38 Special

38 Special is an American rock band formed in 1974 in Jacksonville, Florida, by neighborhood friends Donnie Van Zant (younger brother of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Ronnie Van Zant) and Don Barnes. Known for their signature blend of Southern rock, arena rock, and AOR (album-oriented rock), 38 Special rose to prominence in the late 1970s and early 1980s with a string of hit albums and chart-topping singles.

Their breakout success came with the 1981 album Wild-Eyed Southern Boys, which featured the enduring hit “Hold On Loosely.” The band followed up with other fan favorites like “Caught Up in You,” “If I’d Been the One,” and “Back Where You Belong.” These tracks cemented their reputation for hook-driven songs combining powerful guitar riffs with accessible melodies.

Though rooted in Southern rock traditions, 38 Special distinguished themselves with a more polished, radio-friendly sound that appealed to a broad audience. Over the years, the lineup has evolved, but founding member Don Barnes continues to lead the group.

With over four decades of touring and recording, 38 Special remains a mainstay on the classic rock circuit, celebrated for their energetic live shows and timeless anthems.