The Outlaws had a nickname "The Florida Guitar Army". That had NOTHING to do with Henry Paul. Henry could strum along but Billy and Hughie were the ones who had that double lead nailed down. If Hughie were still here he would be the one out on the road because he was the one, the Outlaw!
Hughie's body wasn't even cold and Henry saw the oppurtunity to claim the Outlaws name and make out like he was the driving force in the band. almost 20 years later still milking Hughie's legacy.
I can say from working with Billy Jones on a masonry job in 1988. (He was working as a mason tender. Shoveling mortar and humping brick and block.) That Billy had really humbled himself. When I learned of his suicide. It broke my heart. I thought he had really found what he was looking for back when we were working together. He was writing and recording about his experience as a working man from what I understood. You would have never known that at one time, he was in a band that packed stadiums. To me, he was a great guy.
@@rebelwithacause3574 RU-vid has a way of not notifying you if you get a reply to a comment. I just stumbled onto this 2 months after the fact. We were working on a side job in Sarasota on the weekends for at least 4 weeks. There was a kid (I say a kid, I was 30 and he was maybe 23 -24) from Indiana running the Pettibone forklift. He was a huge fan and totally starstruck. He brought in his Outlaw album collection and asked Billy to autograph them. Which he promptly did. After we started working Billy turned to us and said, "I don't get it. I'm no different than anyone else here." He said it with total sincerity. After work we all stopped at a bar at the corner 301 and 60, between Tampa and Brandon. After a few, I don't recall a lot. We worked together for a couple of more weekends and the job was done. That was the last time that I saw him. I moved to Ohio where my late wife was from. It was in 2014 that I was at a party that an old friend we called Zig Zag was having that I learned that he passed almost 20 years earlier. The Outlaws used to practice in Zags mother's garage in Sulphur Springs in the late 60s - early 70s. It doesn't mean shit to a tree but I grew up in Brandon, Fla. A suburb of Tampa. I met Henry Paul through Zig Zag (Zag for short) in 1980 or 81 at a local pub. He was there to support a friend of his named Jim Fish and they did Grey Ghost that night. It was awesome.
I never knew that. Thanks. I’m a big fan of Billy. I’d love to hear anything he recorded. That really says something about the man. I’m a musician. I never wanted to play on the road. I wanted to make a family because I never had that experience. I never regretted the decision. I record when I wanna play. Thanks for the info. I saw a post from his son on It Follows from the Heart. It’s how his son is trying to get to know the man. As far as Henry goes. I get it. It was more they wanted to go in the direction they chose. Not trying to put the man down. Just saying he was more straight country back then. God bless.
Henry was never the leader or front man of the Outlaws. Their most popular songs were written and sung by Hughie with great leads from Hughie and Billy. Henry was always the 3rd wheel. They continued touring and recroding after Henry left and had 2 gold albums without Henry. When Billy left that was the end of the Outlaws. They never had any success without BJ.
