The Story Of 'Can't You See' by Marshall Tucker Band | The Big Interview

Doug Gray, lead singer and founding member of The Marshall Tucker Band, talks about performing at President Jimmy Carter's inauguration before revealing how some of the band's most-acclaimed singles like "Can't You See" and "Heard It In A Love Song" first originated on The Big Interview.
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[@georgedarrell7416]

In 1987, the first date with the girl I eventually married, was to an outdoor concert that MTB played at (among several bands). 10 years to the day later, we took our 2 nieces and nephew to their very first concert. That girl and I were soulmates, she left us 3 years ago, and 'Can't You See' now brings me to tears every time I hear it. All my love, always, Babe...

[@stevecooper6076]

I feel you, ours was a Pink Floyd concert in Montreal in ‘77. It’s been 3 years since my soulmate was taken, hearing a Floyd tune can choke me up.

[@fransmith8992]

@@philiphill6697 i think he means that she died.

[@EE-qn4ks]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@stephenroman9015]

Somewhere is there is a song for you to write.... Three cords and the truth.....

[@07blackdog]

My wife and I fell in love with each other to the MTB. We had 4 children together. She left in 2015. Married on '92. I'm on my porch playing guitar to this music. I'm with you ,man. Jesus is our Comforter.

[@apwkastmaster2096]

Underrated band with great music.

[@marktrail8624]

There's that word again

[@TooStinkinFine]

Someone in every single song of any popular and successful band comments on them being underrated…… Getting really old!

[@onazram1]

They were not underrated in any way

[@PaulWSmith-yn7ym]

Thanks to Doug for the perseverance in keeping Toy Caldwell's musical legacy and wisdom alive. The great voice of my heroes from better times There aren't too many people who are remembered well for peace and love from 50 plus years ago. Toy, Tommy, George, Jerry, Paul & Doug will never be forgotten for that tasty slice of True Americana.

[@DougWilliams-mk5ir]

Nobody could have ever said it better.

[@carrollcaldwell4570]

Went to school with Doug, Tommy and Jerry back in 67 and 68. We were all in Ms.Gosnells Chorus and music class. Heard Toy, George and Franklin Wilkie while playing with the Rants at Club Jamarta in Greenville, S.C. in1966. Doug and Tommy played our Home coming dance in a Band called the New Generation in1967. They had just released a 45 rpm named " it's all over" of which Doug sang on. Doug could sing like Tom Jones and Lou Rauls.

[@davidbutcher2976]

MARSHALL TUCKER BAND By far, the GREATEST southern rock band, EVER!!!

[@FYMASMD]

Wrong. Allman brothers are way better. Not even close. 🙄

[@CindyVanover]

Absolutely love THE MARSHALL TUCKER BAND! Doug has seen em come and go but he’s remained loyal to the fans. Keeping the dream alive all these years later. He’s looking great! Great interview! And by the way my 18 year old niece is into the MTB also! Now that’s the lasting legacy of a great band!

[@gregjones3671]

First time I ever saw the Marshal Tucker Band, had never heard of them, 1974 in San Diego, went to see them at a hall of about 400 downtown. They opened for Lynyrd Skynyrd. When Toy Caldwell sang “Can’t You See,” my elbow was on the stage. A powerhouse band and Toy one of the best front men I ever saw-singing, playing, his presence, and he wrote most of those songs. Will have to open up 2024 today with some Tucker . . .

[@Alpharizzchad]

For my boots to get Old

[@johneasler9967]

From our hometown, Spartanburg, South Carolina. My dad dated Toy's aunt back in the 1940s. Toy is buried about 15 feet from my cousin, Guy.

[@JakeSpeed1000]

What a treasure Doug Gray is. Toy Caldwell was a genius.

[@julio5959]

I went to see them in concert back during their prime. I went with my friend because he wanted me to go. I was blown away. One of the best live shows I’ve ever seen. They came back onstage for four encores because the fans just would not let them leave.

[@mercywilliams2698]

A wonderful night seeing MTB in Plattsburgh NY 1975.. seating was just sitting on the floor..beautiful music time!

[@mattbrem3788]

This band has aged like a fine wine to me. Desert skies is my new favorite song. If you haven’t heard it , KZbin night now!

