3

38 Special

Jacksonville, FL

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rock Popularity: 68 Established Division

GOAT Standings

9
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1
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0.3864
Wilson Score ? Measures confidence in approval rating. Accounts for sample size — an artist with 8/10 likes ranks higher than 1/1. Ranges 0–1; higher is better.
22
Times Served
Region: Southern Coastal Plain Conference: Southeast Regional Rank: #7

Weekly Trend

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

17 location references across 5 songs

Songs & Places

Wild-Eyed Southern Boys
Detroit, MI
"He's got a champagne Eldorado"
Hot ’lanta
Phoenix, AZ Los Angeles, CA , CO New York City, NY Atlanta, GA
"I been desert hot down in Phoenix"
Little Sheba
, FL , CA New York City, NY , NY
"Down to Florida"
Back to Paradise
Paradise, CA Paradise, TX
"Take me back to paradise"
Hot Lanta
Atlanta, GA Los Angeles, CA New York City, NY Phoenix, AZ , CO
"Hot’lanta"

Rivers & Roads in Song Nearby

Interstate 95 13 Interstate 10 23 Cumberland River 10

Connected Places

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