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The history of the Charlie Daniels Band Volunteer Jam in Nashville
by the "A Team", Gary Allen (from the Charlie Daniels Band) & Pat Adams (from TennnesseeConcerts)
How The Volunteer Jam Originated by Gary Allen:
The idea for The Volunteer Jam came from Ron Huntsman, a DJ at WKDF-FM. Our manager, Joe Sullivan,
also from WKDF, made an outline for what The CDB was going to do to get to the top. The first thing he wrote
on the list was: headline a show in Nashville and record it live for a possible LP. That LP turned into Fire On
The Mountain. The live tracks were done that night, recorded by Johnny Rosen Sound, using the Rolling
Stone's Mobile Truck. To make sure we had a packed house at the War Memorial Auditorium, we gave away
half the seats to Vanderbilt college kids who would go anywhere that was free. Then, we made a list of friends
that would show up to play. It started with Toy Caldwell, from The Marshall Tucker Band, who played steel
guitar for the first time on stage that night. Jerry Eubanks, flute and my best pal Paul Riddle, drums, also
jumped on our bandwagon. We called Dickey Betts from the Allman Brothers band, who would play on the
studio part of FOTM. He played the Dobro on Long Haired Country Boy. Alvin Lee, from Tent Years After was
at the party after the jam. He never played as far as I remember.
During the rehearsals for the show in my duplex, my landlady, Dawn Wells (yes, Mary Ann) came over and
saw Barry, Mark and myself trying to take Charlie down and hold his face on the ground. We didn't accomplish
it and she just smiled and said, "Nice try, it looked like you had a chance for a second." She was very nice.
I remember we were playing a new song that night called Trudy. We played it slow. Later, we speeded it up
and made it a fast song when we took it to Capricorn. The music from the jam was mastered and mixed by
Paul Hornsby and Ovie Sparks, who both worked on The Allman Brothers Live at The Fillmore East.
We came onstage while the Tennessee Waltz was playing, in front of a Confederate flag lit up from the back
and played our set. We went from Uneasy Rider to The South’s Going To Do It, and then turned it into a jam
with our friends. I remember colorful balloons falling from the ceiling when we played our last encore,
Orange Blossom Special. Charlie was hitting the balloons into the audience with his fiddle bow and looked
happy as a kid at Christmas. The overhead lights came on and lit up the audience. I could see friends and
pals from high school. I saw a guy that owed me $10 for years. The band sounded hot and the crowd was
hanging on every note. A 45 single was recorded from the jam that was included in the initial pressing of
FOTM. You have to buy those now on Ebay. That’s where I got it.
Sam McPherson played harmonica with us all. He was the bus driver for The MTB. Charlie caught Sam
popping our backs and made him stop. Sam was a chiropractor, or so he said. I let Sam sling me around
like a rag doll when Charlie wasn't around. I have trouble with authority.
I enjoyed playing double drums with Paul Riddle, who is a jazz drummer actually, but our style always fit
together well. Jaimoe and Trucks are opposites in background but are tight as a drum. . . well, two drums.
Toy Caldwell said to us after the show, "That was so tight, it would hold water. It don't get any better than that!"
I felt like we were on cloud nine. Not unlike Steve Martin, things were going to start to happen for us now.
Paul gave me a nice leather hat before the show and I wore it. It was a lucky hat. Not for me, but for whoever
lifted it from the dressing room later. They didn't get my box of animal crackers. I hid those in my wife’s purse.
Joe Sullivan said to me after the concert, "Congratulations! Now you go do this every night, everywhere they
have electricity." One of my memories of after the show was sending Johnny Rosen a thank you card for the
great monitors and recording. I saw him take that card out at restaurants and bars several times. He would
say, "This is the only thank you card I ever got from a band." That amused me and made me feel good, like
James Brown. That night is when we realized we were at the beginning of a long and interesting musical
journey. The next culture shock would be my mom waking me on Saturday morning, to tell me Dick Clark
was playing the CDB on American Bandstand. We were on the blasting pad and the countdown had started.
My Memories Of Nashville's Volunteer Jam by Pat Adams
Through all of Charlie Daniels accomplishments, Charlie Daniels may be best known for organizing the
genre-bending musical extravaganzas known as the Volunteer Jams, 16 music events over the course
of three decades.
Some of my best concert memories growing up in Nashville Tennessee, are attending almost all of the
Volunteer Jam concerts. The first of these Volunteer Jam's which featured the Charlie Daniels Band &
friends on October 4, 1974, took place at Nashville's War Memorial Auditorium. Thanks to my friend
CDB drummer Gary Allen, I have magazine reviews from that original Volunteer Jam concert in Nashville.
Rolling Stone Magazine (November 21, 1974) wrote:
"Ya'll stick around" boomed the voice of Charlie Daniels, who had just delivered a dynamic set with his
own band." We're going to have some people come out here, that can really play." When he reappeared
with Dickey Betts and about half of the Marshall Tucker Band, there was that unmistakable feeling of
good will let loose within the audience, and it snapped my head..... Joining him, his band and Betts on
stage for the Volunteer Jam were Toy Caldwell, Jerry Eubanks, Paul Riddle and Sam McPherson from
the Marshall Tucker Band, Artimus Pyle, who works in the studio with Lynyrd Sknyrd, and Jamie Nichol,
a young Nashville percussionist.
Record World Magazine (November 9, 1974) wrote:
Charlie Daniels and his band recently recorded an album of material at a concert at the War Memorial
Auditorium in Nashville. The album featured not only Charlie's band, but a jam session with Dickie Betts,
of the Allman Brothers Band, Toy Caldwell of Cowboy, Paul Riddle of the Marshall Tucker Band and
others. The "others" included Joel (Taz) DiGregorio, piano player for the Daniels band, as well as guitarist
Barry Barnes, bassist Mark Fitzgerald, and drummer Gary Allen of the Charlie Daniels Band. Also playing
were Jerry Eubanks of the Marshall Tucker Band, Artimus Pyle, Jamie Nichol, Sam McPherson, and of
course, Charlie Daniels. Portions of the Jam will be used on an album..... Pure "Southern Rock" mixed
with the funkiest versions of some old country songs you've ever laid your ears on should make the album
as good as the concert.