[@TheGadgettracker]

George McCorkle and Toy Caldwell were two of my favorite guitar duos in the '70's.

[@chucklutter7399]

First heard and loved MTB in the 70s. Consider myself exceptionally fortunate to have seen them play a small venue then. 45+ years later Can't You See is often the first tune I strum when I am lucky to touch a guitar. Other of their tunes get played almost every session. Great band, great music and of course great Americans especially Toy. BEST AND PEACE

[@jag2039]

I'm 62 n Can't you see has been my song since 1978 n I remember it like yesterday n were n why it's so special I smell it see it taste it.This is so cool to hear how much ❤ Thanks

[@stevesaltered]

Great interview! MTB is an American treasure!

[@nicholaskennedy4310]

MTB live is/was one of the best shows ever. great songs high energy So glad to have grown up in that era withe Allman Bros . Skynard ,The Outlaws and many other Southern acts

[@martinsbriglio8948]

Some of the best songs ever made.

[@billrobbins5874]

Great interview by Dan Rather.

[@martron1962]

Listening to The Marshall Tucker Band is simply a joyful noise to my ear! Doug! I need that shirt!!!

[@JJJJ-gl2uf]

This band was a bit before my time, but I love these interviews. Learn more about the music, the songs, and the musicians who bring everything to life. Well done.

[@billl1127]

I listened to Marshall Tucker Band day and night in the 70's and to my shame never knew who the band members were. Great stuff.

[@stewartminnick8714]

From Spartanburg South Carolina Capricorn recording group The Marshall Tucker Band.

[@DustyBalz]

Got to see the MTB 30+ times in the 70s and early 80s. Legendary talent! Met Doug in Nashville and George a few times , nicest people ever .

[@moushunter]

I saw the original Marshall Tucker Band in 1975...ish? along with Elvin Bishop. Great outdoor show on a comfortable summer night. Not only 2 great performances. The audience was blessed with a major jam with both bands together. I've seen Marshall Tucker 4 or 5 more times since and each time was fantastic. One of the best jams is available on KZbin from a Meadowbrook NH show. It is about a 25 minute video and I think it might have been edited down a bit. The highlight wasn't the guitars or drums, it was the horn and keyboard player. It was his night to shine.

[@Majorbanjo]

Legendary Music! Can't you see.......is my very favorite song......

[@kenarms4364]

I grew up in Spartanburg, SC and was a teenager when MTB hit it big with their first album. So a bunch of us started pickin' hoping that we could hit it big too. One of my best garage band friends was Stuart Swanlund who went on to play with MTB for many years until he died in 2012. So when they came through Florida where I live now my 3 daughters and I would go hang out backstage with them. Doug was always so nice to them and would pull them up on stage to play tambourine. I will be forever grateful to him for giving us those wonderful memories.

[@bobdixon4998]

I am such a fan!!!. Can't you see came out when I was 12, and I was already listening to Santana, Jethro till, Allman Brothers, all of the good music out there, and then Charlie Daniels band and Marshall Tucker band came and I was really into it by then. My generation grew up with the Best music I believe. Many will argue. And I see their point. The first music you exposed to is moving to young ears. It always sticks.

[@claudiashiflett2009]

You are see right!

[@charlesbraun8867]

Bob you have the same story as mine. I have to ask how old are you . I turn 62 in 2024.

[@bobdixon4998]

@@charlesbraun8867 I turned 63 in 23. Yeah our g g g generation had the Best music!

[@MarshallLanier]

​@@bobdixon4998yes sir. I turn 63 in just a few days. We had MTB, ABB, Skynyrd, ARS, The Eagles, Linda Ronstadt, Fleetwood Mac, CDB, Elvin Bishop and so many more. Our generation DID have the best music

[@michaelbennett376]

Can`t imagine what it would have been like to never have had the MTB.

[@travishendrix7026]

The pride of The Palmetto State. No one has done it better than the Tucker Band.

[@thomasjaszewski6898]

24 hours at a time! My favorite song in the whole world!

[@KevinHudson-q7i]

I agree the live version is quite a toetapper no it's a footstomper🦶 keep rockin😊

[@a.nonymous8766]

@@KevinHudson-q7i "Charlie Daniels on the fiddle... CHARLIE DANIELS!!!"

