Marshall Tucker, The Outlaws, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Molly Hatchet, Allman Brothers, Charlie Daniels, ...Good Stuff. Glad I was there when it all happened. "Can't You See" is a true classic in every sense of the word.
Toy was one of the most underrated guitarists of all time. Listen to his guitar in Can't You See it is astonishing. He is one of my favorite guitarists of all time.
Actually george McCorkle was the most underrated guitarist of all time..check out marshall tucker live from the garden state to see george rip that guitar to shreds
@@richardlawson6787 I still think that the best intro to any song hav're was Can't you see and that was by Toy Caldwell who even wrote the song so dispute that
This was beautifully told. Toy and Tommy are my 3rd cousins and there was a lot of information here even I didn't know since most who knew them have passed on these days. My grandfather gave me copies of the handwritten eulogies Charlie Daniels did for Tim, Tommy, and Toy when they each passed, which are among my prized possessions. I had the pleasure of seeing Doug and the current band perform 5 or 6 years ago and took the opportunity to meet him, but I wish I had gotten to see the real band in it's prime. I appreciate what you shared.
MTB .. Right up there at the top of my list of all time greatest southern R&R bands. Toy had such feeling when playing. One of my all time favorite concerts (and there were MANY) was August 26th 1977 @ Concord Pavillion.. MTB and the Outlaws. My girfriend (now my wife), my cousin and his girlfriend all got settled in for what we figured was going to be a great night, beautiful weather in the Bay Area. It most certainly was quite a night. The Outlaws opened the show and lit it up...! After a great set from them, MTB took the stage and I still remember saying Wow.. what a great set by them, how will the MTB top that!? Well they most certainly did! And not by just a little but totally blew us away! Used to go to S.F. to Fillmore West, Winterland, Kesar Stadium, Golden Gate Park, all for concerts in the mid to late 60's and early 70's... Saw the best of the best and MTB live was one of my favorites...! Only the good die young.....
First album I heard at 13 was Searchin for a Rainbow-first concert MT Searchin in Charleston. I can still see Toy playing that steele guitar. I rank this group up there with all the greatest rock bands,easy choice for me.
I lived in Spartanburg 1973-77 and I'll tell you, that town was so proud of these guys. They, along with the Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and a few others really defined Southern Rock. I was glad to be there in their heyday.
I was at Wofford from 1974 to 1978. Marshall Tucker was very popular. Every now and then I would see Toy around town, particularly at The Beacon. It was a thrill to know we had real rock stars in Spartanburg. I
The original line-up was 2nd to none. I saw them in their prime & still love & listen to their music almost every day. I met Toy & still have his hat. I miss all of them. They were extraordinary when they jammed. ❤❤❤
Loved Toy Caldwell and Tommy was my late brother's inspiration to play bass guitar. Saw these guys when nobody knew who they were in 1973 opening for the Guess Who. Blew us away. RIP Toy, Tommy, and George McCorkle. The Most Unique Southern Rock Band of all time. Their jazz/blues interludes were masterpieces
I have very happy memories of this band and its beautiful heartfelt songs. Between 1961 to 1990 I grew up in Palo Alto, near Stanford University. As a teenager and then into my 20's I remember going to see amazing bands all over the greater San Francisco Bay, ticket prices were $5 to $10 dollars for great shows at small bars, bigger clubs, then stadiums! My first concert that I saw & heard Marshall Tucker was approximately 1976 or 1977, they were part of a group of other "Southern" bands organised by "Bill Graham" at one of his Day on the Green multi band shows, at The Concord Arena in Concord, CA. It was a wonderful madness! Marshall Tucker band, Charlie Daniels, Allman Brothers, and others I can't remember right now, although I do have a box for all of my concert ticket stubs. I still play all of these timeless songs and music in 2024! The 1960's & 1970's had some fabulous musicians, and I was in the right place & right time to see so much wonderful shows. Thank you for sharing your memories and knowledge to all of us fans!
Hi Kris! If you were in "PA" in the early '70s perhaps you remember "FPFMC"...Free Peoples Free Music Company: we put on the Friday/Saturday night dances at Lytton Plaza downtown PA on Summer nights...also working with PA Parks and Recreation we put on free concerts all around PA: El Camino Park, Mountain View and Redwood City...also we did 4 big shows at Frost Amphitheater/Stanford University. Heady times for us all...lots of great, clean fun, then everyone went home...no guns, no violence, and eager to do it all again times.
Watching can't you see Marshall Tucker band 1973 black and white concert footage. IT HAS 43 MILLION VIEWS . That performance shows how great that band was in there prime.
I'm in that video! Kneeling down holding a guitar and wearing saddle shoes in a box with their friends or family members. I was 13 then and followed them for years.
One of the finest concerts I've ever seen was the OG lineup of this great band. Multiple encores etc. R.I.P. Toy, Tommy, and George your music still plays at my house.
What a great documentary. I did not know Toy, but I am a fairly close relative. Spartanburg is where our family settled after coming to America from Ireland. My mom spent 20 years writing the story of our family. That book is 1100 pages long and full of many stories of our people, including Toy. It is very nice to see him honored. Thank you.
You're very welcome Dan. I'm happy you enjoyed it. That's so cool to hear of your mother's book. 1100 pages is a huge story to write and something to really enjoy!
Met these guys at a Volunteer Jam in the 70’s. I was so impressed with Toy’s style, I fashioned my playing after Toy. He is missed and I will never forget him or the joy he brought to us guitarist.
@@anthonyfoutch3152 I’m old and can’t remember the exact date, but it was with Marshall Tucker, Outlaws, Elvin Bishop at the Municipal Auditorium in Nashville.
My people come out of South Carolina. If you are a Southerner. You know this band through and through. I am so grateful to live in the time of "The Marshall Tucker Band" Been a hellava ride. Many thanks Doc for another great video. Your the best my brother.
I wore our every album and 8 track! Still listen to their music. I especially love "In My Own Way". One of my favorite songs of all time. 70 years old and still kicking! I played in several Country/Rock bands, and Can't You See was always requested.
Thank you by me too...Father was a Lieutenant Commander aboard a minesweeper in WW2. Passed a little over 2 yrs. ago. I'm sure he would have thanked you too and accepted your thanks. Thanks and respect always to our Vets.
@@bobtheis8622 refer to grateful dead , Jefferson airplane , Jeff beck , ,list of performers with minimal top ten exposure are inducted , its just that h O f is a joke
Charlie Daniels joined MTB at the Performing Arts Center in Milwaukee for 2 nights in ‘74, recording “Where We All Belong”. Seeing and listening to that show was the best 4 bucks (at the door) I ever spent!
@@RiverDocs my fav song from MTB is Blue Ridge Mountain Sky even though that live version of 24 hours at a Time with Charlie Daniel's playing the fiddle rocks!
