayne advances to state tournament with 53-27 win over Winfield, Photos: WV State High School Wrestling Tournament, Friday, Photos: Boys basketball sectional final, Fairland vs. Nelsonville-York, Photos: America's Best Restaurants visits Savannah's Bistro, Photos: Guyandotte Neighborhood Association packages PPE for first responders, Photos: Neurodiversity Alliance kick-off at Marshall University, Photos: Burlington Black History Bus Tour, Tweets from https://twitter.com/heralddispatch/lists/hd-news-4. An autopsy was scheduled for Friday, Burnett said. One thing we absolutely know for sure: If you heard it in a Marshall Tucker Band song, it certainly cant be wrong. Comment, ta https://t.co/2nlVxXHJwa, South Carolina Governor Proclaims Marshall Tucker Band Day Across The State, The Marshall Tucker Band - Celebrating 50 Years Of Southern Rock, Celebrating 50 years, Marshall Tucker Band to play free concert in downtown Spartanburg, Southern rockers Marshall Tucker Band to celebrate 50th anniversary with Ryman show. Caldwell decided to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. Later it came to light that Marshall Tucker, the blind piano tuner, had tuned a piano in that rented space before the band and his name was inscribed on the key. [33] The band's 1979 album Running Like the Wind features a pop rock and jazz fusion sound. He was a member of the band from its formation up until 1983. However, some band members have said over the years without Tucker there would have never been a band by that name. Feb 24 Rutland, VT Paramount Theatre Marshall Tucker, a blind piano tuner who hailed from South Carolina, died on Friday (Jan. 20) at the age of 99. Jan 29 San Ramon, CA Dougherty Valley PAC Bizzle's BBQ fills niche with wood-smoked fare, WV businesswomen see company gain national recognition, Lovely a good-looking player for South Point, South Gallia girls make history on basketball court, Boys basketball sectional semifinals: Midland makes it 'one of those games', America's Best Restaurants films episode at Savannah's Bistro, University presidents respond after Justice signs campus carry bill, Photos: At Last! Create a password that only you will remember. In fact, The Charlie Daniels Band has played more dates with The Marshall Tucker Band over the past years than any other band weve ever worked with. [13] Daniels and blues guitarist Elvin Bishop were among several musicians that joined the band for Where We All Belong,[14] a double-album (one studio album and one live album) released by the band in 1974 and certified gold that same year. In recent years, they toured with acts like Charlie Daniels and Travis Tritt. Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images. Main songwriter Toy Caldwell only contributed three songs to each of the two albums, both released in 1983; Just Us and Greetings from South Carolina. SPARTANBURG, S.C. (AP) _ Toy T. Caldwell Jr., former lead guitar player and singer for the Marshall Tucker Band, died Thursday, and the cause was under investigation, a coroner said. With mroe than 30 dates, the run kicks off at Delta Downs Racetrack, Hotel & Casino in Vinton, Louisiana, on February 11th . Named for a blind South Carolinian who tuned pianos, the group kept . He was 99. Having them open for us on all those dates was like a dream come true, and theyre still as good as Ive ever seen them. Swanlund, a South Carolina . Original lead singer Doug Gray still fronts the band. May 25-28 Axton, VA Rooster Walk If you heard it, then you were fortunate enough to catch it. Though he never played in the Marshall Tucker Band, Tucker, who died on Jan. 20, was an important part of the rockers' history. The Marshall Tucker Band are mourning the loss of the man who lent their group his name. March 3, 2023 UTC. Caldwell's body was found by his wife, Abbie Good Caldwell, at their home in Moore, about 80 miles northwest of Columbia, said Bill Doble, vice president of music for Cabin Fever Entertainment, for whom Caldwell . (Photo credit: Erika Goldring/WireImage) Dad's funeral was July 10th, and I saw many old friends of dad's that I had not seen in many years. Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. You can't deny any of them. Five decades of the Marshall Tucker Band sometimes its still hard to understand, said MTB lead singer and founding member Doug Gray, when the run was first announced. Last fall he released his debut album, Toy Caldwell, a mix of rock n roll, country, blues and pop with a lyrical thread of romantic entanglements. By Rachel DeSantis. "Most of our fans who come to Spartanburg don't even know there's a monumental thing like . The concert is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. and will be free to attend. Earlier in January, the band kicked off their 50th anniversary tour. In the late 1960s, four of the bandmembers served in the U.S. Armed Forces;[8][9][10] Toy Caldwell was in the USMC, and received a Purple Heart after being wounded in Vietnam. "He's just a great guy, so kind all the time, and I'd call just to cheer him up when he was sick.". Martin Duffy #42: He died aged 55 years 7 months : . June 9 will now be Marshall Tucker Band Day across the Palmetto State. [5] Music historian Joel Whitburn erroneously attributes "Marshall Tucker" to the owner of the band's rehearsal hall in his book Top Pop Singles, 1955-2002. He would not elaborate. Marshall Tucker, a blind piano tuner who hailed from South Carolina, died on Friday (Jan. 20) at the age of 99. [17], In 1992, the Marshall Tucker Band produced its first album for the Cabin Fever label, Still Smokin'. Its truly an amazing journey weve been on