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!

[@lukejones0826]

What was the name of the band?

[@leemdynamo]

The Dawg thing is very big with David Grisman. Sometimes he says his music is dawg music.

[@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! After the set, Doug came back over, and by now, my brother had joined us. The three of us stood around for the better part of an hour talking about current events, and the difficulty in getting up on stage to play the same music every night for 30 years. It was refreshing to find that these bigger-than-life musicians were just regular folk.

[@tpstrato2270]

I met n talked with Ed king in 1996 n 1997 he was lot like that too very personal

[@maxsdad538]

It's like asking the band "which one of you is Pablo Cruise" and they say "the one in the middle"... Pablo Cruise only has four members.

[@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.

[@tommypetraglia4688]

And talented musicans and songwriters... last of the big band sound

[@christophersmith8486]

Cost to much money to pay all those musicians.... you don’t have to feed loops 🤔

[@nathanwahl9224]

Yup, and we're true to that when we cover it with our 3-piece band. One of the songs I sing lead on and the other guys back me up. I also alternate between bass guitar and key bass with the flue and the piano leads, and back the guitar player with bass/piano. So we sound a little more like a full band than you might think. It always goes over well!!!

[@TheKeithbruce]

the pride of south carolina

[@louinposton5665]

I'm from SC and the era. I've seen them a 100 plus times. Never have a seen a bad show

[@srrings]

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

[@krisgreenwood5173]

There is a reason why folks listen to 1970's music. The Marshall Tucker band is one of those reasons why.

[@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...!!

[@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. Very sweet & smart man.

[@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.

[@RB-pm2ni]

Don’t I know it!

[@scottsimmons7897]

One of the greatests songs ever written and recorded

[@NattyBumppo48]

Agreed

[@Cool-Lake]

charles martel Agree its a decent song, but the greatest ever written? Hardly. Hell, Toy wrote better songs himself. Can’t You See and Virginia, plus McCorkle’s Fire On The Mountain are all better. A decent pop song maybe. As a big Marshall Tucker fan, I initially hated it. Saw them when they were touring for this album in 77 and hated it live. I’ve come around a bit. But would probably rate it in the 500’s of great song, DEFINITELY not THE best song ever written!

[@donrutter6765]

I agree, its pure, and basic.

[@danielcrowe8110]

Good song, but I would rather hear "Take The Highway" or "Can't You See."

[@bartgonsoulin831]

First time I heard it was on the way to high school riding in a friends 1969 Pontiac Gran Prix. He stuck the tape in and said "this is Tuckers new one". Fantastic album too. Love it still.

[@jennyaldrich7456]

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

[@hikewithmike4673]

Marshall tucker so awesome my older brother loved this band and he was always playing their songs...became part of the soundtrack of my life!

[@carlwilson5339]

They may have had and wrote the best, most iconic Country Rock ever written true pioneers of the whole movement but of course not alone

[@gtsteele6219]

One of my top ten favorite songs. Might have actually worn that cassette out. Yeah, I'm old.

[@Dstrbrdgrnd]

I hear yo bro, but only us old guys can appreciate how these songs shaped our lives!

[@maxsdad538]

Cassette? OLD? I have a trunk full of 8 tracks, and I even have a few FOUR tracks (I know I still have Chambers Brothers, "The Time Has Come")

[@davidgarber8116]

Love the band just love them. Played Marshal Tucker back in the 70s and ever since. Many family and friends have passed since than but every time I hear their songs I smile and shed a tear. Great to be this old😘

[@CapAnson12345]

Toy Caldwell could do no wrong. He writes a song, you sing it.

[@terrywalsh7953]

no doubt

[@randygates1619]

Badly now !!!

[@allancove4483]

GREAT BAND! RIP Toy Caldwell. We miss ya my man.

[@billl1127]

Brings back college days. Marshall Tucker, beer, and (omitted) for employment purposes.

[@justinsmudde2554]

Iconic amazing song. I’m still jamming Out to it

[@f82man]

I got to meet Toys father in law who was baby sitting Toys daughter Cassidy in 1978 in Spartanburg. In 1979 l got to meet Marshall Tucker in Columbia who was tuning a piano for the LDS Institute at the College. South Carolina was a great place then, just beautiful, l miss it. Thanks for the memories......

[@tinaosullivan6451]

Spartanburg SC loves the Marshall Tucker Band

[@peterdaniel66]

It was what hooked me as a 12 year old and I fell madly in love with this music.. been a fan ever since and saw the last concert with all the original members.. I was very lucky.

[@RickaramaTrama-lc1ys]

They made me sit up and take notice when I heard this song for the first time in 1972 and asked my pardner who I was working with on the job who the hell is that?? He said man you don't know==That's The Marshall Tucker Band~!!! Enjoyed them ever since.

[@egreenbery]

Rickarama Trama you didn't hear this song in 1972. It was a hit in 1977. But we all love it for sure.

[@brucecarpenter8640]

Will always have much respect for Marshall Tucker Band. My go to for southern rock.