Can't You See and my teen years go together like steak and BBQ sauce; one can't exist without the other. And I'm a Canadian boy, from the west coast. I met Toy Caldwell at a nightclub in Vancouver in the '80s when I was about 19. It was a pre-planned date with two friends of mine who brought Toy with them. My two friends were members of a Canadian Juno Award-winning band that headlined at Vancouver's Pacific Coliseum earlier that night and the Marshall Tucker Band opened for them. Toy later told me that their roles would reverse when they played in the US, with my friends backing up the Marshall Tucker Band in the US. When I was introduced to Toy and shook his hand, I could hardly believe it. I knew this guy. He wrote and sang Can't You See. I absolutely loved that song and indeed, played it myself. The four of us sat down on stools around a tall round table which had one of those old terrycloth table cloths. We were seated shoulder-to-shoulder - Toy was to my immediate right and wearing his signature well-worn cowboy hat. And for some reason, when Toy smiled or laughed, I noticed his teeth. His teeth were in my estimation, big. I dunno. Not a criticism, just an observation which I've never forgotten. When he smiled at you, you were looking at a lot of teeth. The four of us basically just shot the shit and drank beer and tequila for quite awhile. The tequila flowed freely. Toy was fairly quiet and I had the feeling that he felt a little out of his element, being a southern boy up in Canada. But he was friendly and polite, and all-in-all, just a regular guy. No BS and no attitude. He chipped in like the rest of us and bought a couple of rounds of drinks when he felt it was his turn. I assumed that like my friends Toy was just enjoying unwinding after playing in front of 16,000 insane Canadians earlier that night. I don't remember who the band was that was playing at the nightclub, but they received word that two famous Canadians and a guy from the Marshall Tucker Band were in attendance, so they invited the three of them up to perform a song or two. They performed some songs that my friends were famous for, and then they closed out their mini-set with Toy's Can't You See, and it was electrifying. Toy's vocals and guitar work were exceptional and they really stretched that song out - to maybe 10 minutes - a three-piece power trio of all stars. The crowd went insane, and I cannot emphasize enough how amazing it was. At the time, Can't You See had been very popular in Canada for many years with bands and solo acts performing it on a regular basis. This time though, we were hearing the real deal. I was watching a man whom I greatly admired, in a small nightclub, now performing a song I loved after just sharing conversation, jokes, beer and tequila with him. We even perhaps shared a friendship, however fleeting that may have been. After that, I don't really remember much about that night, but I remember enough to know that it's a memory I will treasure for all eternity. I wish I could take you all back in a time machine so I could share it with you. Rest in peace, Toy, Tommy, and the others we've lost along the way.
Steak and BBQ sauce? Ewwwwwww! I’m from Texas a good steak needs no BBQ SAUCE!😂 Sorry, couldn’t resist! Great story though! Fire on the Mountain lighting in the air gold in them hills, and it’s waitin’ for me there! That sounds like a great experience!
Thanks for sharing this. When these guys where in there prime, they where like a freight train coming down the tracks! Toy and the band had such a big influence on southern rock or country rock. ❤
I first heard Toy play at Club Jamarta in Greenville,S.C. in 1966. His band was called The Rants and featured Toy, George McCorkle,Ross Hanna on drums, Franklin Wilkey on bass and David McCutcheon lead vocals. Brother Tommy Caldwell and Doug Gray were in a band called The New Generation and cut a record on a 45rpm called" its all over!" Two great bands and great musicians.
Wow, that's great! And long before they were discovered, would have loved to see those teenagers playing back then...I play Can't You See finger picking style on my acoustic guitar which I think Toy would like along with Dessert Skies and This Ole Cowboy and I'll Be Loving You
One of the best! “Where We All Belong” is a clear top ten live albums of all time; no question! Thanks for sharing what a tremendous talent. I sat with Toy in a small bar in Atlanta with another friend and Toy played a one man show for the two of us. I’ll never forget these guys!
No doubt where we all belong is fantastic and that version 24 hours at a time is just as good as it gets, they really kick ass on that…the studio stuff is excellent as well
Recording for that album was done over 2 nights at the Milwaukee PAC Uihlein Hall. The band played and recorded the first night. They hastily scheduled the second night to get more tape. They played the second night for reduced ticket prices for those holding ticket stubs from the previous night's show. Fortunate enough to be sitting right under one of the audience microphones. Can still hear my friends and I in the audience 2 excellent shows, and can ( kind of) relive them when I listen to the album.
I got the chance, as a local musician in CT, to perform with a band that opened for his band Toy Caldwell and the Shadowriders, after he left MTB…it was an experience meeting him as I listened to his music since I was old enough to take interest… My disappointment was watching his cocaine use literally destroy him…such an amazing talent, and such a waste of life…RIP my friend
"This Old Cowboy" is Marshall Tucker's finest song, IMHO, and I believe Paul Riddle is a large part of the reason for that. His drumming is incredible.
Loved Marshall Tucker and most of the bands of that time. What time for music and what a time to be alive. Something to keep ya going till ya need something to calm ya down. Got Many plus a few I knew, It's a miracle It didn't get me, Thanks R/D
Great band!! Always loved their music!!! Up there with the big guys!!!! One of the best shows I ever saw and I remember it like it was yesterday!! Loved his tone and I thought I was the only one who played with his thumb! When they played Can't You See it could make the hair stand up on your arms!! Terrible loss!
I really enjoyed this. The original line up were so rock solid live - caught them 2-3 times in New England. Met Toy and drove him [and Ed King!] to/from a gig in Stowe VT - an hour drive each way. He was such a nice person. Still miss them.
Saw MTB In the 70's. The power and beauty of his playing haunts me to this day. The brothers deaths are as harrowing as Barry & Duane. Miss them very much.
He was my favorite southern rock guitarist. His picking technique just blew me away. Not so much how he picked but how damn fast he could precisely wiggle that thumb back and forth!!! All of the bad luck his biological family had in such a short time is heartbreaking to talk about even today. I couldn't imagine the grief Their Mother has suffered through.
I my goodness 😭thank u for sharing that beautiful story! I have loved Marshall Tucker since First album and never knew anything about them because we didn't have internet ✌️🎶thanks now more of Bread, All if 70 groups!📱📲🎥📹💻⌨️🎙📽📡
At 63 years young this band I saw in OKC in 1976 there abouts gave me inspiration in music they played and sang perfect in my eyes and we all loved them thanks for the memories
First heard them in 1973 (was already an ABB ‘freak’ at the time), and finally saw (the rump of) the band in concert in Asheville, NC a couple years ago, warming up for the CDB. (It was Charlie’s last year, and it was amazing how good and energetic he and the band still were!). The Caldwells were sorely missed, of course, but we all stood and roared for “Fire On The Mountain” and “Can’t You See” anyway. Out of nostalgia and respect, at least. Always loved the sound of Toy’s guitar playing, especially that “chicken pickin.” Didn’t realize it was all thumb until I stumbled onto a live performance of “Can’t You See” on UA-cam a couple years ago. Amazing style and ability. Although I was familiar with much of the info, including the origin of the band’s name, this documentary is very well done and much appreciated. Thank you!
That was Great,,,I have been playing their songs seance they first came out,,my band played 5 of their songs ,,Desert Skys,was our theme song,,we played the instrumental part before our breaks,,I still play their songs sitting in my chair for my grand kid's,,, thank you so much love it
Thanks for this video. I love the original MTB and always will. Southern rock filled the air during most of my days in the 70’s, with Toy and Tommy leading the way. And today, nothing makes me feel better than listening to those great tunes Toy wrote. RIP Toy, Tommy and George. You’ll never be forgotten 😢✌🏻
The greatest live performances in Southern rock history include the ABB doing "Whipping Post" and Toy Caldwell doing "Take the Highway" jam, when those bands were in their prime.
great video, I saw original Marshall Tucker Band @ the August Jam '74 at the Charlotte motor speedway. Toy ripped the best version of "everyday I have the blues" I have ever heard & I have seen BB King 3 times '73, '86, '05. hung out on the bus with him after his show. I'm sure he would be proud of Toy's revved up version. Toy was a guitar slinger with the best of them🎸🎸🎸🎸
One of the best bands around in the seventies, I was lucky to have seen them live 7 times. But the concert that stands out to me was in Saratoga, NY with the CDB warming up. It was simulcast live on a nearby Rock Station that night, both bands played there hearts out! I think it was 1977 I was 19 yrs. old and I would say it was in my top 5 best shows I've ever saw 🎸🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶💞
I saw the Marshall Tucker Bank when I was student at the University of Georgia in 1972. The University had a large coliseum, however the sound was terrible. So I went down and sat on the floor right in front of Toy Caldwell. I was amazed at his playing and subsequent style and tone. Being a die hard fan of Duane Allman and seeing him and the Brothers many times there just could not be anybody that could create what Duane and Dickie produced. I was amazed that I was sitting in front of someone that could create that magic. Of course it was Toy Caldwell. He was creating incredible music using his thumb and no pick. He was playing a beautiful 1959 Les Paul. Anyway, it changed my mine in regards Toy and the Band. He and the band were unbelievable. I became a fan almost instantly. He changed the way I played, Later, his death upset me just as Duane's death did. I loved there style and it left an imbedded memory of that concert. What a talented man Toy was. He later put original pickups from his 1959 Les Paul in a 1974 Les Paul. He did this to keep his sound but not risking damage to that original 1959 Model Gibson Les Paul. There music is still wonderful and creates a glow within anybody, especially me. Thank you God for the passion of music and those who create it.