CDB songs at the Jam included Whiskey, Long Haired Country Boy, Trudy, Georgia, Feelin' Free, Be
Proud You're A Rebel, The Souths Gonna Do It, and New York City Rosewood Bed on which Joel
(Taz) DiGregorio took over the lead vocals. This was the beginning of a Nashville tradition, and several
live songs from that Jam were featured on the 1974 triple-platinum album "Fire On The Mountain".
Volunteer Jam II (1975) took place at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro Tennessee,
and was actually made into a movie, billed as "The First Full-Length Southern Rock Motion Picture."
Not only was I at the concert, but I remember going to see the movie as soon as it came out in the
theater. I now own the DVD, which was released in 2007 under the name "Volunteer Jam." It
can be purchased on Charlie Daniels official website at www.charliedaniels.com. This is a video worth
buying, if you are in to southern rock. It also features Jam guests Jimmy Hall, Dickey Betts, Chuck Leavell,
Dru Lumber and Artimus Pyle. Also featured, some great footage of the original Marshall Tucker Band
with Doug Gray, Paul Riddle, Jerry Eubanks, plus late members Toy Caldwell, Tommy Caldwell and
George McCorkle. Others performing at the concert included Alvin Lee and Ronnie Stoneman. This event
was recorded at a turning point in the history of the CDB. The breakthrough record "Fire On The Mountain"
was riding high on the charts, The South's Gonna Do It Again, was a hit anthem on FM radio and the band
was enjoying a peak moment of popularity that would keep on building. One of the reasons for the first
Volunteer Jam was to do some live recordings for "Fire On The Mountain", Daniels recalled. The first
Volunteer Jam was in a 2,200 seat hall and the second one was in a 13,000 seat hall. Daniels excepted
the group's first gold record on stage that night at Volunteer Jam II.
Volunteer Jam III-X took place at Nashville's Municipal Auditorium, between 1976 and the mid-1980's.
The Municipal Auditorium Jam's have been broadcast nationally on over 250 radio stations and later
around the globe. Many were televised on TV specials, including Volunteer Jam X, produced by the one
and only Dick Clark. Host Charlie Daniels, had no limit to the genre of music which is featured at the
Volunteer Jam concerts including rock, country, bluegrass, gospel, soul, classical, comedy, and last but
not least southern rock. My favorite Volunteer Jam concert was Vol Jam V, in January of 1979. This Jam
also took place at Nashville's Municipal Auditorium, and was somewhat of a tribute to Ronnie Van Zant
and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Lynyrd Skynyrd reunited for the first time on-stage, since their October 20, 1977
plane crash. They performed the J.J. Cale song Call Me The Breeze, with my friend Taz from the CDB on
vocals, then an instrumental version of Freebird, with a spotlight on Ronnie VanZant's hat hanging on an
empty microphone. Many people in the audience had tears in their eyes. Other CDB members playing with
Skynyrd that special night included Charlie Daniels and CDB bassist Charlie Hayward. Leon Wilkeson
appeared on stage, but could not play due to injuries from the plane crash. Judy Van Zant and Teresa
Gaines also spoke. The show featured other Skynyrd related tributes including Grey Ghost, a tribute to
Ronnie Van Zant by the Henry Paul Band, and Reflections by the Charlie Daniels Band. My other
memories of the Volunteer Jam Municipal Auditorium concerts include Billy Joel, Ted Nugent with Molly
Hatchet doing Mississippi Queen and Carol, Leon Russell, Mickey Gilley, Duane Eddy, Woody Herman,
Charlie Daniels with the Jordanaires doing an Elvis Presley medley, Louisiana's Leroux performing New
Orleans Ladies, Grinderswitch, Vince Gill, Nicolette Larson, Tommy Shaw doing Too Much Time On My
Hands, Dwight Yoakam, Papa John Creach, Orleans, Willie Nelson singing his classics Crazy, Night
Life and Good Hearted Woman, the late Soloman Burke, Sea Level, Eddie Rabbitt, Poco, the Oak Ridge
Boys singing Elvira. Later Jam's featured a solo William Lee Golden singing Long And Winding Road,
B.B. King, Delbert McClinton doing Standing On Shakey Ground, Ray Price singing For The Good Times,
The Outlaws, Bill Medley performing You've Lost That Lovin Feeling, Quarterflash doing Harden My Heart,
the late Boxcar Willie, the late Roy Acuff doing Wabash Cannonball, the late Jim Varney with his comedy,
Amy Grant, Tammy Wynette singing Stand By Your Man, Crystal Gayle, Wet Willie doing Keep On Smilin'
and Street Corner Serenade, John Prine, the Allman Brothers Band with Bonnie Bramlett performing
Rambin' Man, the Winters Brothers Band performing Sang Her Love Songs and I Can't Help It, Jim Dandy
& Black Oak Arkansas, Emmylou Harris, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band doing Mr Bojangles, and B.J. Thomas.
Carl Perkins usually performed his big hit Blue Suede Shoes, Link Ray played some mean guitar, the
late Ronnie Lane from Small Faces made an appearance, Little Richard removed his shirt and shoes
while performing only to throw them to the crowd, Alabama played some mountain music plus a few
ballads, a funny Rufus Thomas (with Al Kooper) did the Funky Chicken, and James Brown brought the
house down at one Jam performing I Feel Good and a medley of his other big hits.
People got excited when they would see people come out because they didn't know who was there and
over the years people would never know who would come out.
The Volunteer Jam Municipal Auditorium reviews included:
Performance Magazine "The Proof Is In The Grooves. After the thunderous ovation, the crowd still
stood for a while, turning to each other and showing off their goosebumps. Heavee!"
Cashbox Magazine "From the 10,000 strong who braved icy winter winds, to the lavish Tennessee
Mountain Stage set and on down to the blistering, stock car speed and spunk of Southern Rock,
the atmosphere smelled of southern pride and heritage."
Charlie Daniels (founder) "Dedicated to the ten thousand souls who were such an important part of the
Volunteer Jam - THE AUDIENCE."
