Outlaws

Outlaws were formed in Tampa, Florida, in 1967. The initial lineup included guitarists/vocalists Frank Guidry, Hughie Thomasson, Herbie Pino, and Hobie O’Brien, along with drummer David Dix and bassist Phil Holmberg. The band was originally known as The Four Letter Words before Guidry’s arrival led to the adoption of the name “Outlaws.” Early attempts to record albums in New York City (1968) and Miami (with producer Phil Gernhard) did not result in releases. The lineup saw several changes, with Frank O’Keefe settling on bass and Monte Yoho joining on drums sporadically. A significant turning point occurred in 1972 when Hughie Thomasson, Henry Paul, Monte Yoho, and Frank O’Keefe came together, forming the core of the reborn Outlaws. Billy Jones joined in 1973, completing the band’s first guitar trio, known as “The Florida Guitar Army” due to their distinctive triple lead guitar approach. In 1974, Charlie Brusco and Alan Walden became the band’s managers. The band was the first act signed to Arista Records by Clive Davis, largely due to a recommendation from Lynyrd Skynyrd frontman Ronnie Van Zant. Their debut album, “Outlaws,” was released in 1975, featuring their well-known songs “There Goes Another Love Song” and “Green Grass and High Tides.”

The band’s peak era spanned from 1975 to 1979, during which they released critically acclaimed albums such as “Lady in Waiting” (1976) and “Hurry Sundown” (1977). These albums showcased their unique blend of country and rock, incorporating three and four-part vocal harmonies, which distinguished them from many of their Southern rock contemporaries. Hughie Thomasson’s Fender Stratocaster-driven guitar style earned him the nickname “The Flame” for his fast, blues-infused playing, leading to his induction into the Fender Hall of Fame. Billy Jones, playing a Gibson Les Paul, complemented Thomasson’s sound with his clean and distorted tones. The Outlaws toured extensively as a support act for major bands like The Who, The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, Queen, Black Sabbath, and Van Halen, gaining significant recognition across the United States. Their 1980 cover of “(Ghost) Riders in the Sky” reached No. 31 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking their greatest single chart success. The band continued to release albums throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including “Soldiers of Fortune” (1986) and “Diablo Canyon” (1994), although these were met with mixed commercial success compared to their earlier work. After Hughie Thomasson joined Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1996, the band went into a hiatus.

In April 2005, the Outlaws reunited with Hughie Thomasson, Henry Paul, Monte Yoho, and David Dix, along with Chris Anderson and new members Randy Threet and Dave Robbins. Thomasson, who was the only constant member since the band’s inception, passed away in 2007. Following his death, Henry Paul assumed the role of lead singer and bandleader. The band continued to tour and release new music, including the album “It’s About Pride” in 2012, which featured contributions from lead guitarist Billy Crain. In 2016, they released a 2-CD concert set titled “Legacy Live,” and their album “Dixie Highway” was released in 2020. Over the years, the band has experienced numerous personnel changes, with Henry Paul being the sole “classic era member” in the current lineup. In 2025, Henry Paul’s son, Henry “Little Hank” Paul IV, officially joined as the fourth guitarist and vocalist, continuing the band’s legacy.