I'm a long time fan of the band since '75, many years after all the various renditions of the band. I will forever concede that the 1st 3 albums which included HP were by far, the best. HPs songwriting and vocals were a huge piece of that Outlaw puzzle. That said, this version of why he left the band is complete bull. Henry was boozing, and becoming a major pain to Billy in particular. The guys sacrificed HP to save the band. When we talk about being a frontman, and spokesman for the band, HP was indeed that. He dealt with media and crowds better than anyone else. HP knows however, he was NOT the leader! In this interview, HP speaks of how alcohol impacted not only Billy, but himself as well. I'll give him credit for that. No matter how I feel about HP as a person, I know the Outlaws were better with him than without. Not easy to admit, but im being honest. The Outlaws did not stay true themselves after HPs departure. They, in large part due to Arista pressure, pursued a hit song. All the complexity and creativity had vanished. Naturally, some may disagree. I believe the cover of Ghost Riders, along with Angels Hide were vestiges, or remnants if you will, from earlier years. So, as bad as they were for each other personally, they were equally good for each other musically. A tough spot to be in. HP was an original member of Outlaw reunion band. HP was, as was everyone else, a hired hand. Hughie the owner of all rights, and complete control of the band. Not something HP could feel satisfied with, so when a partnership was never to be forthcoming, he left the band for his full time job in Blackhawk. Running the show, along with being the star of the show is where his head was at. Absolutely no interest in being a underling to Hughie. For Hughie who carried on with the Outlaws for many, long and tough years, he was never about to give anything to HP he felt he hadnt earned. After the sad and sudden passing of Hughie, HP set his sights on the opportunity he had always wanted. That was to become the undisputed leader of the Outlaws! Mary, unbeknownst to her, expedited the process by attempting to force HP and the fake Outlaws to cease, as per her contract with them had expired. The one year deal was over. HP decided...hell no. He wasn't gonna stop, and thusly forced Mary's hand. Naturally, she sued. Naturally, HP and band mates countered sued. High powered attorney's and i think, a highly suspicious Judge, took all rights to the Outlaws brand from Mary, ( the rightful owner ) and handed those over to HP and Yoho. Unbelievable, but yet true. In hindsight, Mary would've been better off negotiating a partnership. Mary wanted to hand pick any reincarnation of a new Outlaws. I spoke personally with her on this topic. She wanted Chris Hicks to front the band. Something i dont even think Chris was interested in. Maybe..but he was firmly entrenched with Tucker. My source for the original departure of HP is Alan Walden. My sources, in part, for the hostile takeover are widow Mary, and stepdaughter Constance. Some of what Ive said is conjecture in terms what certain people thought or felt. However, very logical and well thought out assertions. Consider everything else as fact. The end
I agree the first three releases were their best, and maybe a handful of songs, tops,I care for after Henry left. I think his ego is still bruised from an ouster that took place in 1977or 1978. These old boomer era rockers just need to retire. The glory days ended long ago.
I agree with the commenter that the band was way better with HP than without. Another thing that 1st album of the Henry Paul Band and the debut of Blackhawk was classic. His songwriting was excellent.I can't help they had so much animosity.but their music was great.
I saw Blackhawk play a show in Florida in the 90s. They played their country radio hits and got a good response from the crowds, Near the end Henry Paul said " here is a song from a band I used to play in", they played Freeborn Man and the place went bananas. Something about those first couple of Outlaws records that really connects with people, especially me.
There were two or three times I could have seen them in the last fifteen or so years, but I decided not to waste my money on 40% of the band I first heard in 1975. A 1999 Skynyrd concert soured me on revamped bands who have more new members trying to capture and few from the original lineup trying to recapture a unique chemistry/dynamic from another time. Can't be done.
From I what I have been able to gather about HP leaving in '77, HT and Billy wanted to go in a more Rock direction, and so did Arista. HP did not, so he left, was voted out, whatever. Maybe it was Skynyrd's crash where they saw the end of the Southern Rock. The fact that he was replaced by hard rocker Freddie Salem and they had Playin to Win produced by Mutt Lange pretty much confirms the above. Hughie and Henry were like Oil and water... you can mix them together, but eventually they separate. Hughie was a super talented musician, but a business man he was not. If you read the Mary Thomasson/Henry Paul lawsuit transcripts, it was obvious that whatever trademarks and agreements that were made were not legally enforceable. The Judge didn't say it, but it was essentially a slam dunk win for HP. What may have been legally right was not morally right, at least IMHO. That said, once the ruling was made, I said I would never pay to see the Outlaws again, and I haven't. If they had gone out as the HPB, I would have supported them. For years, I didn't understand the long time Skynyrd fans who said the band ended with the crash, now I do. All great things have a life, a beginning and end.. I'm so glad I got to experience the Outlaws with the members that made the magic.
I saw LS in 1999 and it was mediocre. Groups who carry on without key members wind up resembling a tribute band, and there's a palpable sense of something lacking or off, that the chemistry that once existed is gone. Or certainly not the way it used to be.
