| Contents |
Dreams, 1959-1969 -- Capricorn, Macon, and Idlewild South, 1969-1970 -- Jacksonville, Florida, 1970 -- Pop festivals, Georgia rhythm, and "Layla," 1970 -- Success, 1971 -- Tragedy, 1971 -- Reaching for the charts, 1972 -- Spartanburg, South Carolina, 1965-1972 -- More tragedy, 1972 -- Pronounced Leh-nerd skin-nerd, the "Godfather," and Brothers and sisters, 1973 -- Hit singles and new arrivals, 1974 -- The South's gonna do it again, 1975 -- A long, hard ride, 1976 -- You got it right, 1977 -- Disaster in Mississippi, 1977 -- Recovery and enlightened rogues, 1978 -- Moving on, 1979 -- Even more tragedy, 1980 -- Transition, 1981-1983 -- Disco to reformation, 1984-1987 -- The family business, 1988-1989 -- Tributes and surprises, 1990-1994 -- The legacy, 1992-the present. |
| Abstract |
Southern Rock groups have captured the imaginations of millions of diehard rock and roll fans with their charismatic, hard-driving musical rebellion. The Allman Brothers Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Marshall Tucker Band, The Charlie Daniels Band, Wet Willie, The Outlaws, 38 Special, Grinderswitch, Blackfoot ... all have knocked the music world off its feet with soulful, primal rhythm anthems to good times, hard times, wild living, romance, heartbreak, stoic independence, and gentle Southern landscapes. The bands offer honest glimpses into the human psyche in a style so unique that you're compelled to listen and to surrender to whatever emotion they're trying to evoke. And the down and dirty throb of the bass, virtuoso slide guitars, and the complex drumbeat defy the boredom of the nine-to-five world and propel you through the joys and mysteries of Saturday night in Dixie. Backed by some of the foremost guitarists and songwriters of their generation, including Duane and Gregg Allman, Ronnie Van Zant, and Toy Caldwell, these bands have made an indelible mark on the history of rock and roll. Though plagued by devastating personal tragedies, personnel changes due to the untimely departure of seminal founding members, the disenchantment of record companies, and the public's flirtations with such musical trends as disco and techno-pop, the bands continue to record and tour. Today's high numbers of baby boomers and teenagers alike at their concerts make a clear statement that the bands continue to loom large not only as rock legends, but as active participants in the evolution and growth of popular music. |
