.38 Special is an American southern rock band that formed in 1974 in Jacksonville, Florida. The band’s name refers to the .38 Special revolver, a common police firearm from that era. Originally composed of friends Donnie Van Zant (brother of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Ronnie Van Zant) on vocals, Don Barnes on guitar, and Jeff Carlisi on lead guitar, the band went through several lineup changes over the years. They achieved mainstream success in the 1980s with hits such as “Hold On Loosely,” “Caught Up in You,” and “If I’d Been the One.” Despite going through several periods of inactivity, the band still tours and releases music to this day. Their classic sound and catchy hooks continue to be beloved by fans of southern rock and classic rock alike.
