THIRTY EIGHT SPECIAL (38 SPECIAL)

38 Special is a southern rock band with their roots firmly based in Jacksonville Florida.  Forming in 1975, guitarist Don Barnes and singer Donnie Van Zant come together and start the band. Like other bands hailing from Jacksonville at the time, they start playing in the classic southern style of rock.
Eventually their sound moves into commercial rock. After more than three decades together, 38 Special continues to bring their signature blast of Southern Rock to cities worldwide. Even with members coming and going, their signature sound still remains the important element of the band.  
Furthermore, it doesn’t take long for the band to find commercial success. Mainly because the fans embrace the band’s southern rock and pop sound. Their music covers many genres unlike a lot of bands  that get shelved into only particular genre. Either way, the band starts to become quite successful.
The powerful vocals of Don Barnes meshes well with the deep southern sound of Johnny Van Zant’s vocals. Creating a powerful combination of rock and pop sensibilities. Especially with the songs “Caught Up in You,” and “Hold On Loosely.” The radio stations eventually perked up and took notice of the band’s music as well as the people at MTV.
Although starting out, the first two releases were not very successful according to the record industry standards.  Still, the band knew they had something special. “Rockin’ into the Night.” releases in 1979, giving them a single that hits the top 40.  
In 1981, the band has success with “Wild Eyed Southern Boys”, which includes the top 40 hit “Hold On Loosely. ” With this song, the band knows that they created something long-lasting and going to stand the test of time. ” Special Forces”, releases in 1982, with two top-ten hits, “If I’d Been the One” and “Caught Up in You.”

After more than five decades together, 38 SPECIAL continues to bring a signature blast of Southern Rock to over 100 cities a year. And at each and every show, thousands of audience members are amazed by the explosive power of the band's performance.
Their many Gold and Platinum album awards stand in testament to the endurance of a legendary powerhouse.