The Outlaws
Biography
Southern rock unit the Outlaws was formed in Tampa, FL in 1972 by singers/guitarists Hughie Thomasson and Henry Paul, bassist Frank O'Keefe, and drummer Monte Yoho. With the 1973 addition of guitarist Billy Jones, the lineup was complete, and after a year of intense touring the band became the first act signed to Arista under Clive Davis; the Outlaws' self-titled 1975 album spotlighted their Eagles-influenced harmonies and Allman Brothers-like guitar attack, yielding the Top 40 hit "There Goes Another Love Song." In the wake of 1977's Bill Szymczyk-produced Hurry Sundown, both Paul and O'Keefe exited, with guitarist Freddie Salem, bassist Harvey Dalton Arnold, and second drummer David Dix signing on for the 1978 concert set Bring It Back Alive and the studio effort Playin' to Win. Salem was the next to go, and the lineup shuffles continued when Arnold announced his departure following 1979's In the Eye of the Storm, with bassist Rick Cua recruited for the next year's Ghost Riders in the Sky, which netted a Top 40 entry with its title track, a rendition of the Vaughn Monroe favorite. Yoho left to rejoin Henry Paul soon after, and with the subsequent exit of Jones, only Thomasson remained from the original Outlaws roster -- not surprisingly, the group disbanded upon completing 1982's Los Hombres Malo.
A year later Thomasson and Paul formed a new Outlaws lineup, adding guitarist Chris Hicks, bassist Barry Borden, and drummer Jeff Howell; after issuing 1986's Soldiers of Fortune, Paul again quit the band, with the remaining quartet returning in 1993 with Hittin' the Road. While Paul resurfaced in 1994 in the chart-topping contemporary country band Blackhawk, Thomasson later toured with the reformed Lynyrd Skynyrd while continuing to lead the Outlaws, releasing So-Low in 2000. Sadly, Jones and O'Keefe died within three weeks of one another in early 1985. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide
Selected Discography
Florida Boys strike again!!! From Cigar City, Tampa Bay area, these guys were the top southern rock band of the day, back in the day! Now a days you don't even hear a peep out of these guys, even on the radio. What happened? I remember, how about groups like Blackfoot Molly Hatchet, they don't do stuff like that anymore, that is rock n roll with bisket gravy..mmmm sop it up!!!
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They don't mention that Hughie Thomasson also passed away in September of 2007....
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Eager4fish, I met Hughie back stage at a concert in Colombia MD. He and the band were very nice,Henry Paul carries on the band now and they are touring.I'm going to miss Hughie(EL HOMBRE MAL) "THE BAD MAN" and the other great southern rock losses. Long Live the Outlaws and Lynyrd Skynyrd. I first saw both these bands with all original members back in "74=====> MAZZMAN
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Its Frank O'Keefe that was with the Outlaws, He commited suicide,earl y on.This is the most under rated band ever,like ever. They rock the strings and neck off a guitar.I've seen them about 15 times and never dissappointe d . t h e guitar licks unbelievable w/ combined harmonies like the Eagles or Crosby,Still s , N a s h and Young.Nothin g like an Outlaws,Skyn y r d , A l l m a n Bros,.38 Special,Blac k f o o t or Hatchet concert. I believe Danny O'Keefe is Molly Hatchets lead singer.
-------->Maz z m a n |
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No no, O'Keefe is still alive, he released an Album in 2000, click on his name at the end and it will say. Someone please correct that.
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i only recently discovered this group through the first rock band game, but i was instantly and completely blown away by this group. Amazing.
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I miss my fishing friend Hugh. First met him in Germany while I was in the
Army. Became friends and fishing buddies. |
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Saw them open for Lynyrd Skynyrd at the Hollywood Palladium in 1977, not long before the plane crash. They had that ballroom rockin'. Got there early and were way in front. It's a show I'll never forget! We loved the Outlaws.
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Saw them in the late 70s. A band I never heard of opened for them, Molly Hatchet. What a show! Made me a fan of both bands.
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Green Grass and High Tides, this is one awesome song. The way guitar was suppose to be played. Still blows me away.
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My last concert in Germany, Frankfurt, July 77, Bonnie Raitt, the Outlaws and the Eagles. It was my only chance to hear these guys and they were great. I had seen Skynard before, but their sound was more clear and easy going. It was a lot like Marshall Tucker. A great show and an awesome sound. Good stuff
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'73-'74. USF. Anticipating The Outlaws hitting the stage. God bless you, Hughie. Rest in peace...keyW e s t R o X r a d i O wouldn't be the same without Florida's Guitar Army. Only a matter of time before y'all take your place in Cleveland.
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yeah, I'm a southern girl from Georgia, I remember these guys and all the great southern rockers. good ole memories
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Billy grew up next door in Tampa. He was a smart kid. Great guitarist! Memories...
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Worked backstage for The Outlaws in the 70's setting up for a 2 show night in Portland Maine. What a great bunch of roadies and musicians, they had that fantastic Southern Hospitality that one expects.
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Can't play them in the truck, dotted white line keepin the beat gonna get me busted fo sur.......
Great music |
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I've seen this band a few times since the 70's, and I have to say it's one of my favorite's. Foot-stompin g music makes me want to get up and dance, and play a little air guitar, and that ain't so bad.
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Saw these guys six times over three decades {1976-1992). They played with Lynyrd Skynyrd in 76. Really high energy show.
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they are one of the greatest bands and should be in the rock&roll hall of fame without any doubt love"me barry
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The Outlaws time in the sun wasn't very long, but damn, they made some great music!
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Recently read that Hughie Tomasson suffered a fatal heart attack. Another "Free Bird" has fallen from the sky. Green Grass and High Tides Forever Hughie....
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Oh wow, man...I forgot all about this. Takes me to "back in the day". Sounds as sweet as I was- a teen in the 70's!
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Green Grass and High Tides.....so m e of the best guitar pickin" you will ever hear. Only to be rivaled by Marshall Tucker Band.....yea man..
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I never heard of these guys before, but think their song Swingin Low is pretty awesome.
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