Thank you so much for this - I'm in the UK and first heard MTB in 1973, from then on I was hooked, bought every release after the first album - What a great band and sound, nothing like them to my knowledge - They turned me on to Southern Rock for the rest of my life after the late 50s US rockabilly hits - Love Toy and all the guys - So many brilliant tracks, I still play them today - Thank you guys
saw them in lakeland fl around 1973 or 74 and could not believe how he was jamming his thump in that guitar. I have been playing like that 40+ years now. man I love toy and miss him
I was blessed to see them at the Uptown Theater in Chicago and have some wonderful pictures of the band from that concert.A once in a lifetime experience that will never be forgotten.A great video,thank you so much.God Bless America
Great documentary for one of my all time favorite bands. I saw them live several times in Santa Barbara and even got to go backstage at the County Bowl. And you're right, the best version of Can't You See is on that album. The naming of the band is a great side story.
So much greatness as a musician, human being and a Vietnam wounded veteran... I served in the Marine Corps early 70's and Marshall Tucker Band was always cranking out the music on my 8-track cruising in my 70 Dodge Challenger. I miss them all to this day! Semper Fi!
The pedal steel is usually tuned to E9 or C6 (E9 more of a bluesy tone - C6 has a “Hawaiian” guitar sound). Theoretically you could run a standard tuning since the instrument is played with a slide and block technique - however an open chord tuning such as E9 or C6 allows for specific modal / tonal sound quality.
Great, great job, River Docs! Your story is so prescient, I know that the entire Caldwell Family would approve. I bought their studio in Moore, SC in 1985 and ran it while raising a family there for 10 years. I became friends with Paul Riddle, George McCorkle and especially with Toy Caldwell. I could write a book, but those days are passed. Toy Caldwell was one of the sweetest, kindest and most sensitive human beings I ever met. I was recording him and his band right when he passed, trying to help him get a new deal with Phil Walden at Capricorn. We were doing a 5 song demo. We pretty much had 3 in the can when he died that tragic night. I had recorded the last solo he ever played and no one has ever heard it. I truly loved Toy... what a terrific hero and patriot he was. Not to mention his guitar and songwriting talent . Indeed, a special soul...RIP Toy Caldwell!
Fabulous band and never tire of listening to the late 70's, 80's albums. Always loved Toy's musicality, jovial ways and carefree spirit best illustrated on 'Last of the singing cowboys' and 'Anyway the wind blows rider'. RIP Toy, your gift to the world still lives on by lightening the mood of people struggling with trials and tribulations of life.
Great story of a great American band! Like many, Allman Brothers and MTB were the soundtrack of my youth. The terrible tragedies of the band is somewhat softened by their lasting legacy. Thank you for putting this together.
I knew these guys back when they were in Macon Georgia and played at Grant's lounge just before Phil Walden signed them, I really liked that band and the guys were just down home friendly guys, loved them.
This was excellent. I turned 69 in Dec. '2023....so needless to say, I grew up and saw most all the major acts in big arena shows, etc. in the 70's thru early 90's. Let me assure you, The Marshall Tucker Band absolutely kicked ass live and held their own against ALL the big name bands they were up against. I don't say that lightly or give credit unless it's due. These guys had it. God Bless them all and all of us too. jbeinarizona
So them live many times growing up on Long Island. Great band one of my all time favorites even to this day Tucker Boys are always on. Southern Rock forever!!
I was in a southern rock band during the 80's and early 90's. We played 4 or 5 MTB songs and as a lead guitarist, I looked forward to playing those songs every time we gigged. I never knew who Marshall Tucker was. His story is impressively touching. I had an old cassette of "A New Life" that I literally wore out listening to. Oddly, I didn't really collect many more of their albums. All the same, I heard lots of their music through friends and acquaintances. I didn't know Toy had served in Vietnam. He and his brother Tommy were the heart of the band, no doubt. And indeed, having learned some of Toy's licks for my band, I admired Toy's playing very much. Like the passing of Duane and Berry of the Allman's, the Caldwell's departures from Marshall Tucker left voids that were impossible to fill. Though both bands soldiered on, the spirit's of their fallen brothers became permanent legacies. The same thing can be said for Skynyrd, Outlaws and Hatchet to name but a few. Thanks so much Sir, for this video. I love the way you tell these stories. I can tell you deeply admire your subjects. Well, you've won me over. I'm a new subscriber.
Sound track of my life. Yes Toy was an incredible song writer. My Wedding song I danced to with my wife was “In My Own Way”…….Couldn’t have expressed my feelings any better. God Speed Toy
I can't recall the year, but somewhere around 1973. Marshall Tucker came into town to play. Tickets were $7.50 and I didn't have enough money: I was 14 and couldn't borrow enough. But, thanks to a cool doorman at Independence Hall, I and a friend got in for free. We managed to get close to the stage and I was wowed by Mr. Caldwell's thumb picking. And the rest of the concert was great.
I had the pleasure of working with him the last summer before his death, while out promoting his album " Toy Caldwell ". The band members even used my fishing gear to fish while waiting to go on stage. Toy will always be the Wizard of guitars and the to me, the father of Southern Rock !
Thanks for this wonderful tribute. I grew up a huge fan of the SR genre, esp. the Allmans, and attended many of their concerts. Sadly I only got to see MTB once - in 1983 in Huntsville, AL while on TDY in the army. They opened with (who else?) CDB. It was a great concert, but I didn't realize at the time that Tommy had passed. In addition to ABB, LS, Outlaws, Molly Hatchet, and Black Oak Ark, I was also very fortunate to see ZZ Top and .38 Special. It's great to see contemporary acts like Tedeschi Trucks, Govt Mule, Dixie Witch, and the Black Crowes carrying on in the tradition of this wonderful genre!!
I live in Greenville County a County beside spartanburg. Spartanburg has a rich history of music. From pink Anderson and Marshall tucker band and artimus Pyle lived in spartanburg when recruited for lynard skynard. One thing not mentioned in the video is toy Caldwell cowrote a slew of very popular songs with hank Williams jr. Who famously said in the song dixie on my mind, oh I'd love to haul them all down around spartanburg. And show them how to raise hell in Caroline. My work area is in spartanburg and every blue moon i go to these boys graves, pop a top on a cold one or have a shot,shed a tear and play a mtb song for them. I grew up with my dad blasting these boys music and all southern rock bands. RIP TO ALL OF THE ORIGINAL SOUTHERN ROCKERS! YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN!