[@joanneganon7157]

Thank you Dan and Greg ! Merry Christmas 🌟🎄

[@stephenroman9015]

Toy Caldwell like Ronnie VanZant is a raw genius when it comes to song writing. That comes from the Lord above.....

[@texasflood3165]

I remember hearing these guys in Pittsburgh back in mid 70’s..Syria Mosque i think..my God what a night.. harmonies unmatched…

[@davenelms68]

Saw them a lot in Florida in the 70's, sometimes with CDB, always a great show.

[@Lightsavver]

I watched them get induced into the Music hall of Fame and Toy Caldwell was there too. It was awesome. my son's and their friends are going to a Marshall Tucker concert next month. Woohoo! Thank you for having Doug on. Wonderful talented man.

[@larrymills4019]

I'm 65 and have seen MTB ,CDB together twice and MTB with local band and have loved their music since early 70s. Takes me back to a great time in my life.

[@geraldbodnar2718]

Carolina Dreams is my absolute favorite album . I shoulda never started lovin you , fly like an eagle, heard it in a love song and more. Saw them few times while moving during my military career. At concert halls or County fairs

[@my_freelance_life]

I saw The Marshall Tucker Band about 1980 when they played at the Chicago PBS TV station WTTW. One of my best concert experiences.

[@debbiechambers3423]

They still r awesome going in Oct 2024 to see HeadEast at Wildwood lodge can’t wait

[@MaximusWolfe]

Skynyrd and MTB are the kings of southern rock. Unsurpassed to this day. 2 of the best bands in any genre. PERIOD.

[@jeffreydelallo7311]

Beg to differ The Allman Brothers

[@MaximusWolfe]

@@jeffreydelallo7311 I love the AB’s but I just think Skynyrd and MTB eclipsed them at some point.

[@johnnystieferman6527]

I like 38 special s songs best of all the others personally . But that’s why we all are different.

[@MaximusWolfe]

@@johnnystieferman6527 Wrong criterion. Objectively speaking, Skynyrd and MTB had the greatest originality and effect coupled with the most output. Both bands were also quite original whereas the rest were far more derivative.

[@Jlivingston66]

I saw Toy Caldwell play at The Channel on the Boston waterfront in 1986 or 1987. I was in college. That was a great show. Caldwell was a master.

[@phildirt3]

So many great songs

[@shishiguy1983]

I saw them at the Iowa Jam in the 70's--loved them ever since...

[@higgs923]

Saw the Marshall Tucker Band at the Santa Barbara County Bowl many years ago. These are the memories that make me a wealthy soul.

[@citrus1973]

I listen to Marshall Tucker Band almost daily.

[@carlariggs525]

My ex was friends with some of the band members, they grew up in the Spartanburg SC area, I also got to meet them in the mid 1970's when they played a concert near me. My friend and I set up their dressing room (thanks for making it easy) and they were one of the nicest bands ever. their music was great

[@giftedplanksify]

They put on a great show..seen them twice. I remember all these women hanging around the tour bus trying to get a trinket or souvenir of some sort.. will see them if they tour around Ventura CA ✌️ thankya

[@patrickhite3026]

My Buddy Frankie Toler was the drummer for the Allman Brothers on one album & Greggs only drummer in the Gregg Allman band along with his brother Danny during the Im No Angel & Just Before The Bullets Fly..I was at Frankie & Marsha ( his wife) house when he got the call to join Marshall Tucker Band..He was thrilled to get that gig & he needed it..Unfortunately it didnt last long as he needed a liver transplant. I was his drum tech in the 80s & he took me along to the practices with Doug Gray & the rest of the band..I think he was as close to Paul Riddles style as you vould get..I sure miss them. .RIP Frankie & Marsha.

[@zappafrk]

My very first concert in 1979 was the Marshall Tucker Band with the Sanford Townsend Band opening up.

[@bbowjazz]

Was just thinking about Doug Gray the other day! Grew up on MTB and always loved their down to earth virtuosity!

[@earlp6731]

My Mom took me to see MTB in the late 70s in StLouis at the old arena/checkerdome. It was my first concert!!!

[@davidmccall4776]

Good old boys from the south! And we're all proud of 'em!

[@1939otto]

"So that was a Whopper" and chuckles. SO COOL! 3:30 - 3:50

[@davidtupman-z3b]

the interview made me smile MTB was one of my favorites, I used to be able to sing most of the songs and Doug could sing RIP to the guys who have passed yall made your mark

[@butchrishel1505]

Cant you see is my all time fav.

