Originally, .38 Special emerged as part of the Southern rock scene alongside iconic bands like the Allman Brothers and Lynyrd Skynyrd. The band was helmed by Donnie Van Zant, the sibling of Skynyrd’s frontman, Ronnie Van Zant. Transitioning from traditional Southern boogie, .38 Special evolved their sound to blend elements of country-fried blues-rock and high-energy hard rock, resulting in a series of chart-topping albums and singles in the early ’80s, including hits like ‘Caught Up in You,’ ‘If I’d Been the One,’ ‘Back Where You Belong,’ and ‘Like No Other Night.’ Despite achieving success, the band faced a decline in the late ’80s with the advent of pop and heavy metal dominating the music scene.
The formation of .38 Special dates back to 1974 when Donnie Van Zant, together with Jeff Carlisi, Don Barnes, Ken Lyons, Jack Grondin, and Steve Brookins, established the band in Jacksonville, Florida. Following initial releases that garnered limited attention, the breakthrough came with their third album, ‘Rockin’ into the Night’ in 1979, marking a shift towards a more melodic and dynamic sound. Subsequent albums like ‘Wild-Eyed Southern Boys,’ ‘Special Forces,’ and ‘Strength in Numbers’ solidified their status as a popular touring act, propelled by hits such as ‘Hold On Loosely’ and ‘Caught Up in You.’ Despite lineup changes over the years, .38 Special maintained their musical essence, culminating in the success of their hit ballad ‘Second Chance’ from the album ‘Rock & Roll Strategy.’ The band’s legacy extends to their later releases, including ‘Bone Against Steel,’ ‘Resolution,’ and ‘Live at Sturgis,’ reflecting their enduring presence in the music industry.