Let me explain what george probably meant about the steel guitar not being in tune despite sounding in tune. Most guitars, as you might know, are fretted. So the notes are set, so if it's out of tune, it just won't sound right. The only way to get "the notes between the notes" [the guitar has half-step notes, so A-Bb-B-C-etc] is to bend the strings. The steel lap guitar, however, is a guitar with super high action, which means instead of the strings being super low against the fretboard so you can press them into the frets to make the notes, the strings are instead super high. So instead of pressing the strings down, the player uses a usually metal cylinder to lay across the strings and slide up and down the fretboard to make notes. This sliding way of playing means the player isn't limited to the half step notes of fret playing, they usually try to play where the frets WOULD be [and fake frets are painted on the fretboard], but since they are sliding, they have much more freedom of notes. So, if it's out of tune, the player would slide up until they're in tune with the band, probably somewhere between where the frets are painted if it is indeed out of tune. Hope this helps! Loved your video! You have a great voice for this kinda work!
Saw the band many times around Charlotte NC. By the time I lived in Spartanburg, they were mostly done. We would see Paul Riddle occasionally and enjoyed the group appearances. But it just wasn't the same once Toy was gone. A good friend had known them since high school and told me a lot of fun stories about going to their concerts different places. He's gone now too. We have all enjoyed the best music ever and Toy's thumb picking is always one of my favorite memories of seeing them back when.
My dad dated one of Toy's aunts back in the 1940s, in our hometown of Spartanburg. He proposed to her and she turned him down! God Bless the memory of the late, great Toy, Tommy and George
Thanks Doc. You Bring back memories. I had the opportunity to provide sound and lighting for The Marshall Tucker Band in Knoxville 1982. It was at the end of their career and reduced to club dates, but Toy and the band were great showmen and brought the house down in Knoxville and Charlotte.
I have always truly loved this band. I was a young drummer in 1978. I felt that the Serching for a Rainbow was so great. Had a mix of country , blues and even jazz. Every song was a gem. God bless these guys. This generation of music was the best ever and a great inspiration.
I always loved their music! Having said that thank you Toy for you're Service, commitment, sacrifice, and dedication to our nation! And all of the great music and legacy you left us for eternity! May you're memory be eternal! (RIP) till then!
Hey, River Docs. I guess we grew up at pretty much the same time. I went from The Beatles and the Stones, to the Allman Brothers. And, of course, Marshal Tucker - Capricorn Records used to do a promo - “Make Every Night a Saturday Night with The Allman Brothers and Marshal Tucker” - I took it to heart! My next musical stop was the scene around the Armadillo. I still loved all my American and English rock’n roll, but my heart was centred in the South! (Looking forward to your take on Jerry Jeff, or maybe Guy Clark!) Peace
@@RiverDocs I hear you! I grew up about 90 min from Detroit on the Canadian side! I’ve conversed with Farner in the comments of his UA-cam channel - talk about an under-rated musician and band! Peace
The 70’s were an incredible era of rock, and while I loved Zeppelin, Aerosmith, Sabbath, etc., it was the southern bands-ZZ Top, Outlaws, Skynyrd, Charlie Daniels Band, and of course the Marshal Tucker Band. My and my buddies put Toy up there with Page and Clapton- cranked Rambling on My Mind, 24 Hours, etc. on my dad’s 100 watt Kenwood and 14” JBL speakers many times. Toy’s solos were smoking! RIP to the departed. Thank you!
Vietnam Combat Marine Veteran. Wounded received the Purple Heart. Much respect.
Semper Fi! 2024 Marine.
Doug grey the singer also saw combat in Vietnam..
Marshall Tucker, The Outlaws, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Molly Hatchet, Allman Brothers, Charlie Daniels, ...Good Stuff. Glad I was there when it all happened. "Can't You See" is a true classic in every sense of the word.
Same here man! Great era of music. Thanks for watching!
Don't forget.....Grinderswitch!
@@shrimp8004 Thanks Shrimp..appreciate it!
Allman Brothers are many levels over those other bands. None of those groups could compete with them musically. None of them.
@@FYMASMD What groups are those?
I cleaned Toy's grave six months ago. It had not been done in a while. It was an honor to do so.
It's so good to know he still has fans and people still care and think about him. Thank you!
Thank you.
Thank you! He's a Legend. You obviously are a great person and friend to his family. May God bless you
thank you mike........toy was a gift to all of us.
God bless you
Toy was one of the most underrated guitarists of all time. Listen to his guitar in Can't You See it is astonishing. He is one of my favorite guitarists of all time.
Actually george McCorkle was the most underrated guitarist of all time..check out marshall tucker live from the garden state to see george rip that guitar to shreds
@@richardlawson6787
I still think that the best intro to any song hav're was Can't you see and that was by Toy Caldwell who even wrote the song so dispute that
@@anthonyplute9981 toy wasnt underated.. everyone knew he was great but McCorkle didn't get mentioned much
This was beautifully told. Toy and Tommy are my 3rd cousins and there was a lot of information here even I didn't know since most who knew them have passed on these days. My grandfather gave me copies of the handwritten eulogies Charlie Daniels did for Tim, Tommy, and Toy when they each passed, which are among my prized possessions. I had the pleasure of seeing Doug and the current band perform 5 or 6 years ago and took the opportunity to meet him, but I wish I had gotten to see the real band in it's prime. I appreciate what you shared.
Thanks I appreciate that. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
That's badass they were some jamming mf✌️
Even though Charlie did not go to Toy’s funeral
MTB .. Right up there at the top of my list of all time greatest southern R&R bands. Toy had such feeling when playing. One of my all time favorite concerts (and there were MANY) was August 26th 1977 @ Concord Pavillion.. MTB and the Outlaws. My girfriend (now my wife), my cousin and his girlfriend all got settled in for what we figured was going to be a great night, beautiful weather in the Bay Area. It most certainly was quite a night. The Outlaws opened the show and lit it up...! After a great set from them, MTB took the stage and I still remember saying Wow.. what a great set by them, how will the MTB top that!? Well they most certainly did! And not by just a little but totally blew us away! Used to go to S.F. to Fillmore West, Winterland, Kesar Stadium, Golden Gate Park, all for concerts in the mid to late 60's and early 70's... Saw the best of the best and MTB live was one of my favorites...! Only the good die young.....
First album I heard at 13 was Searchin for a Rainbow-first concert MT Searchin in Charleston. I can still see Toy playing that steele guitar. I rank this group up there with all the greatest rock bands,easy choice for me.
I always loved Toy's guitar playing. He was very underrated.
I think so too!! Thanks for watching!
@@RiverDocs I enjoy your content. Please keep it coming! Thanks
@@pepepupu9379 not is Toy's case
@Pepe Pupu Your not kidding!!
Me too. Great songwriter also.
I especially enjoyed hearing about Mr. Marshall Tucker. What a guy!
Glad you enjoyed it.
My hometown boys. Our town was so proud of them and their talent. Toy was an exceptional musician and songwriter!
Spartanburg's pride and an incredible run....RIP Toy
What was'the population of the city in 1970? Thank you!
They had such fine manners. Treated the girls going to their concerts like sisters. You could tell they were raised right.
I lived in Spartanburg 1973-77 and I'll tell you, that town was so proud of these guys. They, along with the Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and a few others really defined Southern Rock. I was glad to be there in their heyday.
“ from Spartanburg, South Carolina Capricorn recording artist the Marshall Tucker band”👍
Greg Allman said "rock and roll was born in the south", All rock is southern rock
I was at Wofford from 1974 to 1978. Marshall Tucker was very popular. Every now and then I would see Toy around town, particularly at The Beacon. It was a thrill to know we had real rock stars in Spartanburg. I
I'm from spartanburg south Carolina chesnee
Rock on man!
