Friday, September 06, 2013

AccuRadio Song Of The Day-38 Special

Artist:38 Special
Song:Caught Up In You
Album:The Very Best of the A&M Years (1977-1988)




38 Special started out as a southern fried rock band similar to Lynyrd Skynyrd. But they had success in the 80s when they softened to a more mainstream rock sound. Caught Up In You was a top ten hit in 1982 from their most successful album Special Forces. 38 Special was formed in 1974 in Jacksonville, FL by lead singer Donnie Van Zant and guitarist Don Barnes. They were neighbours. Van Zant is the younger brother of Lynyrd Skynyrd lead singer Ronnie Van Zant who of course died in the 1977 plane crash. Other members of 38 Special were Jeff Carlisi on guitar, Ken Lyons on bass and Steve Brookins and Jack Grondin on drums. They signed with A&M Records and released their debut album in 1977. Their first couple of albums were produced by Dan Hartman. They did OK but A&M wanted a more mainstream rock sound and hired recording engineer Rodney Mills to produce their next couple of albums. Lyons was replaced by Larry Junstrom. The change seemed to work as Hold On Loosely became their first top 40 hit in 1981. Caught Up In You was the first single from the 1982 album Special Forces. it reached #10 on the Billboard Hot 100. Barnes and Carlisi wrote a lot of the 38 Special hits with Van Zant. Caught Up In You was written by Barnes, Carlisi and Jim Peterik of the bands Ides Of March and Survivor. He wrote several songs with the band. 38 Special continued to have success in the 80s. Don Barnes left in 1987 and was replaced by Max Carl. With this lineup, Second Chance was a top ten hit in 1989. Barnes attempted a solo career but his 1989 album was never released. He returned to 38 Special in 1992. You can get all their A&M hits on this comp. Don Barnes still leads 38 Special. Donnie Van Zant is currently not touring with them due to health problems. Here's the video for Caught Up In You by 38 Special.

No comments:

Post a Comment