George McCorkle

0

George McCorkle was one of the founding members of The Marshall Tucker Band. He wrote their biggest hit “Fire In The Mountain”, which helped Marshall Tucker Band rise into one of the most successful southern rock groups of the 70’s.

Devoted blues fan since his childhood, George bought his first guitar at the age of sixteen and played with local Spartanburg bands The Originals and The Rants before he was drafted in the navy and got stationed in Italy.

After returning from the service in 1968, George and old high school friend Toy Caldwell formed The Toy Factory, which later evolved into The Marshall Tucker Band. Their unique mix of southern rock, country and blues sold millions of records in 1970’s.

After George left Marshall Tucker Band in 1984, he continued to write music and build a back catalogue of 700 songs before his death.  His songs have been recorded by wide range of artists from John Corbett to Gary Allan.

In 1999 George released his only solo album, American Street. He was also a founding member in Renegades Of Southern Rock, all-star lineup consisting ex members of Wet Willie and The Outlaws.

Summer of 2007 George was working on Brothers of the Southland project with various southern rock legends including members of The Black Crowes, The Outlaws, Wet Willie and new comer Bo Bice, when he was hospitalized with advanced cancer. George McCorkle died 29th of July in 2007 and was 60 at the time of his death.

George McCorkle is buried in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens in Spartanburg. George was survived by his wife, Vivienne and son Justin.

George Freeman McCorkle  October 11, 1947 – June 29, 2007


Share.