[@Stevie-hn7mp]

Absolutely love this. Love heard it in a love song ❤️❤️🎶🎶

[@deanmary1969]

Great Song and a Great Post ! Many Amazing Memories and Remember well when this Amazing Song Came out several Shows in Austin didn't Miss a One ! Thanks for All the Memories ! Angels are Singing !

[@yourontheair]

Got turned on to MTB bout 1975 "Where We All Belong" album. Thanks Bri.

[@almanull]

One of my favorite Southern bands. When cassettes came out n my husband had a cassette player put in his truck our first cassette tape was a Marshall Tucker tape 🎼🎸🎤🎼🎸🎤

[@Dstrbrdgrnd]

Me too. In 1979, I bought a 1976 El Camino, it only had a radio so I bought a new one with a cassette player. Running Like The Wind was the first cassette!

[@stevejohnson2946]

Grew up in the 70s. This is honestly one of my all time favorites. Well done!

[@mtadams2009]

They were the first concert I ever attended. Great memories and a great band. Thanks so much.

[@krisdenny4618]

Absolutely Love Doug Gray,,love hearing him sing,,awesome voice!! Love watching him in concert live too,,,SHARP CAT,,exremely goodlookin!! Go t to see him last in March 2018,,hope to see him many more times

[@karentrimmer]

One of my favorite songs ever, musically genius composition. Every instrument including vocals is playing a different melody and they all fit together. I still have it on several play lists and can listen to it over and over.

[@danweiers6950]

What a great song and what a great band they were reminds me of partying in the. Seventies when I was in my teen years and listening to there great music I sure miss those times and the Marshall tucker band

[@dbcopper10]

It's funny to think back on how HUGE southern rock was in Connecticut in the mid-'70s. It single handedly held off disco and saved popular music.

[@johnmacri7440]

Loved these guys throughout my youth and still

[@Dreamweaver777]

This man's singing is second to none...great video...thank you.

[@toddwalls6282]

Some of favorite memories from high school days included listening to The Marshall Tucker Band❗️

[@tomcoryell]

My band opened for them in the ‘90’s some time and then met Doug again when I worked on the stage crew at a festival. Great guy! I remember my funky old VW bus parked next to their big shiny red Prevost tour bus. Quite the contrast!

[@replicas11]

Great band and a great vocalist.

[@ursafan40]

Toy Caldwell should be mentioned in the same conversation as Jimi, Jimmy, Jeff, Eric. Different style, but as expressive as any of the other guitar gods. The live CD "Stompin' Room Only" is one of the more magnificent guitar albums to come out of not just the Southern rock era, but the whole of the rock era.

[@charlesstevenson3448]

ursafan40 I have the CD and I've always considered Toy an elite guitarist as well

[@ursafan40]

+charles stevenson Every time I listen to it, a couple of dozen times minimum now, I catch a couple bars of a lick that just drops my jaw. WITH HIS THUMB ?!?!?!?

[@charlesstevenson3448]

ursafan40 the thundering thumb

[@ursafan40]

+charles stevenson Never heard that one before. I like it.

[@charlesstevenson3448]

ursafan40 Im from the Carolinas that was Toy's nickname. He was one of the best no doubt. He could play circles around most other so called greats for sure

[@joanjett8814]

Needed a pick up this morning and the lord brought me right here lol.. thanks

[@christopheryounggnomery3761]

I'm 46. Up until about 15 years ago I thought it was "purty little love song".

[@willyboyw.5771]

Everyone did...I did until I saw it on the album "Carolina Dreams"

[@mrabrasive51]

My father in law used to sing it,heard it in a love song...bang bing bong!

[@davidray9934]

Well I’m sure glad that this song made the cut, it’s one for the ages & one of my most favorite songs ever !

[@Daniel-gm3ip]

best band you`ll ever hear !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@DGrey]

Hey I’m Doug Grey & I’m not in the band but I like them!!

[@nathanwahl9224]

We love covering this one with our 3-piece band! I sing lead and swap between playing bass and key bass/flute/piano. A great song, and it always goes over well no matter what crowd we play it for.

[@joanjett8814]

Love their personal passion for their music.. band of brothers .. absolutely..

[@danbeck3166]

Thanks for all the goodtimes

[@sandrawadsworth5173]

One of my favs!♥️♥️♥️

[@rzacharyuaw]

Love the band and loved the concerts i went to. They were professionals.

[@brianrose3102]

Great Video !

[@kennymohr1979]

I was a brand new private standing outside the airport in Des Moines Iowa in 1980 when a big grey hound bus pulled up with the band's logo. I asked the driver if the band was there. They came out of the airport, I told them how much I enjoyed their music. They thanked me for my service. Cool

[@philmullins136]

Great story. Best wishes to you.

[@jimw.4161]

Great song!!! 👍

[@terrywilliams5285]

I’d like to thank all of the older brothers that were inspirational in forming all of us younger brothers paths to great music

[@ricksaunders8074]

Great Band of Country Rock

[@christophersmith8486]

Best fucking song man I’m 27, it’s 2020, and I love MTB

[@nathanwahl9224]

Thank goodness, there is hope!!!

