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Rockin' on
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The Florida band continues its riff heavy journey
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Contemporaries of legendary southern rock bands such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Cream, Grateful Dead and Blackfoot, .38 Special started its rock music
journey in the same vein of blues based rock `n' roll . In fact, the band was led by Donnie Van Zant, brother of Lynyrd Skynyrd's Ronnie Van Zant and Johnny Van Zant.
Formed in 1975, Jacksonville, Florida, the group's lead players were Donnie Van Zant (vocals), Don Barnes (vocals and guitars), Jeff Carlisi (guitars), Ken Lyons (bass), Jack Grondin (drums) and Steve Brookins (drums). Their eponymous debut album and its follow-up Special Delivery released in 1977 and 1978 respectively, received much attention as did the 1979 release Rockin' Into The Night.
Going by the trend set by its forebears .38 Special toured heavily with the twin objective of group and album promotion. Having decided that the old style was no more a saleable proposition, the group revamped its sound and line-up in the early 1980s. They replaced Lyons with the multitasking Larry Junstrom (guitars and bass) and changed their style to accommodate a more melodic approach. The morphing consolidated their image amongst the fans and brought on the hits one after another. Wild-Eyed Southern Boys, Special Forces and Tour de Force were all platinum album successes while Strength In Numbers and Flashback as it where went gold. In addition to this the outfit had a string of hit singles, including If I'd Been The One, Back Where You Belong, Teacher Teacher, Like No Other Night and the powerful ballad Second Chance. The success of .38 Special is that most of its founding members are still playing as a troupe and continue to do so to this day.
GEORGE ANTONY
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