Volunteer Jam regulars included Jimmy Hall usually doing Keep On Smilin', Henry Paul (solo, Outlaws,
Blackhawk), Dobie Gray with his hit song Drift Away, Dickey Betts performing Ramblin' Man, the late
Toy Caldwell and George McCorkle usually doing Can't You See. Lynyrd Skynyrd's Artimus Pyle also
appeared at many of the Volunteer Jam concerts.
The Volunteer Jam concerts at Starwood Ampthitheater began somewhere around Vol Jam XI (or XII)
and took place from the 1980's up until 2000 (the last). They have been the subject of documentary
television productions as well as a live appearance on the national broadcast of the Jerry Lewis Telethon.
Guests at the Starwood Jam's include Don Henley (with J.D. Souther) doing Desperado & You're Only
Lonely, the late Stevie Ray Vaughan performing Superstitious, The Judds, a later version of the Marshall
Tucker Band, and Little Feat. Volunteer Jam XIII brought back Lynyrd Skynyrd in a second reunion since
the plane crash, with a paralyzed Allen Collins speaking to the crowd, not long before his death. This
Skynyrd show was the beginning of the new Lynyrd Skynyrd band featuring Johnny VanZant, which still
tours to this day. Other acts at the Starwood shows included John Kay & Steppenwolf doing Born To Be
Wild, Molly Hatchet flirtin' with disaster, the late Bill Monroe performing Blue Moon Of Kentucky,
Montgomery Gentry, 1950's idol Pat Boone, Tennessee Governor Lamar Alexander playing piano,
Travis Tritt, plus Charlie Daniels and Garth Brooks performing Drinkin' My Baby Goodbye. Starwood,
also brought the first time the CDB performed Devil Went Down To Georgia, before a live crowd. The CDB
often showcased their new songs to the Vol Jam crowds. Starwood Amphitheater was torn down in 2007.
Volunteer Jam XVI on October 28, 1996 was held on Charlie Daniels birthday. This was a special
"acoustic jam" in Jackson Hall at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. Along with the Charlie Daniels
Band were Billy Ray Cyrus doing Achy Breaky Heart, Blackhawk (with the late Van Stephenson and
Artimus Pyle on the bongo's), Lorrie Morgan, David Ball, John Berry, Tracy Lawrence, John Michael
Montgomery, Tracy Byrd and many others. Longtime CDB guitarist Tommy Crane returned to the Jam,
as did guest Judy Van Zant and others in town for the "Freebird The Movie" premiere.
I have seen the best of the best, by attending these Volunteer Jam concerts. I thank Charlie and the band,
for giving me the opportunity to actually see and hear so many great artists and songs. Their were so many
performers that I can't recall many of them, after racking my brain, looking through Vol Jam memorabilia
and watching old Jam video's. In my opinion, the Volunteer Jam was the greatest regular event, growing up
in Nashville.
I ran into Roy Acuff at Nashville's Rivergate Mall (food court) about a year before he died, and we talked
about Charlie Daniels and the Volunteer Jam, over a cup of coffee. The last time I saw Charlie Daniels,
we also spoke of the Volunteer Jam, and his old buddy, former CDB drummer Gary Allen.
A 2007 Volunteer Jam was scheduled for Nashville but was cancelled, due to the closing of Starwood
Amphitheater. Daniels was quoted in 2007 as saying "We never had any idea how big it would become,
broadcasting it all around the world and on Voice of America. We thought it was a hometown thing.
We never realized it would become an international event." I hope to see more Nashville Volunteer Jam's
concerts in Nashville, in the future. As Charlie Daniels says "Ain't it good to be alive, and be in Tennessee."
Some of the information from this article came from Volunteer Jam/CDB memorablia, CD's & the DVD
TennesseeConcerts Volunteer Jam & Charlie Daniels pages include:
Volunteer Jam Tribute www.tennesseeconcerts.com/voljam
Volunteer Jam 2000 www.tennesseeconcerts.com/marshalltuckerband
Charlie Daniels Band Pictures www.tennesseeconcerts.com/cdb
Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute Pages www.tennesseeconcerts.com/freebirdplane
2008 Volunteer Jam Tour announced
Charlie Daniels has nailed down a run of spring/summer dates for his annual Volunteer Jam tour, which will also feature fellow
country rocker Shooter Jennings and .38 Special.
The outing is scheduled to launch April 11 with a two-night stand in Harris, MI, according to Jennings' website, which lists about
15 US shows from coast-to-coast through mid-August. The itinerary is included below.
The hard-touring Charlie Daniels Band also has dates scheduled in between and on either side of Volunteer Jam. Those can
be found at Daniels' website.
The veteran performer, who is set to be inducted into the Grand Ole Opry Jan. 19, is supporting his latest album, "Deuces,"
which surfaced in October. The record features Daniels performing duets of his own hits as well as country, pop and R&B
classics with stars including Brad Paisley, Travis Tritt, Vince Gill and Dolly Parton.
Jennings, also known for his relentless touring ethic, is currently spending time at home with his newborn daughter but expects
to be back on the road next month. He is supporting his third album, "The Wolf," which hit the streets in October and debuted
at No. 52 on The Billboard 200.
Veteran Southern rockers .38 Special also have their own dates scheduled around Volunteer Jam as they continue to tour
their hits and support their latest set, 2004's "Drivetrain." The band's full schedule is listed at its website.
Daniels started Volunteer Jam in 1974 to record "Fire on the Mountain" in front of a live audience. The performer's friends
joined in for a jam at that Nashville concert and the rest is history. September saw the release of the "Volunteer Jam" DVD,
which captures the classic Charlie Daniels Band lineup performing a 1975 concert featuring guest appearances by Dickey
Betts and Chuck Leavell of the Allman Brothers Band, Jimmy Hall from Wet Willie, Dru Lombar from Grinderswitch and the
Marshall Tucker Band. Bonus features include a 2007 interview with Daniels.
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GET READY, THE ROWDY FRYNDS TOUR IS BACK!