These interviews are so great. I can not wait to buy Henry's book. Huge Outlaws fan and always, always supported Henry's efforts and endeavors. How I miss those days and the spirit of the fans waiting in line to see this fabulous band. WHEN IS HENRY'S BOOK COMING OUT?
This guy is so full of shit . Some people say he suffers from Artimus Pyle disease but I didn't say that. I'm from Jacksonville. All those great Christmas Rock Speculator with the Outlaws and friends.Funny this guy was not there. Don't like country black hawk...what's that ? Yea man , pat yourself on the back , sure we understand you say the Outlaws weren't shit after you left. But Outlaws popularity suddenly returned when ....you returned.Like I said I grew up in Jacksonville and I say your full of shit.There is something special about a Yankee that runs dead people , who carried him , in the ground.Dead people. Don't waste your money on Henry. It is not the Real Outlaws. Just like Molly Hatchet FOS!!!
I'd only be interested in finding out more about Frank 'Keefe. I don't expect his daughter to ever reveal anything and Monte isn't talkative in the way Henry is willing to share his memories.
I met Hughie and Henry in late 83 or 84 when the band i worked for called Hunters Gold opened for the Outlaws in Club Manhattan in Spring Valley NY. Talk about 2 very kind down to earth superstars. They treated each of us as family and or close friends. Giving us tips and ideas to make the band better and giving Jimmy and Rodger tips on guitar playing. Both were class acts and i was a huge Outlaw fan long before we got to meet them
I loved this band as a kid. And I wish they were all still alive and together. Everyone bashing them give them a break they were kids themselves back in the 70s and early 80s. Saw them 4 times in a 2 year span in the late 70s in pittsburgh-erie area and they were awesome. They were my band! Mine! And I'll never forget those great times. 🥲
I’m a big Outlaws fan since around 1976 . I’ve seen them in 1978 then again with Hughies version before he passed and 2-3 times with Henry Paul . I love all versions . Henry seems like a really nice down to earth guy and a great voice ! I always wonder why Harvey is not in the current line up . .?
I grew up in the 60s and 70s. The Outlaws were and still are one of my favorite bands. But not in their current form. And I saw them live a number of times both with and without Henry Paul. I much preferred them with Freddie Salem instead of Henry Paul. HP had and still has a great voice for both lead and harmony vocals. And he could speak well enough too. In most bands, he could qualify as a great front man. But not in The Outlaws during their peak years. He was like a fish out of water amongst a stage full of accomplished musicians with mind blowing skill and precision like Hughie and the others had achieved. HP didn't fit in visually or functionally. He stuck out like a sore thumb in an awkward way when I saw them live. He was a guitar strummer with no apparent desire to become anything more advanced. His hyper-inflated ego, which he still clearly has, was responsible for his notion that he was the front man. In earlier years, he may well have been their only singer, or at least more prominent. But if so, Hughie and the boys left him in the dust and worked and developed into well rounded players and performers while HP was apparently less motivated to grow in his abilities. I've been a performing musician for over 43 years. HP was what musicians I gig with call dead weight. Someone who gets equal pay without equal contribution. His rightful position in the band at their peak, based on what he brought to the show, would have been that of a backup vocalist who steps out front for a couple of numbers. But his ego would never allow him to accept anything less than centerstage recognition. And The Outlaws, by then, had plenty capable, experienced harmony and lead vocalists in the musicians themselves. HP says all you need to know to sum him up by himself, in his own words. He paints The Outlaws as only being successful when he was in the band. He seems to consider the Henry Paul Band, whose album I owned, to be more of a force than it was. And he considers Blackhawk to be a Rock band on par with the Eagles instead of the Country band they actually were. The only aspect of Blackhawk that resembles the Eagles is the fact that HP's ego could hold it's own along with the egos of both Henley and Frey. And his ego gives him the nerve to belittle Alabama, as if they were irrelevant and were too Country to write lyrics that could stimulate his deep intellect. Nobody but Henry Paul thinks Blackhawk was even in the same league as Alabama. But the proof is in the pudding. Where does HP wind up? Right back where he always thought he "deserved" to be although he thought he was above putting in the necessary work to get there. Now that Hughie and Billy have passed on, here comes Henry Paul to profit from the hard work of others. This Henry Paul incarnation is not The Outlaws.
