Member-only story

Hogs In The Shadows: A Deep Dive Into The Legendary Blues Rock Band

Greg Cox

·3.9k Followers· Follow

Published in Hogs In The Shadows: Combat Stories From Marine Snipers In Iraq

6 min read · 2 weeks before

242 View Claps

32 Respond

Save

Listen

In the annals of blues rock history, few bands have left an enduring mark like Hogs In The Shadows. With their electrifying blend of raw blues, soulful melodies, and blistering guitar riffs, they emerged from the depths of the Southern music scene in the late 1960s, captivating audiences with their primal energy and timeless songs.

Hogs in the Shadows: Combat Stories from Marine Snipers in Iraq

by Milo S. Afong

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	608 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	306 pages

This comprehensive article delves into the captivating story of Hogs In The Shadows, exploring their humble beginnings, their rise to fame, their musical influences, and their lasting legacy as one of the most influential blues rock bands of all time.

Origins and Early Influences

The genesis of Hogs In The Shadows can be traced back to the small town of Macon, Georgia, where in 1967, a group of young musicians united by a shared passion for music formed a band.

The original lineup included vocalist and harmonica player Jack "Chainsaw" Taylor, guitarists Johnny "Axe" Carter and Billy "Fingers" Watson, bassist Henry "Hound Dog" Jones, and drummer Jimmy "Wildman" Wilson. Their sound was heavily influenced by the blues legends they grew up listening to, including Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, and B.B. King.

Hogs In The Shadows In Their Early Days, Circa 1968 Hogs In The Shadows: Combat Stories From Marine Snipers In Iraq

Rise to Fame

Hogs In The Shadows' reputation as a must-see live act quickly spread throughout the South. Their high-energy performances, coupled with Jack Taylor's charismatic stage presence and Johnny Carter's blistering guitar solos, drew massive crowds to their shows.

In 1970, the band signed with the legendary Capricorn Records, home to other Southern rock icons like The Allman Brothers Band and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Their debut album, "Hog Wild," released in 1971, was an instant success, earning critical acclaim and commercial success.

Hogs In The Shadows' Debut Album, 'Hog Wild,' Released In 1971 Hogs In The Shadows: Combat Stories From Marine Snipers In Iraq

Musical Style and Influences

Hogs In The Shadows' music was a potent blend of blues, rock, and Southern rock. Their songs showcased Jack Taylor's raw and soulful vocals, Johnny Carter's fiery guitar work, and the tight rhythm section provided by Billy Watson, Henry Jones, and Jimmy Wilson.

While their sound was firmly rooted in the blues, the band also incorporated elements of rock and roll, creating a unique and dynamic style that set them apart from their contemporaries.

Live Performances and Touring

Hogs In The Shadows were renowned for their electrifying live performances. Their shows were characterized by extended jams, improvised solos, and an infectious energy that left audiences spellbound.

The band toured extensively throughout the 1970s, sharing the stage with some of the biggest names in rock and blues, including The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, and Led Zeppelin. Their live performances solidified their reputation as one of the most exciting and captivating acts of their era.

Hogs In TheShadows Performing Live In 1973 Hogs In The Shadows: Combat Stories From Marine Snipers In Iraq

Studio Albums and Musical Evolution

Hogs In The Shadows released a string of successful studio albums throughout the 1970s, including "Shadowplay" (1972),"Midnight Ride" (1973),and "Hog Heaven" (1975). Each album showcased the band's musical evolution, as they experimented with different sounds and styles while remaining true to their blues rock roots.

Their later albums, such as "Smokin' Hot" (1977) and "Back in the Shadows" (1979),reflected a more polished and sophisticated sound, incorporating elements of funk and soul.

Band Members and Legacy

The core members of Hogs In The Shadows remained relatively stable throughout their career, with Jack "Chainsaw" Taylor, Johnny "Axe" Carter, and Billy "Fingers" Watson forming the backbone of the band.

The band's legacy as one of the most influential blues rock bands of all time is undeniable. Their music inspired countless musicians and continues to be celebrated by fans around the world.

Jack Taylor, the charismatic frontman, passed away in 2011, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable vocals and stage presence. Johnny Carter, the guitar virtuoso, remains active in music, performing and recording with various projects.

Hogs In The Shadows Band Members, Jack 'Chainsaw' Taylor, Johnny 'Axe' Carter, And Billy 'Fingers' Watson Hogs In The Shadows: Combat Stories From Marine Snipers In Iraq

Hogs In The Shadows emerged from the depths of the Southern music scene in the late 1960s and left an enduring mark on the blues rock genre. Their electrifying blend of raw blues, soulful melodies, and blistering guitar riffs captivated audiences around the world.

With their successful studio albums, unforgettable live performances, and enduring legacy, Hogs In The Shadows solidified their place as one of the most influential and beloved blues rock bands of all time.

Their music continues to inspire and entertain generations of musicians and fans alike, ensuring that the legacy of Hogs In The Shadows will live on forever.

Hogs in the Shadows: Combat Stories from Marine Snipers in Iraq

by Milo S. Afong

4.5 out of 5