(Nashville, TN)- Fans will have the opportunity to enjoy some of the best music imaginable when
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame members, Lynyrd Skynyrd join country music icon, Hank Williams, Jr.
for another round of their Rowdy Frynds Tour hitting cities nationwide beginning April 4th.
Ranked as one of the Top Ten Concerts of 2007 based on shows played, the following of these
two legendary acts is evident. In 20 dates nationwide the tour grossed over $10.5 million. Our
following of fans fit together perfectly, said Johnny Van Zant. We cant wait to get back out there
and have some fun! Last year was incredible, said Hank, Jr.
How could we not get together for another round?! Ranked as one of the best-selling bands of all time by the Recording
Industry Association of America and recent Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees, Lynyrd Skynyrd is still going strong with almost
65 albums, 30 million albums sold to date, and over 80 performances annually. To date, the Southern anthem “Sweet
Home Alabama†has passed the 1,000,000 mark in downloaded master ring tones, proving that Lynyrd Skynyrd is a major
industry icon that appeals to all generations. Five-time Entertainer of the Year, Hank Williams, Jr. is a giant in country music.
As the voice of Monday Night Football for 19 years he can ignite a crowd with his famous words, “Are you ready for some
football?!!†He is also the first country performer to ever receive an Emmy and three more soon followed. He is the original
country boy who has carved his own path in this industry, staying true to himself and proving that A Country Boy Can Survive.
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Nashville's "Play It Again Jam" is cancelled until further notice
TennesseeConcerts.com is a Sponsor of the Play It Again Jam Musicians Jam
A twice-monthly Nashville "Musicians Jam" with Gary Allen, C.J. Dubuisson and friends
The Nashville Musicians Jam is on hold, until Gary or C.J. starts it back up.
KEEP IN TOUCH! READ & SIGN THE NEW MUSICIANS JAM GUESTBOOK.
See past pictures of Nashville musicians, that played at the Jam from 2006-2007
Musicians Jam Information Page www.tennesseeconcerts.com/jam
The Musicians Jam pages include:
Our monthly 2007 Spotlight Artist page features many of the regular Jam artists Monthly Spotlight Artist
Our rock & roll pictures include Jam artists with Jimmy Page & other famous rockers Rock & Roll Pictures
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Win a new guitar from U.S. Legends Guitar
and the Southern Fried Magazine web site
Win a US Legends Guitar. This past winning guitar is signed by
Candy Coburn. The guitars are courtesy of Dennis Evans at
U.S. Legends Guitar & Bruce Wall at Southern Fried Magazine.
WANNA WIN? YOU GOTTA REGISTER at
bruce@batteryteam.com
Please remember the folks less fortunate, and donate to the Angelus.
Those already registered members will automatically be entered.
U.S. Legends Guitar Link: www.uslegendsguitars.com
Southern Fried Magazine Link: www.southernfriedmagazine.com
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Download the "Brothers Of The South" CD, featuring Southern Rockers
You can download thru www.SouthernAlliance.org online shop
Brothers of the Southland, great new music from a legendary
line up of musicians; Jimmy Hall (Wet Willie, Jeff Beck),
Henry Paul (The Outlaws, BlackHawk), Steve Gorman
(The Black Crowes, Jimmy Page), Dan Toler (Allman Bros,
Dickie Betts), Mike Brignardello (Giant), Reece Wynans
(Stevie Ray Vaughn), Steve Grisham (The Outlaws),
Jay Boy Adams (Texas Blues Master) and featuring two
awesome cuts by Bo Bice. This amazing collection of songs
produced by D. Scott Miller, will satisfy the most die hard
Southern Rock and Bo Bice Fans. The CD also
features two incredible songs written by the Late George
McCorkle (Marshall Tucker Band) who was scheduled to appear
on the CD prior to his death earlier this year. Feel free to pass
the link on and spread the word. Bruce Wall
See our pictures of band members: Jimmy Hall Jimmy Hall (Deep South) Henry Paul (Blackhawk)
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MY FIRST ISSUE'S OF THE KALEIDOSCOPE, IN 1970
SEE MY FIRST ISSUE'S OF THE KALEIDOSCOPE NEWSPAPER FROM DECEMBER OF 1970,
FEATURING UPCOMING CONCERTS IN NASHVILLE, INCLUDING THE JACKSON FIVE
AND GRAND FUNK RAILROAD. KALEIDOSCOPE ADVERTISERS INCLUDED WMAK-AM RADIO
An internet version of The Kaleidoscope, featuring the Nashville music scene and more,
is now featured on the www.TennesseeConcerts.com home page (this site, shown above).
I was a writer for the Kaleidoscope Newspaper in the early 1970's, covering music and
concert events. Unfortunately, most of my issues of the Kaleidoscope were lost over the
years. The Kaleidoscope was a Junior Achievement, Nashville music newspaper that was
distributed to high schools throughout Nashville, and passed out free to students. In high
school, I also worked as a reporter for the popular radio station 1510 WLAC-AM,
my first experience in reporting Nashville Area Concerts and other local events
I called in reports from the set of the Hee Haw TV show and other famous places.
See my 1970 Kaleidoscope Link: www.tennesseeconcerts.com/kaliedoscope
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SEE THOUSANDS OF NASHVILLE TENNESSEE CONCERT AND MUSIC PICTURES
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The history of the Charlie Daniels Band Volunteer Jam in Nashville
by the "A Team", Gary Allen (from the Charlie Daniels Band) & Pat Adams (from TennnesseeConcerts)
How The Volunteer Jam Originated by Gary Allen:
The idea for The Volunteer Jam came from Ron Huntsman, a DJ at WKDF-FM. Our manager, Joe Sullivan,
also from WKDF, made an outline for what The CDB was going to do to get to the top. The first thing he wrote
on the list was: headline a show in Nashville and record it live for a possible LP. That LP turned into Fire On
The Mountain. The live tracks were done that night, recorded by Johnny Rosen Sound, using the Rolling
Stone's Mobile Truck. To make sure we had a packed house at the War Memorial Auditorium, we gave away
half the seats to Vanderbilt college kids who would go anywhere that was free. Then, we made a list of friends
that would show up to play. It started with Toy Caldwell, from The Marshall Tucker Band, who played steel
guitar for the first time on stage that night. Jerry Eubanks, flute and my best pal Paul Riddle, drums, also
jumped on our bandwagon. We called Dickey Betts from the Allman Brothers band, who would play on the
studio part of FOTM. He played the Dobro on Long Haired Country Boy. Alvin Lee, from Tent Years After was
at the party after the jam. He never played as far as I remember.