About 4 years ago I saw Henry and the Outlaws open up for Travis Tritt and & the late great Charlie Daniels…..also R.I.P. former Blackhawk member Van 🙏
My aunt had a custom bus business back in early 70s, unlike today, to allow touring bands to have road comfort traveling around the country way ahead of her time. My cousin drove the buses. He was at 16 back then the youngest music contract playing warm up band for Janis Joplin a very long time ago! After that stint, he drove. Well, the Outlaws used to rent one back then while my cousin had ties to the music industry to sign up bands to tour. He played bass guitar and when their bass player got sick, he would be subbed to play with the Outlaws, the show must go on!He still plays today, abett a jazzy blend with some very famous guest stars of people he knew in music. Elton John was another client. Custom buses were new and unique loaded with similar perks like today. Elton loved it so much, he wanted it shipped to Europe continuing touring, but wasn't cost effective to do it unlike today. It was based out of NY, Dutchess county. Had to be absolute fun hanging with bands and all the stories that go with that experience! Hat's off Willy, he is a hoot!!
Blackhawk to me put out amazing records. I can attest that even metalheads dug those records because the quality of songs are amazing, and the use of vocal harmonies was off the charts. Very grateful especially for those early albums. To this day, I have nothing but positive memories from those records. Henry really hits it out of the park here. Blackhawk really appealed to people who did not like country.
Being from Florida And a Vietnam era boy. I'm surprised that Green grass gets most of the glory and love song. Cause freeborn man is what we listened to over and over. It's never mentioned
Freeborn man is a great song but it was a cover song for the outlaws. Perhaps that’s why Green Grass and There goes another love Song got more airplay. Both written by Hughie.
The Outlaws WERE Hughie, Billy and Henry. The Outlaws, Lady in Waiting and Hurry Sundown were great albums. The music wasn't the same after Henry left. The guitarist that joined the band after Henry was a mistake. Now that Hughie and Billy are gone and Henry has taken over, the old music isn't played with the same feel. The Outlaws are my favorite band and I saw them many times back in the day but the Florida guitar army died out long ago. Hughie's and Billy's style can't be copied.
Here is my Outlaws story: Funny that Paul talks about alcohol. I saw the Outlaws at the Starlight Amphitheatre in Burbank CA. The venue has no dressing room area. Artists have to organize in an open paved area behind the stage. Also, the portable toilets were also set up in this area. So when I went to the bathroom I crossed the area where the Outlaws were gathering. Billy Jones was sitting in a utility chair practicing on his LP. I am in awe that I am so close to this big talent. While I am gazing at Billy right in front of me a limo pulls up. Out comes Henry Paul clutching a bottle of Jack Daniels. He had consumed about a third of the bottle from what I could see. The ironic thing about it was the venue had these signs posted everywhere "NO ALCOHOL". Meaning none for the audience. At the end of their set Paul tells the crowd: Keep drinkin' that Jack Daniels. Or something like that. ??? I saw them at this venue twice. I cannot remember which lineup was which show but: The Marshall Tucker Band, Griderswitch, and can you believe John Lee Hooker.
I have a JD bottle from whenever...It now has tea in it, for use as prop. When I see a bottle or anything that is either half full or half empty THAT is all I see. Can't say he had drunk a third or whatever. Chances are a few nips no doubt. But don't believe he ever got wasted before stage time.