The original line-up was 2nd to none. I saw them in their prime & still love & listen to their music almost every day. I met Toy & still have his hat. I miss all of them. They were extraordinary when they jammed. ❤❤❤
Saw Marshall Tucker with The Allmans and The Outlaws in San Diego in 1975. What a show!!
Loved Toy Caldwell and Tommy was my late brother's inspiration to play bass guitar. Saw these guys when nobody knew who they were in 1973 opening for the Guess Who. Blew us away.
RIP Toy, Tommy, and George McCorkle. The Most Unique Southern Rock Band of all time. Their jazz/blues interludes were masterpieces
I have very happy memories of this band and its beautiful heartfelt songs. Between 1961 to 1990 I grew up in Palo Alto, near Stanford University. As a teenager and then into my 20's I remember going to see amazing bands all over the greater San Francisco Bay, ticket prices were $5 to $10 dollars for great shows at small bars, bigger clubs, then stadiums!
My first concert that I saw & heard Marshall Tucker was approximately 1976 or 1977, they were part of a group of other "Southern" bands organised by "Bill Graham" at one of his Day on the Green multi band shows, at The Concord Arena in Concord, CA. It was a wonderful madness! Marshall Tucker band, Charlie Daniels, Allman Brothers, and others I can't remember right now, although I do have a box for all of my concert ticket stubs.
I still play all of these timeless songs and music in 2024! The 1960's & 1970's had some fabulous musicians, and I was in the right place & right time to see so much wonderful shows.
Thank you for sharing your memories and knowledge to all of us fans!
Hi Kris! If you were in "PA" in the early '70s perhaps you remember "FPFMC"...Free Peoples Free Music Company: we put on the Friday/Saturday night dances at Lytton Plaza downtown PA on Summer nights...also working with PA Parks and Recreation we put on free concerts all around PA: El Camino Park, Mountain View and Redwood City...also we did 4 big shows at Frost Amphitheater/Stanford University. Heady times for us all...lots of great, clean fun, then everyone went home...no guns, no violence, and eager to do it all again times.
Watching can't you see Marshall Tucker band 1973 black and white concert footage. IT HAS 43 MILLION VIEWS . That performance shows how great that band was in there prime.
That was one of the greatest blood and guts singing and playing you will ever hear.
Would love to be able to see the whole show.
I'm in that video! Kneeling down holding a guitar and wearing saddle shoes in a box with their friends or family members. I was 13 then and followed them for years.
One of the finest concerts I've ever seen was the OG lineup of this great band. Multiple encores etc. R.I.P. Toy, Tommy, and George your music still plays at my house.
What a great documentary. I did not know Toy, but I am a fairly close relative. Spartanburg is where our family settled after coming to America from Ireland. My mom spent 20 years writing the story of our family. That book is 1100 pages long and full of many stories of our people, including Toy. It is very nice to see him honored. Thank you.
You're very welcome Dan. I'm happy you enjoyed it. That's so cool to hear of your mother's book. 1100 pages is a huge story to write and something to really enjoy!
Can't you see ,, we love that smooth bluesy Southern rock tune and always will
... Thanks again River Docks for the post
on the Marshall Tucker story
You're welcome. Thanks so much for watching!!
Met these guys at a Volunteer Jam in the 70’s. I was so impressed with Toy’s style, I fashioned my playing after Toy. He is missed and I will never forget him or the joy he brought to us guitarist.
The thumb
which one? I was at the first 4 V J.
@@anthonyfoutch3152 I’m old and can’t remember the exact date, but it was with Marshall Tucker, Outlaws, Elvin Bishop at the Municipal Auditorium in Nashville.
Toy Caldwell was one of a kind I sure did love his Guitar Playing and his Singing. Him and Ronnie Van Zant my fave ❤ Musicians
Mine Too! So Glad I Grew Up During That Time!!
My people come out of South Carolina.
If you are a Southerner.
You know this band through and through.
I am so grateful to live in the time of "The Marshall Tucker Band"
Been a hellava ride.
Many thanks Doc for another great video.
Your the best my brother.
Thank you Travis!
Can't You See is the perfect Southern rock song ever,in my book.
I found TMTB in my college Sr. Year 1973. I fell in love with their music!
I wore our every album and 8 track! Still listen to their music. I especially love "In My Own Way". One of my favorite songs of all time. 70 years old and still kicking! I played in several Country/Rock bands, and Can't You See was always requested.
All I know is I was sorry to see these guys go! A lot of great music in 10 years. Thanks for a great doc RD!
Pushing 70 now. Was my favorite southern rock band during those Air Force times. Still jamming to them.
Thank you by me too...Father was a Lieutenant Commander aboard a minesweeper in WW2. Passed a little over 2 yrs. ago. I'm sure he would have thanked you too and accepted your thanks. Thanks and respect always to our Vets.
@@roswo I was a 462. Weapons. F-4.
@@roswo MacDill
@@cosmogman I was a 2W1, (I know, I know) on 15s, 117s, and 22s.
@@turdferguson12 Is that a weapons load crew? I was a 3-man.
My favorite band of all time! Why have they never been inducted into rock n roll hall of fame!!!??
H o f a joke , if that helps
Not enough top 10 hits unfortunately.
@@bobtheis8622 that's ridiculous, not in because hall of fame a joke , can't you see , heard it in love song are enough right there
@@bobtheis8622 refer to grateful dead , Jefferson airplane , Jeff beck , ,list of performers with minimal top ten exposure are inducted , its just that h O f is a joke
@@rdel494 you must be right about H o F Being a joke! this definitely proves it!!
The Marshall Tucker Band was always underrated no matter the record sales. Last of the singin cowboys will always be my favorite.
In the '70's I saw Marshall Tucker at least five times..."Where We All Belong" is an all time GREAT double live album ...Amazing music!
Charlie Daniels joined MTB at the Performing Arts Center in Milwaukee for 2 nights in ‘74, recording “Where We All Belong”. Seeing and listening to that show was the best 4 bucks (at the door) I ever spent!
Thanks for posting this. 24 Hours At A Time live with Charlie Daniels is in my opinion one of the greatest songs of all time. Not one bad note 🔥🔥🔥
You're welcome. 24 hours is one of my favorite MTB tunes!
Yup!
@@RiverDocs my fav song from MTB is Blue Ridge Mountain Sky even though that live version of 24 hours at a Time with Charlie Daniel's playing the fiddle rocks!
Thank u for ur reply. 24 is one of my favorite songs too! Melissa
That version of that song is my absolute favorite song, bar none. I watched them in concert at least a half-dozen times in their heyday.
Can't You See and my teen years go together like steak and BBQ sauce; one can't exist without the other. And I'm a Canadian boy, from the west coast.
I met Toy Caldwell at a nightclub in Vancouver in the '80s when I was about 19. It was a pre-planned date with two friends of mine who brought Toy with them. My two friends were members of a Canadian Juno Award-winning band that headlined at Vancouver's Pacific Coliseum earlier that night and the Marshall Tucker Band opened for them. Toy later told me that their roles would reverse when they played in the US, with my friends backing up the Marshall Tucker Band in the US.
When I was introduced to Toy and shook his hand, I could hardly believe it. I knew this guy. He wrote and sang Can't You See. I absolutely loved that song and indeed, played it myself.
The four of us sat down on stools around a tall round table which had one of those old terrycloth table cloths. We were seated shoulder-to-shoulder - Toy was to my immediate right and wearing his signature well-worn cowboy hat.