[@michelelaraia7358]

Only know them by name. But I'll listen

[@stevecarmack6267]

When I hear Can’t You See it takes me back to my junior year in high school. My house was the hangout for a bunch of us and we played it all the time. I met my future wife during this time and that song reminds me of when we met.,

[@ripleymt]

Love, love, love Doug Gray! I met him a few years back at our county fair, and he was very down to earth and just REAL as could be!! Still friends on Facebook and yes, he DOES post & comment. Dan Rather, on the other hand, thinks he’s an “elite” and I wouldn’t cross the street to talk to him 🤮

[@josephhaynessr.5099]

Back way back I saw Marshall Tucker on either don kirshner rock concert or midnight special. But I was blown away away. Well our drummer pulled up in his (really) in his VW bus and said that Marshall Tucker was playing at the Cape Cod Coliseum. So we took the ride in a snow storm. When we pulled into the parking lot there's several inches of snow snow so Johnny did what we all did back then started doing donuts in the parking lot when we parked there were only a few cars and the tour buses . So every few minutes some one would poke there head out of the bus to look around .Well even though there was only a couple hundred if that people in the audience. Wet willy Marshall Tucker played like there was 30,000 folks out there. One of the band members said You New England people are nuts he mentioned the donuts and how crazy we were to come out in this weather but because you did we will play our asses off for you and they did. people are nuts he

[@rodneypratt4324]

First and foremost, I'm 66. I was born in Texas, I love the Marshall.Tucker band saw them when I was a teenager in houston texas... Sometimes I get emotional, listening to their music now. great musicians and good people. I forgot to mention. Why would Dan rather say... briefly as possible? Tell me about this story that's not how the journalist is supposed to be.

[@MrPhotodoc]

Our favorite "camping" band.

[@bobdixon4998]

Id love to hear more.

[@dougreed9843]

Cant you see is one of my most favorite songs, its teaches in gtabs my heart squeezes it hardcand yeas me up eveytine and aibplaybit also..

[@dougreed9843]

Keep doing it please

[@nutflushdrawkoh]

Toy, we miss you dearly.

[@Beecher_Dikov]

I saw them with Firefall in 76 or 77 at the IU assembly hall.

[@gregmcvey1144]

We’re never the same after Tommy died then Toy and George left the band. Just keepin it real..

[@bruceb5481]

I love MTB and they owe their success to Capricorn studios and their producer, Paul Hornsby.

[@MrMarkar1959]

I still have the Tshirt from 1981 Ft.Wayne Ind. show. 3 sizes too small,,i dont keep track of these Awesome Musicians i like should🥲or I'd have an Autographed Tshirt that Fit🎸👍🏼

[@07blackdog]

My favorite band. Doug Gray could belt it out in the key of D. Dan Blather has absolutely no idea what the South is about.

[@michaelgregory2231]

My ex-wife's Aunt, Mildred Fridy, was a Spartanburg institution who worked at Wade's and babysat Dougy Gray as a baby

[@michaelchurchill1889]

1977 mile high stadium 4rth July-priceless

[@paulles1377]

It wasn't the 4th of July. It was June 26th. I worked merchandise for the MTB from 1975-1978 and I saved all my travel itinerary so I looked it up.

[@rmusicization]

TOP SHELVE,, MISS MTB

[@rockit6553]

How bout Take the highway??

[@capefearcapt4679]

I'm a huge fan of the MTB and respect Doug Gray, but I wish he had shelved MTG and just reformed his own band. Without the Caldwells and McCorkle, it's just not even close to the same band. I kind of feel like the MTB legacy has been tainted by what happened after the tragic passing of some the original members. He (Doug) seems like a very nice man though.

[@josephballerini3730]

Dan seems to know a lot of MTB.

[@MrJohnnyDistortion]

Are those rocket ships on his shirt?

[@Dstrbrdgrnd]

Gonna work a week Make a hunerd dollars And hit the road again…

[@sharkair2839]

set list Hillbilly Band Another Cruel Love Too Stubborn 24 Hours at a Time Ramblin' Take the Highway Every Day I Have the Blues Will the Circle Be Unbroken? The Thrill Is Gone

[@sharkair2839]

santa monica civic 1974.