I have to admit, I saw the Henry Paul Band after their second album. They were opening for Rossington Collins. The HPB was really good, but Henry was a mess. This concert was in Norman, Oklahoma and Henry was a mess. He was evidently still mad at The Outlaws for firing him and introduced HIS guitarists as the best two guitarists he'd ever been around, as the audience boo'd. Hey, Billy Crain and David Fiester were great guitarists, don't get me wrong, but the audience wasn't falling for Henry's act. The venue was a no alcohol/no drugs venue, and Henry had both on stage. He openly bragged about how he could smoke pot and drink whiskey if he wanted to. The band was great - Henry was not that night...
Heres mine: I was introduced to Billy Jones at Six Flags Over Georgia around 1980 who acted as if he had known me all his life and within 5 minutes was sitting in the Outlaws tour bus drinking Wild Turkey with him straight, just he and I. Talk about feeling like a fish out of water, I just didnt know what to say to hiim. I did not realize what talent sat before me.
I got kicked out of a band once and know what it feels like to be blindsided like that. I got into an argument with a guy named Andy who was very new in the band and he wasn't even an essential member. They sided with him and got rid of me. It still stings when I think about it.
John, when you said in one of the other HP clips that Knoxville Girl was one your favorite songs I knew you had great taste in music. That's why I subscribed to your channel. It's a shame that Henry left, for whatever reason, after Hurry Sundown. That's a great album. I thought the addition of Harvey was a positive one. He added another vocal sound that had the same quality to it that Henry, Billy and Hughie had in their voices. But that's rock and roll, and life in general. Sometimes you don't recognize the possibility of greatness, until it's passed you by. Some of these commentors trashing Henry need to remember that these guys were still fairly young back during the breakup. That, and the sudden fame and success, can cause anyone to make rash decisions and even alter someone's personality. The Outlaws are still my favorite band.
Its not the same billy was the over the top guitar man hughie was a great overall musician henry kept the country western vibe on after he left it waa down hill .hearing someone else sing GGHT OR STICK AROUND FOR RR IS JUST WRONG
Great interview I had always assumed since High School Henry left on his own sure missed his contributions which made them my favorite band. Glad to see he’s on top and doing great
A lot of people bashing Henry Paul in the comments. People are free to have any opinion they wish. I have every record the Outlaws made through the 70's & 80's, along with the four Henry Paul Band records. I like the first three Outlaw records & the four Henry Paul Band far better that all those other Outlaw records. I guess that is just my taste in music. However I know the Outlaws played concert tours & made additional studio albums another 35 years after I bought my last Outlaw record in 1986. I think a lot of these comments might have been made by people who just listened to Outlaw concerts & CD's made during that latter 35 years. I challenge them to listen to the 7 records I cited above as my preferences. All have Henry Paul. I am not interested in some musician's personality over his musical output. They kicked him out of the band. That instigated hard feelings. Very understandable.
Never knew they kicked Henry Paul out of Outlaws. It was a mistake. I definitely noticed he was gone on their next album. I also noticed I didn't like that 4th record as much. Those first three records (Outlaws, Lady in Waiting & Hurry Sundown) were must haves in the southern rock genre. Great melodic lots of guitar southern rock records. I also have all four of his Henry Paul Band records.
As with any first records, the 1st Outlaws, and the 1st Henry Paul Band were fantastic records. The problems seemed to be DIRECTION! Henry is correct about the 3rd album Hurry Sundown. But een Henry's own Band had directional problems. Feel The Heat wasvery different and more rock oriented than the first, and the 3rd album was more commercial,and forget the 4th and last record, that was TERRIBLE!i I always thought Henery should have given more SINGING duties to the second guitar player David Fiester. David did a great job with LONGSHOT; on the 2nd record! To me it was more of an ego thing with Henry on being front and center. I never followed, Black Hawk, but it appears that was Henry's "CASH COW" Enjoyed the short clips of Henry, and nice to see he isn't trashing past bandmates!