And for some reason, when Toy smiled or laughed, I noticed his teeth. His teeth were in my estimation, big. I dunno. Not a criticism, just an observation which I've never forgotten. When he smiled at you, you were looking at a lot of teeth.
The four of us basically just shot the shit and drank beer and tequila for quite awhile. The tequila flowed freely.
Toy was fairly quiet and I had the feeling that he felt a little out of his element, being a southern boy up in Canada. But he was friendly and polite, and all-in-all, just a regular guy. No BS and no attitude. He chipped in like the rest of us and bought a couple of rounds of drinks when he felt it was his turn. I assumed that like my friends Toy was just enjoying unwinding after playing in front of 16,000 insane Canadians earlier that night.
I don't remember who the band was that was playing at the nightclub, but they received word that two famous Canadians and a guy from the Marshall Tucker Band were in attendance, so they invited the three of them up to perform a song or two. They performed some songs that my friends were famous for, and then they closed out their mini-set with Toy's Can't You See, and it was electrifying. Toy's vocals and guitar work were exceptional and they really stretched that song out - to maybe 10 minutes - a three-piece power trio of all stars. The crowd went insane, and I cannot emphasize enough how amazing it was. At the time, Can't You See had been very popular in Canada for many years with bands and solo acts performing it on a regular basis. This time though, we were hearing the real deal. I was watching a man whom I greatly admired, in a small nightclub, now performing a song I loved after just sharing conversation, jokes, beer and tequila with him. We even perhaps shared a friendship, however fleeting that may have been.
After that, I don't really remember much about that night, but I remember enough to know that it's a memory I will treasure for all eternity. I wish I could take you all back in a time machine so I could share it with you.
Rest in peace, Toy, Tommy, and the others we've lost along the way.
Great story Mo. I enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing!!
Oh what a night ! Thanks for sharing.
@@jimdep6542 👍
@@RiverDocs 👍
Steak and BBQ sauce?
Ewwwwwww!
I’m from Texas a good steak needs no BBQ SAUCE!😂
Sorry, couldn’t resist!
Great story though!
Fire on the Mountain lighting in the air gold in them hills, and it’s waitin’ for me there!
That sounds like a great experience!
Thanks for sharing this. When these guys where in there prime, they where like a freight train coming down the tracks! Toy and the band had such a big influence on southern rock or country rock. ❤
+dannydny: Well said, Danny. You are right....like a freight train coming down the tracks at 'ya......well said, bro.
Thanks for bringing this to us. And thanks to all the members of the MTB. WHAT A BEAUTIFUL NOISE! And thank you Toy for your service!
Was toy n the service sir
I first heard Toy play at Club Jamarta in Greenville,S.C. in 1966. His band was called The Rants and featured Toy, George McCorkle,Ross Hanna on drums, Franklin Wilkey on bass and David McCutcheon lead vocals. Brother Tommy Caldwell and Doug Gray were in a band called The New Generation and cut a record on a 45rpm called" its all over!" Two great bands and great musicians.
Are you from Roebuck?
Close to Roebuck. On Reidville Road on the old Caldwell place.
Wow, that's great! And long before they were discovered, would have loved to see those teenagers playing back then...I play Can't You See finger picking style on my acoustic guitar which I think Toy would like along with Dessert Skies and This Ole Cowboy and I'll Be Loving You
One of the best! “Where We All Belong” is a clear top ten live albums of all time; no question! Thanks for sharing what a tremendous talent. I sat with Toy in a small bar in Atlanta with another friend and Toy played a one man show for the two of us. I’ll never forget these guys!
No doubt where we all belong is fantastic and that version 24 hours at a time is just as good as it gets, they really kick ass on that…the studio stuff is excellent as well
Recording for that album was done over 2 nights at the Milwaukee PAC Uihlein Hall.
The band played and recorded the first night. They hastily scheduled the second night to get more tape. They played the second night for reduced ticket prices for those holding ticket stubs from the previous night's show.
Fortunate enough to be sitting right under one of the audience microphones. Can still hear my friends and I in the audience
2 excellent shows, and can ( kind of) relive them when I listen to the album.
@@philherrick7319 nice insights… did you actually witness the version of 24 hours that’s on the album because that was epic. Charlie Daniels came out.
@@jamesmack3314 That was a nice, unexpected surprise
I got the chance, as a local musician in CT, to perform with a band that opened for his band Toy Caldwell and the Shadowriders, after he left MTB…it was an experience meeting him as I listened to his music since I was old enough to take interest…
My disappointment was watching his cocaine use literally destroy him…such an amazing talent, and such a waste of life…RIP my friend
Paul Riddle was a straight up jazz drummer,so important to their sound really set them apart
"This Old Cowboy" is Marshall Tucker's finest song, IMHO, and I believe Paul Riddle is a large part of the reason for that. His drumming is incredible.
Loved Marshall Tucker and most of the bands of that time. What time for music and what a time to be alive. Something to keep ya going till ya need something to calm ya down. Got Many plus a few I knew, It's a miracle It didn't get me, Thanks R/D
You're welcome Dennis. Appreciate your support!
Toy Caldwell One of the greats.Very underrated !! RIP 💐🙏💐
I was blessed to see the band back around 85 and got to spend maybe 20 minutes talking to them.
Just down home country boys like myself.
Great day.
Great band!! Always loved their music!!! Up there with the big guys!!!! One of the best shows I ever saw and I remember it like it was yesterday!! Loved his tone and I thought I was the only one who played with his thumb! When they played Can't You See it could make the hair stand up on your arms!! Terrible loss!
I really enjoyed this. The original line up were so rock solid live - caught them 2-3 times in New England. Met Toy and drove him [and Ed King!] to/from a gig in Stowe VT - an hour drive each way. He was such a nice person. Still miss them.
Saw MTB In the 70's. The power and beauty of his playing haunts me to this day. The brothers deaths are as harrowing as Barry & Duane. Miss them very much.
He was my favorite southern rock guitarist. His picking technique just blew me away. Not so much how he picked but how damn fast he could precisely wiggle that thumb back and forth!!! All of the bad luck his biological family had in such a short time is heartbreaking to talk about even today. I couldn't imagine the grief Their Mother has suffered through.
I my goodness 😭thank u for sharing that beautiful story! I have loved Marshall Tucker since First album and never knew anything about them because we didn't have internet ✌️🎶thanks now more of Bread, All if 70 groups!📱📲🎥📹💻⌨️🎙📽📡
At 63 years young this band I saw in OKC in 1976 there abouts gave me inspiration in music they played and sang perfect in my eyes and we all loved them thanks for the memories
Was it at the famous Diamond Ballroom where you saw them?
Great story, great history and band…
Very unique and beloved group of guys in country/rock/ blues history!!
Among everyone’s favorites.
Thanks
You're welcome. Appreciate you watching!
First heard them in 1973 (was already an ABB ‘freak’ at the time), and finally saw (the rump of) the band in concert in Asheville, NC a couple years ago, warming up for the CDB. (It was Charlie’s last year, and it was amazing how good and energetic he and the band still were!). The Caldwells were sorely missed, of course, but we all stood and roared for “Fire On The Mountain” and “Can’t You See” anyway. Out of nostalgia and respect, at least.
Always loved the sound of Toy’s guitar playing, especially that “chicken pickin.” Didn’t realize it was all thumb until I stumbled onto a live performance of “Can’t You See” on UA-cam a couple years ago. Amazing style and ability.
Although I was familiar with much of the info, including the origin of the band’s name, this documentary is very well done and much appreciated. Thank you!
always wanted to learn of the real truth of the Bands history, had the opportunity to see them in the 70's, thank you! well done.