for the past 50 years, Cincinnati! Forming in the early 1970s in Spartanburg, S.C., the original Marshall Tucker Band consisted of world-renowned guitarist Toy Caldwell, his brother Tommy Caldwell on bass, George McCorkle on guitar, Paul Riddle on drums, Jerry Eubanks on flute and saxophone and Doug Gray on lead vocals. Spartanburg County Coroner Jim Burnett said Caldwell visited a doctor Wednesday complaining of a headache, coughing and congestion. I was born with that. "[14] In August 1979, the band played at Knebworth Festival in England. I think thats something important for people to hear. While very involved in sports, the boys eventually became interested in music including jazz and blues. Jethro Tulls Thick As a Brick: Concept LP or Parody of One? Marshall Tucker , the namesake of the musical group, died on Jan. 20 at the age of 99. We'll send breaking news and news alerts to you as they happen! [21][23][27][28][29][30] The band's music has also been categorized as blues rock,[25] country rock,[27] jazz rock,[27] and as a "proto-jam band". When you know that people like that love you, that's just as important as the guy that's down the street drinking that beer and saying, 'This ole beer gut I got isn't getting any smaller.' The Marshall Tucker Band had just returned home from a concert they recorded for broadcast on the King Biscuit Flower Hour when Tommy Caldwell's Land Cruiser clipped a parked . "We are saddened to hear of the passing of someone very special to our hearts, for obvious reasons," theywrite on Saturday (Jan. [26], The band's eclectic musical style has predominantly been categorized as Southern rock. Gray is the only remaining original member in The Marshall Tucker Band. Always give no matter what. In 2004, they released another studio album, Beyond the Horizon, and the following year released a Christmas album, Carolina Christmas. Whatever was in the refrigerator was all thrown in there, and however it tasted was what it was.'' 2 minutes to read. or anything. Mar 09 Patchogue, NY Patchogue Theatre Take the Highway was also used in the movie. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing. The Marshall Tucker Band had its hot streak in the 1970s. Toy played basketball and football in high school with friends George McCorkle, Jerry Eubanks, and Doug Gray. SPARTANBURG, S.C. (AP) _ Toy T. Caldwell Jr., former lead guitar player and singer for the Marshall Tucker Band, died Thursday, and the cause was under investigation, a coroner said. "I lost a brother just yesterday, not a real brother but a 'brother' brother out in California, and he was a Christian biker," Gray added. Even after all these years after the tragedies, the miles, the personnel changes, and the many developments in the music business. Daniels added that he never got tired of seeing his MTB brothers on the road: Whenever Doug Gray walks into my dressing room with that big ol smile of his and then we hug each other and sit and talk for a while, the evening is complete., I remember seeing Marshall Tucker and The Outlaws play together in Jacksonville many years ago, when I was just a kid, recalls Lynyrd Skynyrd lead singer Johnny Van Zant. Caldwells body was found by his wife, Abbie Good Caldwell, at their home in Moore, about 80 miles northwest of Columbia, said Bill Doble, vice president of music for Cabin Fever Entertainment, for whom Caldwell recorded. They were just so cool and so unique that I fell in love with the band, and I also fell in love with the music. Younger brother Tommy Caldwell joined in 1973 when Wilkie left and the band became the Marshall Tucker Band. [7], The original members (and some later members) of the Marshall Tucker Band had been playing in various line-ups under different band names around the Spartanburg area since the early 1960s. His brothers, Tommy, bass guitar player for the Marshall Tucker Band, and Timmy died in separate auto accidents about 13 years ago. Marshall Tucker, the blind South Carolina piano tuner whose name was adopted by The Marshall Tucker Band, has died. Technically they're still around; lead singer Doug Gray is the only original member still in the band. The physician says he cant certify the cause and manner of death and has asked our office to investigate, Burnett said. He later formed the Toy Caldwell Band and released an eponymous CD in 1992; the record was later renamed Son of the South by Southern country rocker and Caldwell's personal friend, Charlie Daniels. Tucker also served as the president for the National Federation of the Blind in South Carolina and worked on legislation for blind residents. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. Celebrating 50 years, Marshall Tucker Band to play free concert in downtown Spartanburg. They are all good. In one month from today, The Marshall Tucker Band will be performing at @Hardrock_Cincy on Friday, Marc https://t.co/ISdPxaa4n4, Our buddy Champ (age 10) on stage at Oak Mountain Amphitheater in Birmingham, Alabama. And the rest is history. But when singer Doug Gray looks out at the audiences at . Toy decided to leave the band. These days, it is original singer Doug Gray who is keeping the Marshall Tucker train rolling. Music video by The Marshall Tucker Band performing Can't You See (Audio). Though the Marshall Tucker band have always been primarily a rock band, they have had country connections throughout their career. Sending blessings to his wife and family.. The physician says he cant certify the cause and manner of death and has asked our office to investigate, Burnett said. Noted for incorporating blues, country, and jazz into an eclectic sound, the