Doug Gray of The Marshall Tucker Band talks Heard It in a Love Song

“For a whole year I used an excuse not to have to sing it…I didn't want to record that song. But “Heard It in a Love Song”…was like a miraculous change overnight. All of a sudden we were a pop band." Doug Gray, front man and founding member of The Marshall Tucker Band, recalls the one song that changed it all.

[@mudslide42]

I had the distinct honor of photographing the Marshall Tucker Band last night in Beaumont, Texas. They closed with “Can’t You See” and as I was packing up my photography gear Doug Gray walked to the front of the stage and thanked me for photographing them and gave me his tambourine. 📸📸📸

[@Jeff-bl1rz]

Met Doug in a coffee shop in Nevada ... nicest guy ever! He made my wife and I sit down with him and talk. Awesome person and talent!

[@Weird_Old_Uncle_Kenny]

I was roadie for a band that did a 3-day mini-tour with Marshall Tucker in Northern California in late 1986. Doug Gray came onstage while we were setting up for our sound-check. He said, completely deadpan, "M'name's Doug, they call me 'Dawg', I don'y know WHY!" He was a real gent, had a great sense of humor. His audiences really liked our band, so they were a great warm-up. Finally, on the last performance, Doug granted our band permission to perform an encore. Good times!

[@larshowen3319]

I met Doug Gray backstage at one of their shows in the 90’s. He introduced himself as Doug. I had no idea who he was, but we talked, laughed, and joked over a couple beers. Then he excused himself, that he had work to do. He walked up on that stage, grabbed the mic and let it rip. I was flummoxed! A roadie walked up to me, couldn’t believe that I didn’t know that I was drinking a beer with the lead singer. He called me a dumb ass for thinking that Marshall Tucker was a person in the band!

[@jasonjohnson7445]

The flute and steel guitar are a wonderful combination.

[@trevorbass2079]

My three year old son makes me play this song on repeat every day after school on our way home. He sings to the top oh his little voice. I’ll never change it when it comes on, even when he isn’t in the truck with me.

[@bloozedaddy]

Back when bands had vocals...lead soloists...groove...attitude...and NO LOOPS.

[@TheKeithbruce]

the pride of south carolina

[@srrings]

Songs like Heard it in Love Song.. and Can't You See.... only come around once........

[@mr.fredsaid1894]

That song always rocks! 😎

[@patrickcummins976]

Some of my best memories from my teenage years... The MTB were a part of it! Thanks guys!

[@ttocselbag5054]

This music marked my coming of age. It was magical time that I shall never forget ...

[@wildrose102]

Love love your vocals Doug Gray!!!! thanks for sharing your story...always loved the band and love this song...I know exactly where I was first time I heard it...Thank you for some of best music ever...!! <3

[@01fastfredcole]

I Remember the day I first heard this song .it Was Great then and Great now ! MTB hell ya !!

[@michaelduggan7164]

Love this song and Doug Gray is one of my favourite singers of all time !

[@davemccue9229]

I became a fan for life in my early teens thanks to my oldest brother taking me to see them live for the first time after this song came out. Saw them 9 more times over the years.

[@Bongo2Gonzo]

Mr. Tucker, The "Blind Piano Tuner" was a dear customer of mine for many years.

[@myimorata7678]

1977. I was in the USAF. Times will never be as good as they were then and the MTB was part of that soundtrack.

[@scottsimmons7897]

One of the greatests songs ever written and recorded

[@jennyaldrich7456]

Heard it in a love song is an awesome song. Love the marshall Tucker band.