You're welcome. Thanks for the comment!
That was Great,,,I have been playing their songs seance they first came out,,my band played 5 of their songs ,,Desert Skys,was our theme song,,we played the instrumental part before our breaks,,I still play their songs sitting in my chair for my grand kid's,,, thank you so much love it
You're welcome. Appreciate you watching and leaving a comment!
Thanks for this video. I love the original MTB and always will. Southern rock filled the air during most of my days in the 70’s, with Toy and Tommy leading the way. And today, nothing makes me feel better than listening to those great tunes Toy wrote. RIP Toy, Tommy and George. You’ll never be forgotten 😢✌🏻
agree 100%, great band!
The greatest live performances in Southern rock history include the ABB doing "Whipping Post" and Toy Caldwell doing "Take the Highway" jam, when those bands were in their prime.
ABSOLUTELY!!!!!!
great video, I saw original Marshall Tucker Band @ the August Jam '74 at the Charlotte motor speedway. Toy ripped the best version of "everyday I have the blues" I have ever heard & I have seen BB King 3 times '73, '86, '05. hung out on the bus with him after his show. I'm sure he would be proud of Toy's revved up version. Toy was a guitar slinger with the best of them🎸🎸🎸🎸
One of the best bands around in the seventies, I was lucky to have seen them live 7 times. But the concert that stands out to me was in Saratoga, NY with the CDB warming up. It was simulcast live on a nearby Rock Station that night, both bands played there hearts out! I think it was 1977 I was 19 yrs. old and I would say it was in my top 5 best shows I've ever saw 🎸🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶💞
Thank you. Bless them all for their beautiful music. Toy's guitar work brings tears to my eyes... wonderful!
What a great musician. Everytime I drive through Spartanburg I think of the Marshall Tucker Band. One of my favorites.
I saw the Marshall Tucker Bank when I was student at the University of Georgia in 1972. The University had a large coliseum, however the sound was terrible. So I went down and sat on the floor right in front of Toy Caldwell. I was amazed at his playing and subsequent style and tone. Being a die hard fan of Duane Allman and seeing him and the Brothers many times there just could not be anybody that could create what Duane and Dickie produced. I was amazed that I was sitting in front of someone that could create that magic. Of course it was Toy Caldwell. He was creating incredible music using his thumb and no pick. He was playing a beautiful 1959 Les Paul. Anyway, it changed my mine in regards Toy and the Band. He and the band were unbelievable. I became a fan almost instantly. He changed the way I played, Later, his death upset me just as Duane's death did. I loved there style and it left an imbedded memory of that concert. What a talented man Toy was. He later put original pickups from his 1959 Les Paul in a 1974 Les Paul. He did this to keep his sound but not risking damage to that original 1959 Model Gibson Les Paul. There music is still wonderful and creates a glow within anybody, especially me. Thank you God for the passion of music and those who create it.
Reminded me how lucky we were for all the really
Good Music we had and have... Thanks
Being out on the road driving truck , I spent many days enjoying my favorite southern rock band .Thanks for the ride fellows RIP.
Thank you so much for this - I'm in the UK and first heard MTB in 1973, from then on I was hooked, bought every release after the first album - What a great band and sound, nothing like them to my knowledge - They turned me on to Southern Rock for the rest of my life after the late 50s US rockabilly hits - Love Toy and all the guys - So many brilliant tracks, I still play them today - Thank you guys
You're welcome John. Glad you enjoyed it!
saw them in lakeland fl around 1973 or 74 and could not believe how he was jamming his thump in that guitar. I have been playing like that 40+ years now. man I love toy and miss him
I was blessed to see them at the Uptown Theater in Chicago and have some wonderful pictures of the band from that concert.A once in a lifetime experience that will never be forgotten.A great video,thank you so much.God Bless America
I first listened to Marshall tucker in yhe 70's and I have never stopped I'm 72 I listen iftrn
Great documentary for one of my all time favorite bands. I saw them live several times in Santa Barbara and even got to go backstage at the County Bowl. And you're right, the best version of Can't You See is on that album. The naming of the band is a great side story.
Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it!
So much greatness as a musician, human being and a Vietnam wounded veteran... I served in the Marine Corps early 70's and Marshall Tucker Band was always cranking out the music on my 8-track cruising in my 70 Dodge Challenger. I miss them all to this day! Semper Fi!
Thank you for your service Charles! And thank you for watching the video. Appreciate it!
I still play their records on my mid 1960’s Magnavox stereo console.
Can’t ever get too much if these guys. Phenomenal
I was privileged to see the original lineup in the early 70’s, in St. Paul, MN. Was a great concert! Toy’s guitar playing was so tasteful!
The pedal steel is usually tuned to E9 or C6 (E9 more of a bluesy tone - C6 has a “Hawaiian” guitar sound). Theoretically you could run a standard tuning since the instrument is played with a slide and block technique - however an open chord tuning such as E9 or C6 allows for specific modal / tonal sound quality.
Great, great job, River Docs! Your story is so prescient, I know that the entire Caldwell Family would approve. I bought their studio in Moore, SC in 1985 and ran it while raising a family there for 10 years. I became friends with Paul Riddle, George McCorkle and especially with Toy Caldwell. I could write a book, but those days are passed. Toy Caldwell was one of the sweetest, kindest and most sensitive human beings I ever met. I was recording him and his band right when he passed, trying to help him get a new deal with Phil Walden at Capricorn. We were doing a 5 song demo. We pretty much had 3 in the can when he died that tragic night. I had recorded the last solo he ever played and no one has ever heard it. I truly loved Toy... what a terrific hero and patriot he was. Not to mention his guitar and songwriting talent . Indeed, a special soul...RIP Toy Caldwell!
Thanks Duane. Appreciate it. I would love to hear some of your stories!! email me if you want to talk. riverdocs@yahoo.com
The Tucker boys are cooikin' down in carolina.........God bless Marshall Tucker, and the band!
Fabulous band and never tire of listening to the late 70's, 80's albums. Always loved Toy's musicality, jovial ways and carefree spirit best illustrated on 'Last of the singing cowboys' and 'Anyway the wind blows rider'. RIP Toy, your gift to the world still lives on by lightening the mood of people struggling with trials and tribulations of life.
Thank you! They are all greatly missed. They were a huge part of my life and so many memories are associated with them.
You are so welcome! Thanks for watching!
Great story of a great American band! Like many, Allman Brothers and MTB were the soundtrack of my youth.
The terrible tragedies of the band is somewhat softened by their lasting legacy.
Thank you for putting this together.
You're welcome. Glad you enjoyed it.
From a SC guy, I appreciate you doing a video on MTB. Good stuff!
The most soulful guitarist I have ever heard. Saw MTB several times in their prime.
I knew these guys back when they were in Macon Georgia and played at Grant's lounge just before Phil Walden signed them, I really liked that band and the guys were just down home friendly guys, loved them.
must’ve been a great time to be in Macon. I visited Macon in ‘96 just to see all the Allman locations.
Their is no doubt Toy Caldwell was & is one of the best finger or thumb picker in jazz, country & rock& roll R.I.P. Toy.
This was excellent. I turned 69 in Dec. '2023....so needless to say, I grew up and saw most all the major acts in big arena shows, etc. in the 70's thru early 90's. Let me assure you, The Marshall Tucker Band absolutely kicked ass live and held their own against ALL the big name bands they were up against. I don't say that lightly or give credit unless it's due. These guys had it. God Bless them all and all of us too. jbeinarizona
So them live many times growing up on Long Island. Great band one of my all time favorites even to this day Tucker Boys are always on. Southern Rock forever!!
