Description

For over 30 years, The Fabulous Thunderbirds have been the quintessential American band. The group’s distinctive and powerful sound, influenced by diverse musical styles, manifested into a unique musical hybrid via such barnburners as “Tuff Enuff” and “Wrap It Up”. Co-founder Kim Wilson, the sole original member, still spearheads the group as it evolves into its newest incarnation. And this year, his solo album “Take Me Back” is nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album.

In 1979, The Fabulous Thunderbirds released their first self-titled album. Primarily blues influenced, it became a cult classic. “Things were wide open back then,” Wilson recalls. “There were hundreds of stages where bands could show what they had.”

In subsequent releases, the band started incorporating more Cajun, rock ‘n roll, and soul influences. The album “T-Bird Rhythm” marked a creative turning point for the group as it collaborated with noted producer Nick Lowe. In 1986, The Fabulous Thunderbirds reached a commercial peak with the album “Tuff Enuff.” The single of the same title, as well as the singles “Wrap It Up” and “Look At That”, all went top 40. The song “Tuff Enuff” was featured in the film “Gung Ho” starring Michael Keaton.

For the remainder of the ’80s, the band continued to record and tour and released the album “Powerful Stuff.” Jimmie Vaughn left in 1989, but Wilson kept the group going, incorporating keyboards into the guitar-driven sound. Kim moved back to California in 1996, continuing to cultivate the T-Birds music.

“The thing about the T-Birds is that we can play both blues festivals and rock venues,” Wilson comments. “We’re a diversified band now, and everybody’s on the same page.”

The lineup:

· Kim Wilson – lead vocals, harmonica

· Steve Kirsty – bass

· Kris Jensen – saxophone

· Rudy Albin – drums

· Dean Shott – guitar

· Carl Sonny Leyland – piano

· Jerry Weldon – tenor saxophone

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