The band's first album introduced the Tucker classics, "Can't You See" and "Take The Hiway," and featured the song writing and inspirational guitar of Toy Caldwell. Combined with the powerful baritone vocals of Doug Gray, the groovin' base of Tommy Caldwell, George McCorkle's rhythm guitar, and a flute/sax flair from Jerry Eubanks, the Marshall Tucker Band exploded onto the music scene.

By 1974, the band had a huge following with the success of Where We All Belong, a double LP which included new studio cuts and live material featuring the Marshall Tucker Band at its best, performing on stage. With guest appearances from Charlie Daniels in the studio and on stage, "This Ol' Cowboy" and "In My Own Way" became new standards for the band. The 14-minute live version of "24 Hours At A Time," for the first time captured on tape the creative, innovative energy of a band destined for national appeal.

In 1976 the band acheived a Grammy nomination with the title track, instumental Long Hard Ride, an album that also featured the song writing of George McCorkle, Doug Gray, and Jerry Eubanks. McCorkle's "Holding On To You" showcased The Marshall Tucker Band's unique ability to balance the power of southern rock in a reflective ballad.

But it was the 1977 release, Carolina Dreams, that rocketed Marshall Tucker to the top of the pop rock charts with the hit single, "Heard It In A Love Song," and the MTB classics, "Never Trust A Stranger," "Desert Skies," and "Fly Like An Eagle". In 1979 the band signed with Warner Bros. Records and released Running Like The Wind, the first of six albums, now available as re-releases on cassette and compact disc.

Tragedy struck the band with the death of bass player Tommy Caldwell in 1980, and despite the continued success of their tour schedule, the loss was difficult for the band. The original Marshall Tucker Band was beginning to dissolve. Caldwell, McCorkle, and drummer Paul Riddle left the group.

Without the original band members, Doug Gray and Jerry Eubanks began the task of rebuilding in the mid-1980s. Spartanburg natives Rusty Milner and Tim Lawter joined up with Gray and Eubanks to carry on the Carolina tradition while Toy spent some much-needed time off. Toy released his first solo CD in 1992 and began touring to promote the release, but tragically died in his sleep February 25, 1993.