During the rehearsals for the show in my duplex, my landlady, Dawn Wells (yes, Mary Ann) came over and
saw Barry, Mark and myself trying to take Charlie down and hold his face on the ground. We didn't accomplish
it and she just smiled and said, "Nice try, it looked like you had a chance for a second." She was very nice.
I remember we were playing a new song that night called Trudy. We played it slow. Later, we speeded it up
and made it a fast song when we took it to Capricorn. The music from the jam was mastered and mixed by
Paul Hornsby and Ovie Sparks, who both worked on The Allman Brothers Live at The Fillmore East.
We came onstage while the Tennessee Waltz was playing, in front of a Confederate flag lit up from the back
and played our set. We went from Uneasy Rider to The South’s Going To Do It, and then turned it into a jam
with our friends. I remember colorful balloons falling from the ceiling when we played our last encore,
Orange Blossom Special. Charlie was hitting the balloons into the audience with his fiddle bow and looked
happy as a kid at Christmas. The overhead lights came on and lit up the audience. I could see friends and
pals from high school. I saw a guy that owed me $10 for years. The band sounded hot and the crowd was
hanging on every note. A 45 single was recorded from the jam that was included in the initial pressing of
FOTM. You have to buy those now on Ebay. That’s where I got it.
Sam McPherson played harmonica with us all. He was the bus driver for The MTB. Charlie caught Sam
popping our backs and made him stop. Sam was a chiropractor, or so he said. I let Sam sling me around
like a rag doll when Charlie wasn't around. I have trouble with authority.
I enjoyed playing double drums with Paul Riddle, who is a jazz drummer actually, but our style always fit
together well. Jaimoe and Trucks are opposites in background but are tight as a drum. . . well, two drums.
Toy Caldwell said to us after the show, "That was so tight, it would hold water. It don't get any better than that!"
I felt like we were on cloud nine. Not unlike Steve Martin, things were going to start to happen for us now.
Paul gave me a nice leather hat before the show and I wore it. It was a lucky hat. Not for me, but for whoever
lifted it from the dressing room later. They didn't get my box of animal crackers. I hid those in my wife’s purse.
Joe Sullivan said to me after the concert, "Congratulations! Now you go do this every night, everywhere they
have electricity." One of my memories of after the show was sending Johnny Rosen a thank you card for the
great monitors and recording. I saw him take that card out at restaurants and bars several times. He would
say, "This is the only thank you card I ever got from a band." That amused me and made me feel good, like
James Brown. That night is when we realized we were at the beginning of a long and interesting musical
journey. The next culture shock would be my mom waking me on Saturday morning, to tell me Dick Clark
was playing the CDB on American Bandstand. We were on the blasting pad and the countdown had started.
My Memories Of Nashville's Volunteer Jam by Pat Adams
Through all of Charlie Daniels accomplishments, Charlie Daniels may be best known for organizing the
genre-bending musical extravaganzas known as the Volunteer Jams, 16 music events over the course
of three decades.
Some of my best concert memories growing up in Nashville Tennessee, are attending almost all of the
Volunteer Jam concerts. The first of these Volunteer Jam's which featured the Charlie Daniels Band &
friends on October 4, 1974, took place at Nashville's War Memorial Auditorium. Thanks to my friend
CDB drummer Gary Allen, I have magazine reviews from that original Volunteer Jam concert in Nashville.
Rolling Stone Magazine (November 21, 1974) wrote:
"Ya'll stick around" boomed the voice of Charlie Daniels, who had just delivered a dynamic set with his
own band." We're going to have some people come out here, that can really play." When he reappeared
with Dickey Betts and about half of the Marshall Tucker Band, there was that unmistakable feeling of
good will let loose within the audience, and it snapped my head..... Joining him, his band and Betts on
stage for the Volunteer Jam were Toy Caldwell, Jerry Eubanks, Paul Riddle and Sam McPherson from
the Marshall Tucker Band, Artimus Pyle, who works in the studio with Lynyrd Sknyrd, and Jamie Nichol,
a young Nashville percussionist.
Record World Magazine (November 9, 1974) wrote:
Charlie Daniels and his band recently recorded an album of material at a concert at the War Memorial
Auditorium in Nashville. The album featured not only Charlie's band, but a jam session with Dickie Betts,
of the Allman Brothers Band, Toy Caldwell of Cowboy, Paul Riddle of the Marshall Tucker Band and
others. The "others" included Joel (Taz) DiGregorio, piano player for the Daniels band, as well as guitarist
Barry Barnes, bassist Mark Fitzgerald, and drummer Gary Allen of the Charlie Daniels Band. Also playing
were Jerry Eubanks of the Marshall Tucker Band, Artimus Pyle, Jamie Nichol, Sam McPherson, and of
course, Charlie Daniels. Portions of the Jam will be used on an album..... Pure "Southern Rock" mixed
with the funkiest versions of some old country songs you've ever laid your ears on should make the album
as good as the concert.
CDB songs at the Jam included Whiskey, Long Haired Country Boy, Trudy, Georgia, Feelin' Free, Be
Proud You're A Rebel, The Souths Gonna Do It, and New York City Rosewood Bed on which Joel
(Taz) DiGregorio took over the lead vocals. This was the beginning of a Nashville tradition, and several
live songs from that Jam were featured on the 1974 triple-platinum album "Fire On The Mountain".
Volunteer Jam II (1975) took place at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro Tennessee,
and was actually made into a movie, billed as "The First Full-Length Southern Rock Motion Picture."
