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.38 Special

Did You Know

  • • .38 Special was formed in Jacksonville, Florida, originally named "The Disciples".
  • • Don Barnes, a founding member, briefly left to pursue a solo career in 1985.
  • • Their breakthrough album, 'Rockin' into the Night,' featured the title track co-written by Survivor's Jim Peterik.
  • • Despite their Southern rock roots, they achieved significant crossover success with AOR anthems.
  • • The band's name was inspired by guitarist Jeff Carlisi's father, who named his band the .38 Special.
  • • Their hit "Hold On Loosely" peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot Tracks chart in 1981.
  • • Johnny Van Zant of Lynyrd Skynyrd is the younger brother of .38 Special's Donnie Van Zant.
  • • .38 Special contributed songs to several movie soundtracks, including 'Teachers' and 'Revenge of the Nerds'.
  • • They shared stages with legendary acts like The Rolling Stones and ZZ Top early in their career.
  • • While never winning a Grammy, .38 Special's music remains a staple of classic rock radio.
  • • .38 Special formed in Jacksonville, Florida, named after a popular handgun caliber.
  • • Donnie Van Zant, brother of Lynyrd Skynyrd's Ronnie, co-founded .38 Special.
  • • Their early sound was Southern rock, evolving into a more arena-rock style in the 80s.
  • • "Hold On Loosely" almost wasn't released, initially deemed too pop-oriented by the band.
  • • Jeff Carlisi's guitar riffs, influenced by jazz, helped define .38 Special's unique sound.
  • • They opened for major acts like Kiss and Aerosmith early in their career, boosting exposure.
  • • "Caught Up in You" reached #1 on the Billboard Top Tracks chart in 1982.
  • • .38 Special's music appeared in films like 'Road House' and 'Melvin and Howard'.
  • • Despite line-up changes, .38 Special has continuously toured for over four decades.
  • • Their blend of Southern rock and arena rock influenced bands like Bon Jovi and Poison.

Locations in Lyrics

3 location references across 6 songs

Songs & Places

Back to Paradise
Chain Lightnin’
the boulevard
Just Can’t Leave You Alone
Little Sheba
California Florida New York Dixie
"There was an earthquake in California"
Trooper With an Attitude
downtown
Wild-Eyed Southern Boys
South

Connected Places

Jacksonville, FL Atlanta, GA Los Angeles, CA New York City, NY Phoenix, AZ
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