[@jimhill3028]

One of , not, my favorite songs, by my favorite band !

[@Knards]

Seen MTB several times while living in Michigan. How I remember Doug's voice soaring over the amphitheater at Pine Knob. My ex and I used to go to Gatlinburg for vacations, and their cd's used to be in the car for a week

[@johnbowley7132]

such a great band a lot of.good times.with mtb

[@davidconnellchicago]

What a great story. Although pretty common. Amazing how people can write such a great song and have no idea it's great. That's why you need to listen to others to see what they think.

[@kevinarnold7236]

Saw their show tonight. Great show !!!

[@scottschuett7765]

I saw them too.....they sucked. One original guy who has lost his singing voice. The Keyboard player had a phenomenal voice. They are just using the MTB name in order to sell tickets. That band is LONG gone.

[@robertflores3630]

Everytime i listen to Marshall tucker i think of my pops and my tio.rest in peace roberto.

[@ut1004bp]

Doug Gray was one of my all time favorite male vocalists. I don't go to many concerts but Got to see them once at a Fair Concert, but he was still in recovery mode from some kind of vocal surgery.. dang it anyway, I felt his vocals in Last of the Singing Cowboys was the best of the best.

[@zzipdrive]

Marshall Tucker, I really like his music. Sorry.. used to hear that back In the day, lol

[@shellyerho5552]

Omg..I ❤ love you Always.. Met u..u dipped me..awww Glad ur good!!

[@karenbougher1219]

ONE OF THE GREATEST

[@LisaSwainson-eu5xe]

I LOVE MY MARSHALL TUCKER BOYS

[@eolden7749]

I play their songs regularly out still today.

[@lennyluzitano8920]

Great song I sang it many nights in the mid west..night clubs...in Utah Wyoming..Arizona ..Nevada...Idaho. Montana...

[@giftedplanksify]

Played in every bar across America a million times

[@carolrademacher7002]

I saw you in a bar in Syracuse. I love you 💕

[@native4063]

I got the 8 track from Columbia house records and tapes whom I'm still on the run from

[@josephmasticola910]

Never forget meeting you 2 different times and you invited me on the bus for a few minutes and and ivite down to see you in South Carolina. MTB is the best hands down. Hope all is well Doug.

[@fnmag6809]

Marshall Tucker Band was a monster

[@alanm.6525]

Key word is "WAS"....I've seen them recently ....so disappointed...but will hold on to my original recordings!

[@gralbr]

My favorite Marshall Tucker Band Song

[@JJG86]

Saw them in 1977 with the Grateful Dead at Englishtown, NJ. Great show, great band.

[@miamistomp]

I was there too. Fun times

[@douggauzy6258]

That song was everywhere 1977 . Loved MTB from the get go. Toy great song writer .

[@wildrover9650]

Saw them once in the 70s in the Hollywood Sportatorium. Great show of course. Seen a lot of bands in the Hollywood Sportatorium. It wasn't classic rock back then.

[@samanthasmith9081]

I used to live across the street from him and his family

[@bluegirl0920]

who gives AF? seriously!

[@nathanwahl9224]

@@bluegirl0920 Nobody cares what you think, either.

[@PatriotSteve]

@@bluegirl0920 I do. Seriously

[@OlJarhead]

Got my license at 16 in Dec.1976. Got my first car in 1977, a 69 Ford XL fastback. Heard this song on the radio many times crusin in that car. 🇺🇸😎🇺🇸

[@donray2234]

I remember driving thru the White Mountains Listening to the Marshall Tucker band ..............

[@HerbMoore]

Catchy little country song too good to stay country, POP1. Good story.

[@karenbougher1219]

HEARD IT IN A LOVE SONG ABSOLUTELY THE BEST EVER

[@markrussell.]

Anyone who likes the Marshall Tucker band that song will be in their top three.

[@melodyluvsherhobbies9454]

Saw Marshall Tucker play last night! 2-25-22

[@marshalltuckerful]

Can't be wrong LOVE YOU

[@michaelcarley7016]

Iconic Album! Got me a Tobacco Sunburst LPC and a big Brown cowboy hat!

[@RCHeath]

Toy Caldwell was magic.

[@freedomworks3976]

The good old days for sure

[@40beretta1]

Heard it in a Love Song gave Marshall Tucker Band crossover status and put them on the map of talented musicians. What most people don't realize; The band recorded live in studio...very litter if any over dub. Doug would come in later and do vocals because of how loud it was in the studio. Which worked out, because his vocals are so good, it gave Doug and the producer mixing time

[@tobyhale3424]

The first 11 albums are all good . You wrote most good songs but Doug sang most. Still see them every chance i can since the 70s.

[@dennisriblett4622]

I caught Them in Germany in 1977 small venue no more than 1200 people in a Concert Hall I remember a bunch of Germans showed Up in Tuxs and Gowns , They all left 1st Song ..