Not only was I at the concert, but I remember going to see the movie as soon as it came out in the
theater. I now own the DVD, which was released in 2007 under the name "Volunteer Jam." It
can be purchased on Charlie Daniels official website at www.charliedaniels.com. This is a video worth
buying, if you are in to southern rock. It also features Jam guests Jimmy Hall, Dickey Betts, Chuck Leavell,
Dru Lumber and Artimus Pyle. Also featured, some great footage of the original Marshall Tucker Band
with Doug Gray, Paul Riddle, Jerry Eubanks, plus late members Toy Caldwell, Tommy Caldwell and
George McCorkle. Others performing at the concert included Alvin Lee and Ronnie Stoneman. This event
was recorded at a turning point in the history of the CDB. The breakthrough record "Fire On The Mountain"
was riding high on the charts, The South's Gonna Do It Again, was a hit anthem on FM radio and the band
was enjoying a peak moment of popularity that would keep on building. One of the reasons for the first
Volunteer Jam was to do some live recordings for "Fire On The Mountain", Daniels recalled. The first
Volunteer Jam was in a 2,200 seat hall and the second one was in a 13,000 seat hall. Daniels excepted
the group's first gold record on stage that night at Volunteer Jam II.
Volunteer Jam III-X took place at Nashville's Municipal Auditorium, between 1976 and the mid-1980's.
The Municipal Auditorium Jam's have been broadcast nationally on over 250 radio stations and later
around the globe. Many were televised on TV specials, including Volunteer Jam X, produced by the one
and only Dick Clark. Host Charlie Daniels, had no limit to the genre of music which is featured at the
Volunteer Jam concerts including rock, country, bluegrass, gospel, soul, classical, comedy, and last but
not least southern rock. My favorite Volunteer Jam concert was Vol Jam V, in January of 1979. This Jam
also took place at Nashville's Municipal Auditorium, and was somewhat of a tribute to Ronnie Van Zant
and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Lynyrd Skynyrd reunited for the first time on-stage, since their October 20, 1977
plane crash. They performed the J.J. Cale song Call Me The Breeze, with my friend Taz from the CDB on
vocals, then an instrumental version of Freebird, with a spotlight on Ronnie VanZant's hat hanging on an
empty microphone. Many people in the audience had tears in their eyes. Other CDB members playing with
Skynyrd that special night included Charlie Daniels and CDB bassist Charlie Hayward. Leon Wilkeson
appeared on stage, but could not play due to injuries from the plane crash. Judy Van Zant and Teresa
Gaines also spoke. The show featured other Skynyrd related tributes including Grey Ghost, a tribute to
Ronnie Van Zant by the Henry Paul Band, and Reflections by the Charlie Daniels Band. My other
memories of the Volunteer Jam Municipal Auditorium concerts include Billy Joel, Ted Nugent with Molly
Hatchet doing Mississippi Queen and Carol, Leon Russell, Mickey Gilley, Duane Eddy, Woody Herman,
Charlie Daniels with the Jordanaires doing an Elvis Presley medley, Louisiana's Leroux performing New
Orleans Ladies, Grinderswitch, Vince Gill, Nicolette Larson, Tommy Shaw doing Too Much Time On My
Hands, Dwight Yoakam, Papa John Creach, Orleans, Willie Nelson singing his classics Crazy, Night
Life and Good Hearted Woman, the late Soloman Burke, Sea Level, Eddie Rabbitt, Poco, the Oak Ridge
Boys singing Elvira. Later Jam's featured a solo William Lee Golden singing Long And Winding Road,
B.B. King, Delbert McClinton doing Standing On Shakey Ground, Ray Price singing For The Good Times,
The Outlaws, Bill Medley performing You've Lost That Lovin Feeling, Quarterflash doing Harden My Heart,
the late Boxcar Willie, the late Roy Acuff doing Wabash Cannonball, the late Jim Varney with his comedy,
Amy Grant, Tammy Wynette singing Stand By Your Man, Crystal Gayle, Wet Willie doing Keep On Smilin'
and Street Corner Serenade, John Prine, the Allman Brothers Band with Bonnie Bramlett performing
Rambin' Man, the Winters Brothers Band performing Sang Her Love Songs and I Can't Help It, Jim Dandy
& Black Oak Arkansas, Emmylou Harris, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band doing Mr Bojangles, and B.J. Thomas.
Carl Perkins usually performed his big hit Blue Suede Shoes, Link Ray played some mean guitar, the
late Ronnie Lane from Small Faces made an appearance, Little Richard removed his shirt and shoes
while performing only to throw them to the crowd, Alabama played some mountain music plus a few
ballads, a funny Rufus Thomas (with Al Kooper) did the Funky Chicken, and James Brown brought the
house down at one Jam performing I Feel Good and a medley of his other big hits.
People got excited when they would see people come out because they didn't know who was there and
over the years people would never know who would come out.
The Volunteer Jam Municipal Auditorium reviews included:
Performance Magazine "The Proof Is In The Grooves. After the thunderous ovation, the crowd still
stood for a while, turning to each other and showing off their goosebumps. Heavee!"
Cashbox Magazine "From the 10,000 strong who braved icy winter winds, to the lavish Tennessee
Mountain Stage set and on down to the blistering, stock car speed and spunk of Southern Rock,
the atmosphere smelled of southern pride and heritage."
Charlie Daniels (founder) "Dedicated to the ten thousand souls who were such an important part of the
Volunteer Jam - THE AUDIENCE."
Volunteer Jam regulars included Jimmy Hall usually doing Keep On Smilin', Henry Paul (solo, Outlaws,
Blackhawk), Dobie Gray with his hit song Drift Away, Dickey Betts performing Ramblin' Man, the late
Toy Caldwell and George McCorkle usually doing Can't You See. Lynyrd Skynyrd's Artimus Pyle also
appeared at many of the Volunteer Jam concerts.
The Volunteer Jam concerts at Starwood Ampthitheater began somewhere around Vol Jam XI (or XII)
and took place from the 1980's up until 2000 (the last). They have been the subject of documentary
television productions as well as a live appearance on the national broadcast of the Jerry Lewis Telethon.
