Take the Highway

Zoo Freaks, get ready to cruise down the open road with The Marshall Tucker Band’s “Take the Highway,” a standout track from their self-titled debut album released in 1973. This song, written by guitarist Toy Caldwell, kicks off the album with a blend of Southern rock, country, and jazz, featuring a distinctive flute intro by Jerry Eubanks that sets it apart in the genre. According to a post on X, the flute’s unique presence in “Take the Highway” helped spark buzz around the band, marking it as a fresh sound in the Southern rock scene. The song’s laid-back yet powerful vibe, driven by Caldwell’s masterful guitar licks and Doug Gray’s soulful vocals, captures the spirit of freedom and escape, making it a perfect anthem for the Zoo Crew’s hippie vibes. Fans on Reddit have called it a stellar opener, with one user noting, “The first song, on the first side, of their first album...and quite possibly their best,” highlighting its enduring appeal among listeners.

Another cool tidbit about “Take the Highway” comes from its live performance history. A fan on the blog PowerPop shared that the band played it during their set when opening for the Grateful Dead in Englishtown, New Jersey, in 1977, showcasing their ability to hold their own alongside rock legends. The song’s mix of soulful lyrics and instrumental prowess has kept it a fan favorite, with its inclusion in the 2008 film Swing Vote alongside “Can’t You See” further cementing its cultural reach. Doug Gray, the band’s lead singer, has often spoken about the song’s significance, noting in an interview on The Factory that it represents the band’s “down-home sonic style” that made them pioneers of progressive Southern rock. For Zoo Freaks spinning this track, it’s a journey through the band’s roots, blending raw energy with a touch of cosmic wanderlust.

The Marshall Tucker Band got its start in Spartanburg, South Carolina, in 1972, when a group of high school friends—Toy Caldwell (lead guitar, vocals), Doug Gray (lead vocals), Tommy Caldwell (bass), George McCorkle (rhythm guitar), Paul Riddle (drums), and Jerry Eubanks (flute, saxophone, keyboards)—came together to form a band. As Gray shared in a bio on Red Light Management, the group was “a bunch of young guys who didn’t know any boundaries,” driven by a shared love for music and their tight-knit upbringing in Spartanburg. They named themselves after a blind piano tuner, Marshall Tucker, whose name they found on a key to their rehearsal space, a quirky choice that stuck. Signed to Capricorn Records in 1972, they hit the ground running, opening for The Allman Brothers Band and releasing their debut album in 1973, which included “Take the Highway” and their iconic hit “Can’t You See.” Their eclectic sound, blending rock, country, blues, and jazz, quickly set them apart, earning them a dedicated following and critical praise.

The band’s early years were marked by relentless touring, playing 300 shows a year and sharing stages with legends like Led Zeppelin at the 1979 Knebworth Festival. Despite tragedies, including Tommy Caldwell’s death in a 1980 car accident and Toy Caldwell’s passing in 1993, Doug Gray has kept the band’s legacy alive, leading a current lineup that includes B.B. Borden (drums), Ryan Ware (bass), Marcus James Henderson (keyboards, saxophone, flute), Chris Hicks (guitar), and Rick Willis (guitar). Gray’s passion for performing, as he told Metro Times, stems from his childhood, when his parents encouraged him to sing along to jukebox tunes, a habit that shaped his soulful delivery. Today, the band continues to tour, playing over 130 shows annually, and their music resonates with new generations, as seen in its use on platforms like Netflix and Amazon.

For Zoo Freaks looking to connect with The Marshall Tucker Band, check out their official website at marshalltucker.com for tour dates, merch, and news. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Fans can also join the vibrant community on the Marshall Tucker Band Fan Club on Facebook, where enthusiasts share stories, photos, and memories. Another great spot is the fan-run Take The Highway Tribute site, celebrating the band’s classic sound through tribute performances. So, Zoo Crew, keep spinning “Take the Highway” and let the good vibes roll!