Great documentary on the marshall Tucker Band R.I.P. AMEN 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Thank you Mason.
I was in a southern rock band during the 80's and early 90's. We played 4 or 5 MTB songs and as a lead guitarist, I looked forward to playing those songs every time we gigged. I never knew who Marshall Tucker was. His story is impressively touching. I had an old cassette of "A New Life" that I literally wore out listening to. Oddly, I didn't really collect many more of their albums.
All the same, I heard lots of their music through friends and acquaintances. I didn't know Toy had served in Vietnam. He and his brother Tommy were the heart of the band, no doubt. And indeed, having learned some of Toy's licks for my band, I admired Toy's playing very much.
Like the passing of Duane and Berry of the Allman's, the Caldwell's departures from Marshall Tucker left voids that were impossible to fill. Though both bands soldiered on, the spirit's of their fallen brothers became permanent legacies.
The same thing can be said for Skynyrd, Outlaws and Hatchet to name but a few.
Thanks so much Sir, for this video. I love the way you tell these stories. I can tell you deeply admire your subjects. Well, you've won me over.
I'm a new subscriber.
You're very welcome Ken. I'm glad you enjoy the videos. I really appreciate you subscribing. Thanks so much for your sub and comment!
Sound track of my life.
Yes Toy was an incredible song writer. My Wedding song I danced to with my wife was “In My Own Way”…….Couldn’t have expressed my feelings any better. God Speed Toy
I was lucky to see them live around 1978 or 79. One of my favorite bands
Man nobody does music docs as good as you. Not even close and you always show the artists real respect. Inlove youre channel.
Thank you.
I can't recall the year, but somewhere around 1973. Marshall Tucker came into town to play. Tickets were $7.50 and I didn't have enough money: I was 14 and couldn't borrow enough. But, thanks to a cool doorman at Independence Hall, I and a friend got in for free. We managed to get close to the stage and I was wowed by Mr. Caldwell's thumb picking. And the rest of the concert was great.
I had the pleasure of working with him the last summer before his death, while out promoting his album " Toy Caldwell ". The band members even used my fishing gear to fish while waiting to go on stage. Toy will always be the Wizard of guitars and the to me, the father of Southern Rock !
Thanks for this wonderful tribute. I grew up a huge fan of the SR genre, esp. the Allmans, and attended many of their concerts. Sadly I only got to see MTB once - in 1983 in Huntsville, AL while on TDY in the army. They opened with (who else?) CDB. It was a great concert, but I didn't realize at the time that Tommy had passed. In addition to ABB, LS, Outlaws, Molly Hatchet, and Black Oak Ark, I was also very fortunate to see ZZ Top and .38 Special. It's great to see contemporary acts like Tedeschi Trucks, Govt Mule, Dixie Witch, and the Black Crowes carrying on in the tradition of this wonderful genre!!
You're welcome. Appreciate you watching!
I live in Greenville County a County beside spartanburg. Spartanburg has a rich history of music. From pink Anderson and Marshall tucker band and artimus Pyle lived in spartanburg when recruited for lynard skynard. One thing not mentioned in the video is toy Caldwell cowrote a slew of very popular songs with hank Williams jr. Who famously said in the song dixie on my mind, oh I'd love to haul them all down around spartanburg. And show them how to raise hell in Caroline. My work area is in spartanburg and every blue moon i go to these boys graves, pop a top on a cold one or have a shot,shed a tear and play a mtb song for them. I grew up with my dad blasting these boys music and all southern rock bands. RIP TO ALL OF THE ORIGINAL SOUTHERN ROCKERS! YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN!
Thanks for your comment!
Let me explain what george probably meant about the steel guitar not being in tune despite sounding in tune. Most guitars, as you might know, are fretted. So the notes are set, so if it's out of tune, it just won't sound right. The only way to get "the notes between the notes" [the guitar has half-step notes, so A-Bb-B-C-etc] is to bend the strings. The steel lap guitar, however, is a guitar with super high action, which means instead of the strings being super low against the fretboard so you can press them into the frets to make the notes, the strings are instead super high. So instead of pressing the strings down, the player uses a usually metal cylinder to lay across the strings and slide up and down the fretboard to make notes. This sliding way of playing means the player isn't limited to the half step notes of fret playing, they usually try to play where the frets WOULD be [and fake frets are painted on the fretboard], but since they are sliding, they have much more freedom of notes. So, if it's out of tune, the player would slide up until they're in tune with the band, probably somewhere between where the frets are painted if it is indeed out of tune. Hope this helps! Loved your video! You have a great voice for this kinda work!
Thanks for your comment. Appreciate it!
Toy was great, I saw them several times. Thank you for the documentary!
Toy's guitar style is so great! I can't even slightly duplicate it. He was amazing. One of the best southern rock guitarists EVER!
Couldn't agree more!
Saw the band many times around Charlotte NC. By the time I lived in Spartanburg, they were mostly done. We would see Paul Riddle occasionally and enjoyed the group appearances. But it just wasn't the same once Toy was gone. A good friend had known them since high school and told me a lot of fun stories about going to their concerts different places. He's gone now too. We have all enjoyed the best music ever and Toy's thumb picking is always one of my favorite memories of seeing them back when.
My dad dated one of Toy's aunts back in the 1940s, in our hometown of Spartanburg. He proposed to her and she turned him down! God Bless the memory of the late, great Toy, Tommy and George
Thank you for this. Such a great band. Riddle smiled throughout the only show I saw. Toy had the quickest thumb!. Bless them all.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks Doc. You Bring back memories. I had the opportunity to provide sound and lighting for The Marshall Tucker Band in Knoxville 1982. It was at the end of their career and reduced to club dates, but Toy and the band were great showmen and brought the house down in Knoxville and Charlotte.
You're welcome Tommy. Thanks for the comment!
I have always truly loved this band. I was a young drummer in 1978. I felt that the Serching for a Rainbow was so great. Had a mix of country , blues and even jazz. Every song was a gem. God bless these guys. This generation of music was the best ever and a great inspiration.
I always loved their music! Having said that thank you Toy for you're Service, commitment, sacrifice, and dedication to our nation! And all of the great music and legacy you left us for eternity! May you're memory be eternal! (RIP) till then!
One of my favorite pickers and grinners. Incredibly talented, and super player. I wish I had his chops man, Legend right here.🎸🤘🎶
Saw them in London in 1976, it was an amazing show.
Hey, River Docs. I guess we grew up at pretty much the same time. I went from The Beatles and the Stones, to the Allman Brothers. And, of course, Marshal Tucker - Capricorn Records used to do a promo - “Make Every Night a Saturday Night with The Allman Brothers and Marshal Tucker” - I took it to heart! My next musical stop was the scene around the Armadillo. I still loved all my American and English rock’n roll, but my heart was centred in the South!
(Looking forward to your take on Jerry Jeff, or maybe Guy Clark!)
Peace
Yep. Sprinkle a little Grand Funk in there and that's me too lol Thanks for watching!
@@RiverDocs I hear you! I grew up about 90 min from Detroit on the Canadian side! I’ve conversed with Farner in the comments of his UA-cam channel - talk about an under-rated musician and band!
Peace
The 70’s were an incredible era of rock, and while I loved Zeppelin, Aerosmith, Sabbath, etc., it was the southern bands-ZZ Top, Outlaws, Skynyrd, Charlie Daniels Band, and of course the Marshal Tucker Band. My and my buddies put Toy up there with Page and Clapton- cranked Rambling on My Mind, 24 Hours, etc. on my dad’s 100 watt Kenwood and 14” JBL speakers many times. Toy’s solos were smoking! RIP to the departed. Thank you!