Guests at the Starwood Jam's include Don Henley (with J.D. Souther) doing Desperado & You're Only
Lonely, the late Stevie Ray Vaughan performing Superstitious, The Judds, a later version of the Marshall
Tucker Band, and Little Feat. Volunteer Jam XIII brought back Lynyrd Skynyrd in a second reunion since
the plane crash, with a paralyzed Allen Collins speaking to the crowd, not long before his death. This
Skynyrd show was the beginning of the new Lynyrd Skynyrd band featuring Johnny VanZant, which still
tours to this day. Other acts at the Starwood shows included John Kay & Steppenwolf doing Born To Be
Wild, Molly Hatchet flirtin' with disaster, the late Bill Monroe performing Blue Moon Of Kentucky,
Montgomery Gentry, 1950's idol Pat Boone, Tennessee Governor Lamar Alexander playing piano,
Travis Tritt, plus Charlie Daniels and Garth Brooks performing Drinkin' My Baby Goodbye. Starwood,
also brought the first time the CDB performed Devil Went Down To Georgia, before a live crowd. The CDB
often showcased their new songs to the Vol Jam crowds. Starwood Amphitheater was torn down in 2007.
Volunteer Jam XVI on October 28, 1996 was held on Charlie Daniels birthday. This was a special
"acoustic jam" in Jackson Hall at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. Along with the Charlie Daniels
Band were Billy Ray Cyrus doing Achy Breaky Heart, Blackhawk (with the late Van Stephenson and
Artimus Pyle on the bongo's), Lorrie Morgan, David Ball, John Berry, Tracy Lawrence, John Michael
Montgomery, Tracy Byrd and many others. Longtime CDB guitarist Tommy Crane returned to the Jam,
as did guest Judy Van Zant and others in town for the "Freebird The Movie" premiere.
I have seen the best of the best, by attending these Volunteer Jam concerts. I thank Charlie and the band,
for giving me the opportunity to actually see and hear so many great artists and songs. Their were so many
performers that I can't recall many of them, after racking my brain, looking through Vol Jam memorabilia
and watching old Jam video's. In my opinion, the Volunteer Jam was the greatest regular event, growing up
in Nashville.
I ran into Roy Acuff at Nashville's Rivergate Mall (food court) about a year before he died, and we talked
about Charlie Daniels and the Volunteer Jam, over a cup of coffee. The last time I saw Charlie Daniels,
we also spoke of the Volunteer Jam, and his old buddy, former CDB drummer Gary Allen.
A 2007 Volunteer Jam was scheduled for Nashville but was cancelled, due to the closing of Starwood
Amphitheater. Daniels was quoted in 2007 as saying "We never had any idea how big it would become,
broadcasting it all around the world and on Voice of America. We thought it was a hometown thing.
We never realized it would become an international event." I hope to see more Nashville Volunteer Jam's
concerts in Nashville, in the future. As Charlie Daniels says "Ain't it good to be alive, and be in Tennessee."
Some of the information from this article came from Volunteer Jam/CDB memorablia, CD's & the DVD
TennesseeConcerts Volunteer Jam & Charlie Daniels pages include:
Volunteer Jam Tribute www.tennesseeconcerts.com/voljam
Volunteer Jam 2000 www.tennesseeconcerts.com/marshalltuckerband
Charlie Daniels Band Pictures www.tennesseeconcerts.com/cdb
Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute Pages www.tennesseeconcerts.com/freebirdplane
2008 Volunteer Jam Tour announced
Charlie Daniels has nailed down a run of spring/summer dates for his annual Volunteer Jam tour, which will also feature fellow
country rocker Shooter Jennings and .38 Special.
The outing is scheduled to launch April 11 with a two-night stand in Harris, MI, according to Jennings' website, which lists about
15 US shows from coast-to-coast through mid-August. The itinerary is included below.
The hard-touring Charlie Daniels Band also has dates scheduled in between and on either side of Volunteer Jam. Those can
be found at Daniels' website.
The veteran performer, who is set to be inducted into the Grand Ole Opry Jan. 19, is supporting his latest album, "Deuces,"
which surfaced in October. The record features Daniels performing duets of his own hits as well as country, pop and R&B
classics with stars including Brad Paisley, Travis Tritt, Vince Gill and Dolly Parton.
Jennings, also known for his relentless touring ethic, is currently spending time at home with his newborn daughter but expects
to be back on the road next month. He is supporting his third album, "The Wolf," which hit the streets in October and debuted
at No. 52 on The Billboard 200.
Veteran Southern rockers .38 Special also have their own dates scheduled around Volunteer Jam as they continue to tour
their hits and support their latest set, 2004's "Drivetrain." The band's full schedule is listed at its website.
Daniels started Volunteer Jam in 1974 to record "Fire on the Mountain" in front of a live audience. The performer's friends
joined in for a jam at that Nashville concert and the rest is history. September saw the release of the "Volunteer Jam" DVD,
which captures the classic Charlie Daniels Band lineup performing a 1975 concert featuring guest appearances by Dickey
Betts and Chuck Leavell of the Allman Brothers Band, Jimmy Hall from Wet Willie, Dru Lombar from Grinderswitch and the
Marshall Tucker Band. Bonus features include a 2007 interview with Daniels.
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GET READY, THE ROWDY FRYNDS TOUR IS BACK!
(Nashville, TN)- Fans will have the opportunity to enjoy some of the best music imaginable when
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame members, Lynyrd Skynyrd join country music icon, Hank Williams, Jr.
for another round of their Rowdy Frynds Tour hitting cities nationwide beginning April 4th.
Ranked as one of the Top Ten Concerts of 2007 based on shows played, the following of these
two legendary acts is evident. In 20 dates nationwide the tour grossed over $10.5 million. Our
following of fans fit together perfectly, said Johnny Van Zant. We cant wait to get back out there
and have some fun! Last year was incredible, said Hank, Jr.
How could we not get together for another round?! Ranked as one of the best-selling bands of all time by the Recording
Industry Association of America and recent Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees, Lynyrd Skynyrd is still going strong with almost
65 albums, 30 million albums sold to date, and over 80 performances annually. To date, the Southern anthem “Sweet
Home Alabama†has passed the 1,000,000 mark in downloaded master ring tones, proving that Lynyrd Skynyrd is a major
industry icon that appeals to all generations. Five-time Entertainer of the Year, Hank Williams, Jr. is a giant in country music.