Marshall Tucker Band helped establish the Southern rock genre in the early 1970s. Great memories from this day https://t.co/wqGdhxtqPH, Kearney, NE! Our bands namesake, Mr. Marshall Tucker, passed away peacefully yesterday morning at the age of 99. The Marshall Tucker Band's Music Trail sign can be found at the edge of Morgan Square directly across from Wild Wing Cafe near where West Main Street intersects with Church Street. The Marshall Tucker Band Current and former members page, "Blind piano tuner turns talent into a key business", "Obituaries in Spartanburg, SC | Spartanburg Herald-Journal", "Marshall Tucker Band to Entertain Troops in Iraq & Kuwait", "Toy Caldwell Jr., 45, a Founder of the Marshall Tucker Band", "Led Zeppelin | Official Website Knebworth Festival - August 11, 1979", "Marshall Tucker Band - A New Life (Review) - Southern Rock Brasil", "The Marshall Tucker Band Brings Southern Rock To The Paramount", "50 Rock Albums Every Country Fan Should Own", "The Marshall Tucker Band | Biography, Albums, Streaming Links", "The Marshall Tucker Band - The Marshall Tucker Band | Songs, Reviews, Credits", "Live on Long Island: 4-18-80 - The Marshall Tucker Band | Songs, Reviews, Credits", "MTB's singer Doug Gray is still searchin' For a rainbow", "GloryDazeMusic.com | AOR and Melodic Rock", "The Marshall Tucker Band: Southern jam kings", "Op-Ed: Marshall Tucker Band puts on the best southern rock show of 2017", "The Marshall Tucker Band Brings its Southern Rock to Talking Stick Resort Showroom", "The Marshall Tucker Band - Searchin For A Rainbow", "A New Life - The Marshall Tucker Band | Songs, Reviews, Credits", "Swampland:Marshall Tucker Band: Where We All Belong", "Tenth - The Marshall Tucker Band | Songs, Reviews, Credits", "CMT: Videos: The Marshall Tucker Band: Driving You Out of My Mind", "CMT: Videos: The Marshall Tucker Band: Down We Go", Swampland's Legends of Southern Rock, Marshall Tucker, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Marshall_Tucker_Band&oldid=1142689408, This page was last edited on 3 March 2023, at 21:23. Though he was never a member of our band, we wouldnt be here today without his historic name. It was just a freak accident, Moon Mullins, a crew member for the band, said later. George McCorkle, a founding member of the Marshall Tucker Band, said he and Caldwell grew up in Spartanburg and played music after school. The group will perform those hits and more along the Ohio River when they take the stage tonight as part of Huntington Rib and Music Fest at Harris Riverfront Park. He was 60. Doug Gray, lead singer and a founder of the Marshall Tucker Band, shows his uniform from his service in the Vietnam War. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Use the 'Report' link on Feb 11 Vinton, LA Delta Downs Racetrack, Hotel & Casino Noted for incorporating blues, country, and jazz into an eclectic sound, the Marshall Tucker Band helped establish the Southern rock genre in the early 1970s. A typically rich MTB setlist is bubbling over The song was named the #1 greatest Southern Rock song ever recorded by Ultimate Classic Rock with Sweet Home Alabama as runner-up. He co-founded the Marshall . They are good memories.. [1] A founding member of the band, Caldwell remained with the group until 1983. We love you brother and we always will. He loved watching people and people listening to what he did. The Marshall Tucker Band is one such group that continues to have a profound level of impact on successive generations of listeners who've been . He and a few blind friends would go to Columbia to discuss politics for blind people. Get concert info and buy tickets to The Marshall Tucker Band's upcoming concert at Wildwood Springs Lodge in Steelville on Oct 28, 2023, all at Bandsintown. Caldwell was born November 13, 1947, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, to Mr. and Mrs. Toy Talmadge Caldwell Sr. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster. "In the early days when we were rehearsing in an old house in Spartanburg [S.C.], we found a keychain inscribed with his name. Youll find me back in the country in South Carolina. It got to the point where people were listening to me more than what was on the jukebox! Among his songwriting credits is the anthem Cant You See, which he sang at the FarmAid concert last year in Dallas and at the Charlie Daniels Band Volunteer Jam in Nashville. Marshall Tucker's lead singer, Doug Gray, says the lyrics are timeless, and still resonate today. AllRightsReserved. Doble said Caldwell, 45, had been ill with influenza and bronchitis. Marshall Tucker Death - Marshall Tucker, Famous Piano turning legend and namesake of Marshall Tucker Band has sadly passed away. Among his songwriting credits is the anthem Cant You See, which he sang at the FarmAid concert last year in Dallas and at the Charlie Daniels Band Volunteer Jam in Nashville. Low around 35F. By 1984, hed left the Marshall Tucker Band, creating a huge hole as the group lost its lead guitarist, vocalist on Cant You See and principal songwriter. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. He was just a good, Christian man.". The framework for Marshall Tuckers music is more like a spaceship than a house, Gray continues, because you can look out of a lot of windows and see a variety of things that show where weve been and what weve done, and how weve travelled through time to bring those experiences out in all of our songs., The Marshall Tucker Bands influence can be felt far and wide through many respected contemporaries and the artists whove followed the path forged by their collective footsteps and footstomps.