[@RobertDavisAdman]

Except that it doesn’t really tell the story of Can’t You See.

[@gharr1405]

FDR

[@LeeVerrill-ym2pt]

Musicians have sold out to profit

[@MrBluzhound]

What’s the frequency, Dan? Rather took a potentially interesting interview and managed to ask the same question four or five times. Yawn. He should have spiced it up with some fake documents like he did for GWB….

[@GeorgiaJones-g4e]

Yes.doug sat in the street with a sign and a doggy. Melanie went dog cult and breathes dog saliva as mommy vikki watches. I haven't been with dogs cats or hamsters. Sorry.

[@Alpharizzchad]

Smoking pot on the grounds of the White House 😅😅

[@TheGravygun]

Dan Rather is a crisis actor

[@glenbard657]

Toy Caldwell has been gone for over 30 years now. RIP.

[@markelder4789]

Tommy has been gone for 43 years

[@royjohnson465]

Three of the Caldwell brothers Tim, Tommy, and Toy are passed away now.

[@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. 📸📸📸

[@garytudor4655]

I got out of school one day and went by and picked up a friend. When he got in my car he said I got a new 8 track, today. Here put this in and let's listen to it. I said oh man, I don't won't to listen to country music. He said, It's not country, it's Southern Rock. I put the tape in and instancely fell in love with the Marshall Tucker Band. We listened to it all night. I'm now 66 years old. I saw them live in the 70's and to this day I'm still listening to them. Those days when life gets me down, I just turn on the MTB and these guys make life worth living, again. There is just something about their music. They are the best band I ever listened to. They were all a cut above the rest. Rest in peace to the ones who are gone.

[@rodneypratt4324]

AMEN brother greetings from Texas.

[@dwaynewladyka577]

I'm a fan of the MTB. Great songwriting and good music. Cheers!

[@kennethwright7009]

I was stationed at F.E. Warren AFB in Cheyenne, WY in 1977. During an exploration in the foothills west of Cheyenne one day I found a large set of mule deer antlers. I was showing them to another airman I had just met on base and he wanted them for his father. I traded them for a concert ticket at the Mile High Stadium in Denver. Heart came out and started playing but claimed they were having equipment difficulties and left the stage. MTB came out and played the rest of Heart’s time and their own. Talk about a Rocky Mountain high. First time I ever heard of them. To this day I still can’t listen to Heart’s music but can’t thank them enough to have left the stage early.

[@billkaldem5099]

My father was stationed at that air base. He spoke good things about it and the area around it.

[@bobbycox9541]

Doug Gray is one of the nicest most down to earth men I’ve ever met. I was fortunate to meet him back stage a few years ago and he went out of his way to wave me over to shake my hand and carry on great conversation.

[@mcwhorter141mcwhorter8]

Can't you see stops me in my tracks every time i hear it.

[@TheBent139]

From my old home town. Toy Caldwell's daughter waitressed at a pool hall where we often hung out. Sweet girl. I remember when he passed. Such a sad time. He was a local hero. There were, and still are, I heard the played in the town square last year and drew more than 10,000 people. Everyone knows those early songs. Great band, great people. Dan does such an amazing job with these interviews. He could have been (should have been) a music journalist.

[@redsammy7789]

Miss all the great song writers, Toy Caldwell and Lowell George just to name a couple, there will never be anyone like them

[@Not_MindlessAndGullibleAlways]

Doug was the voice that you just didn't mistake for anyone else. I still marvel at what he did on the old MTB records and thank him for it.

[@71rcode72]

Thank you Doug you are an amazing vocalist, songwriter and friend to your band mates. God bless you sir!

[@TN-Vols-Fan]

I've been a fan of the original MTB from the beginning in since my teens. Saw them live when they came through Knoxville, TN. I'm still listening to those old records.

[@debbiechambers3423]

Just saw them in concert at wildwood lodge in steelville Mo

[@debbiechambers3423]

Oct 28 2023

[@jamesnella52]

Rode Marshall Tucker home ETS Army. Going down to the river with a cane poll in my hand. Got my red worms in a Maxwell House coffee can. Going to sit under a shade tree

[@SGWinstar8844]

😉🤟🏾 You guys Rock!