As the voice of Monday Night Football for 19 years he can ignite a crowd with his famous words, “Are you ready for some
football?!!†He is also the first country performer to ever receive an Emmy and three more soon followed. He is the original
country boy who has carved his own path in this industry, staying true to himself and proving that A Country Boy Can Survive.
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Nashville's "Play It Again Jam" is cancelled until further notice
TennesseeConcerts.com is a Sponsor of the Play It Again Jam Musicians Jam
A twice-monthly Nashville "Musicians Jam" with Gary Allen, C.J. Dubuisson and friends
The Nashville Musicians Jam is on hold, until Gary or C.J. starts it back up.
KEEP IN TOUCH! READ & SIGN THE NEW MUSICIANS JAM GUESTBOOK.
See past pictures of Nashville musicians, that played at the Jam from 2006-2007
Musicians Jam Information Page www.tennesseeconcerts.com/jam
The Musicians Jam pages include:
Our monthly 2007 Spotlight Artist page features many of the regular Jam artists Monthly Spotlight Artist
Our rock & roll pictures include Jam artists with Jimmy Page & other famous rockers Rock & Roll Pictures
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Win a new guitar from U.S. Legends Guitar
and the Southern Fried Magazine web site
Win a US Legends Guitar. This past winning guitar is signed by
Candy Coburn. The guitars are courtesy of Dennis Evans at
U.S. Legends Guitar & Bruce Wall at Southern Fried Magazine.
WANNA WIN? YOU GOTTA REGISTER at
bruce@batteryteam.com
Please remember the folks less fortunate, and donate to the Angelus.
Those already registered members will automatically be entered.
U.S. Legends Guitar Link: www.uslegendsguitars.com
Southern Fried Magazine Link: www.southernfriedmagazine.com
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Download the "Brothers Of The South" CD, featuring Southern Rockers
You can download thru www.SouthernAlliance.org online shop
Brothers of the Southland, great new music from a legendary
line up of musicians; Jimmy Hall (Wet Willie, Jeff Beck),
Henry Paul (The Outlaws, BlackHawk), Steve Gorman
(The Black Crowes, Jimmy Page), Dan Toler (Allman Bros,
Dickie Betts), Mike Brignardello (Giant), Reece Wynans
(Stevie Ray Vaughn), Steve Grisham (The Outlaws),
Jay Boy Adams (Texas Blues Master) and featuring two
awesome cuts by Bo Bice. This amazing collection of songs
produced by D. Scott Miller, will satisfy the most die hard
Southern Rock and Bo Bice Fans. The CD also
features two incredible songs written by the Late George
McCorkle (Marshall Tucker Band) who was scheduled to appear
on the CD prior to his death earlier this year. Feel free to pass
the link on and spread the word. Bruce Wall
See our pictures of band members: Jimmy Hall Jimmy Hall (Deep South) Henry Paul (Blackhawk)
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MY FIRST ISSUE'S OF THE KALEIDOSCOPE, IN 1970
SEE MY FIRST ISSUE'S OF THE KALEIDOSCOPE NEWSPAPER FROM DECEMBER OF 1970,
FEATURING UPCOMING CONCERTS IN NASHVILLE, INCLUDING THE JACKSON FIVE
AND GRAND FUNK RAILROAD. KALEIDOSCOPE ADVERTISERS INCLUDED WMAK-AM RADIO
An internet version of The Kaleidoscope, featuring the Nashville music scene and more,
is now featured on the www.TennesseeConcerts.com home page (this site, shown above).
I was a writer for the Kaleidoscope Newspaper in the early 1970's, covering music and
concert events. Unfortunately, most of my issues of the Kaleidoscope were lost over the
years. The Kaleidoscope was a Junior Achievement, Nashville music newspaper that was
distributed to high schools throughout Nashville, and passed out free to students. In high
school, I also worked as a reporter for the popular radio station 1510 WLAC-AM,
my first experience in reporting Nashville Area Concerts and other local events
I called in reports from the set of the Hee Haw TV show and other famous places.
See my 1970 Kaleidoscope Link: www.tennesseeconcerts.com/kaliedoscope
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| January 2008 THE KALEIDOSCOPE Nashville Tennessee |
| TENNESSEE CONCERTS SEARCH ENGINE Search this website |
| SEE OUR LATEST FEATURE: THE HISTORY OF THE VOLUNTEER JAM IN NASHVILLE |
| Candy Colburn with the winning guitar |
| Animal, at the Musicians Jam |
| Congratulations, Guys. These guys have good rock genetics. The guitar slingers are cousins of Tommy Shaw (Styx) and Jim Dandy Mangrum from Black Oak Arkansas, old friends of mine from my CDB days. Gary Allen/Drums (JJ Cale, The Charlie Daniels Band, The Outfit) Send your submission for Tennessee Concert's "Band of the Month" to Gary Allen @ http://www.sonicbids.com/tenneseeconcerts |
| FURTHER DOWN Link: http://www.sonicbids.com/FURTHERDOWN MICHEAL COLLINS - Vocals ROBBY RIGSBEE - Guitars JOSH COPELAND - Vocals/Guitars DUSTIN "RED" DORTON - Vocals/Bass EVAN WILONS - Drums |
| Clever lyrics and an overall clean refreshing sound that reaches out and grabs you. Pure escapist theme. While Neil contemplates getting off the couch at all, I wonder why I didn't write this tune myself. A homerun! Gary Allen/Drums (J.J. Cale, The Charlie Daniels Band, The Outfit) Send your submission for Tennessee Concert's "Song of the Month" to Gary Allen @ http://www.sonicbids.com/garyallensongevaluation See TennesseeConcerts 2007-2008 featured "Artist Of The Month" & "Song Of The Month" web page |
| LEMMINGS SWEET REALITY Lemmings Links: LEMMINGS SONIC BIDS http://www.sonicbids.com/Lemmings LEMMINGS WEB SITE http://www.myspace.com/lemmingsmusiconline |
