The Outlaws

The Outlaws formed in Tampa, Florida, in 1967. The initial lineup included guitarists and vocalists Frank Guidry, Hughie Thomasson, Herbie Pino, and Hobie O’Brien, along with drummer David Dix and bassist Phil Holmberg. The band underwent early lineup changes, with Frank O’Keefe joining on bass and vocals, and Tommy Angarano briefly taking over for Pino on Hammond organ. After an early attempt to record an album at Epic Studios in New York City in 1968, which was never released due to disagreements with the producer, the band recorded another unreleased album at Criteria Studios in Miami.

The early 1970s saw further personnel shifts and stylistic development. Henry Paul, a singer and guitarist, returned to Tampa in 1971 and formed Sienna with Monte Yoho and Frank O’Keefe. In 1972, Hughie Thomasson rejoined them, leading to the rebirth of The Outlaws. The addition of Billy Jones in 1973 completed the band’s renowned “Florida Guitar Army” trio. In 1974, Charlie Brusco became their manager, and Alan Walden joined as co-manager. The band became the first act signed to Arista Records by Clive Davis, a decision influenced by Lynyrd Skynyrd frontman Ronnie Van Zant. Their self-titled debut album in 1975 featured well-known songs like “There Goes Another Love Song” and the extended guitar jam “Green Grass and High Tides.”

The Outlaws gained a reputation for their unique sound, combining Southern rock’s dual lead guitar interplay with the vocal harmonies found in country-rock groups such as Buffalo Springfield and The Byrds. Hughie Thomasson, known as “The Flame” for his fast guitar work, and Billy Jones, contributed significantly to their distinctive guitar sound. The band enjoyed significant success with albums like “Lady in Waiting” (1976) and “Hurry Sundown” (1977). Their 1980 cover of “(Ghost) Riders in the Sky” from the album “Ghost Riders” became their biggest single, reaching No. 31 on the Billboard Hot 100. Despite lineup changes and a period of reduced activity after Thomasson joined Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1996, the band reunited in 2005. Following Thomasson’s death in 2007, Henry Paul took over as lead singer and bandleader, continuing the legacy of The Outlaws with new and returning members. Their recent album, “Dixie Highway,” was released in 2020.