From Jacksonville, Florida. Since the release of their debut album in 1977, 38 Special has created a musical legacy that appeals to many generations. With gold and platinum albums, Top 10 hits, and sold-out stadium tours to their credit, 38 Special has broken the Southern Rock mold and established themselves as a classic American rock-and-roll band.
In the 90s, however, traditional rock-and-roll has taken a back seat to such new genres as rap, grunge, alternative, gothic, ska, and industrial. Still, 38 Special, like a chameleon, continually adapts to the diverse musical environment.
Rather than rest on their laurels, they chose to continue their artistic journey by pushing for unique means to express themselves. The result is Resolution, their most creative effort to date. This album reflects the wisdom and insight that only comes from maturity, with lyrics that are as sensitive and thought provoking as they are dynamic and soulful.
"It's just another different way of presenting another song from 38 Special," vocalist Donnie Van Zant told Herald and Review in 1997. "If we did the same thing over and over and over again, or like we did five years ago, it would be very boring for us. And I think as writers and musicians, we have matured."
Vocalist and guitarist Don Barnes agrees. "The more you explore paths that are not necessarily familiar, the more you can learn about the craft of songwriting. Believe me, it's a very insecure place to be when you are constantly challenged to understand what you don't know. But a good writer HAS to experiment with new ways of expression so he won't become stale."
With immense talent and unwavering persistence on their side, 38 Special will be making music for years to come.
"We'll just continue to grow and evolve into better songwriters, whether writing for 38 or collaborating with other artists," Barnes says. "And we will always tour if the fans are still with us. As long as it's still fun, we'll continue to do it. It's a great life to be able to see happy faces every night because of music that you've created. You can really take pride in what you do."
.38 Special I (1975 - 1979)
Donnie Van Zant - guitar/vocals - brother of Ronnie Van Zant and Johnny Van Zant (both of Lynyrd Skynyrd). Don Barnes - guitar/vocals Jeff Carlisi - guitar Ken Lyons - bass Jack Grondin - drums Steve Brookins - drums
Donnie Van Zant - guitar/vocals Don Barnes - guitar/vocals Jeff Carlisi - guitar Jack Grondin - drums Steve Brookins - drums Larry Junstrom - bass/guitar - formerly with Me, You, and Him (with Gary Rossington and Bob Burns of Lynyrd Skynyrd).
Albums: "Rockin' Into the Night" (1979) - Singles: "Stone Cold Believer", "Rockin' Into the Night" "Wild-Eyed Southern Boys" (1981) - Singles: "Hold On Loosely", "Wild-Eyed Southern Boys", "Fantasy Girl" "Special Forces" (1982) - Singles: "Rough-Housin'", "Caught Up In You" "Tour de Force" (1983) - Singles: "If I'd Been the One", "Twentieth Century Fox", "Back Where You Belong" "Strength in Numbers" (1986) - Singles: "Like No Other Night"
.38 Special III (1987 - 1991)
Donnie Van Zant - guitar/vocals Jeff Carlisi - guitar Jack Grondin - drums Larry Junstrom - bass/guitar Danny Chauncey - guitar/vocals Max Carl - drums/vocals
Album: "Rock & Roll Strategy" (1989)
.38 Special IV (1991 - ? )
Donnie Van Zant - guitar/vocals Jeff Carlisi - guitar Jack Grondin - drums Larry Junstrom - bass/guitar Danny Chauncey - guitar/vocals Don Barnes - guitar/vocals Scott Hoffman - drums Bobby Capps - keyboards/vocals
Album: "Bone Against Steel" (1991)
.38 Special IV ( ? - ? )
Donnie Van Zant - guitar/vocals Larry Junstrom - bass/guitar Danny Chauncey - guitar/vocals Don Barnes - guitar/vocals Gary Moffatt - drums/percussion Bobby Capps - keyboards/vocals
Album: "Resolution" (1997)
Compilations:
"Flashback: Best of .38 Special" (1987) "Encore Collection: Extended Versions" (2000) "20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection" (2000)
Recommendations
There's no way you can lose with their greatest hits package "Flashback: Best of .38 Special" (1987). There are lots of great tunes that you'll remember here, and the performances are gutsy and crisp. This is Southern Rock at its best...highly recommended.