❤he.was always my fave. I loved grey ghost lp better than outlaws. I saw a hispanic guy walking around in a HPB tee & made him take it.off & give it up (i.traded mine.to.him). Paul you're the best southern rocker!! Love ya❤
I’m learning this for the first time. Everyone thought that Henry had usurped a lot of the leadership authority, or so I thought, but when people don’t really know the story, we make hurtful comments and such. I’m looking forward to hearing the real story and stories. High Tides forever.
The first 3 albums were by far the OUTLAWS best music they put out. Anyone who thinks that Henry Paul wasn't worthy enough to be in the band is a fool.
I saw the Outlaws all thru the 70's when living in Jax Fl and they were FAR better without HP. What HP did after the death of Huey and how he fucked over Huey's wife over the Outlaws about money is disgusting beyond belief. Last time I saw them was 2005 in KC during the reunion tour and while Huey and Chris Hicks continued the legacy, HP was all about "look at me".
Kicking Henry Paul out of that band was like removing the engine from your Ferrari and replacing it with an inline 6. He drove that band. One of the great concert disappointments of my youth was getting to the Outlaws show at the Tower in Philly and Freddie Salem had replaced him. They were not the same band. Not by a long shot.
Wow! All the badmouthing HP. First off......He had the best voice in the band. Also, his role as a rhythm guitarist was obviously of great value to Billy and Hughie, or upon his departure, they would not have replaced him immediately with Freddie Salem. It's ALWAYS non-musicians without an ounce of musical talent or knowledge that disrespect or dismiss rhythm guitarists as an integral part of the musical process. God bless Henry Paul !!
The early Outlaws were great but as Henry said as they went on they kind of lost their way . That being said the latest Outlaw CD by Henry and the boys comes very close to anything the Outlaws did back in their heyday . Fanatstic guitar work and great harmonies . also whoever produced it did a great job . Sonically it is superior to any of the past albums and i am sure it is just the recording equipment is better these days . If you want a great rock and roll album go out and buy Dixie Highway . Not a bad song on it .
I was overseas in the 90's and missed a lot of stuff. Then again, I was not into much grunge that was popular at the time. Blackhawk carried the torch for classic country/southern rock. So much better than post 2000's pop country wanna be beer commercial crap.
I first saw the Outlaws in the mid 70s, before their first album came out and Henry was NEVER a major player in the band. Hughie was clearly rhe star. Billy was his second. Both amazing guitar players. Henry really did not matter much in terms of the music most people remember. Most of his songs were much more country sounding and the band was more rock oriented. But I agree that the first three albums were the only ones anyone remembers.
I would love to hear Harvey Dalton Arnold’s, Monte Yoho, and David Dix’s response to this claim. That being said I know David and Monte were both in later incarnations of the band with Henry but still would like to hear their point of view. Monte may have been (in Henry’s own words) “voted off” a couple years ago. Sudden retirement? Maybe so… regardless.. John! Ya got a great channel!
Great band, saw the Outlaws a year in a half ago on my Bday in a club in Killington VT THEY WERE SO GOOD, I was blown away, and I've seen all the southern rock bands in the 70s and early 80s they sounded sooooo good it blew my mind and Henry signed my old vinyl , Lady in waiting , and his solo album ,he was so cool and a nice guy
LOL, ah Ghost Riders was their bestselling album, they headlined stadiums and filled Madison Square Garden without Henry. They fell apart when Henry came back in 1984.
He does I was actually able to get on their tour bus circa @2007 ish. They had just got back together n let Henry back in ..had only done 10 shows...but Henry was sitting in a bus seat talking to a lady he went to high school with n I was with 3 other people who had connections n we spread out listened to them talk about old times when Henry goes "hey bud can you hand me that bottle of wine behind you on the table." ? I said "sure" and I did and he just started guzzling it right away lol classic ...so yeah he likes the sauce.
Well I have seen all the different incarnations of the band and I have seen Blackhawk also. When they were playing in small clubs Henry would always come out and talk to people after the show. Huey was not as gregarious. It seemed like the breakup was about Huey wanting to take the band into a harder Rock Style which did not seem at the time what Henry was about but later with the Henry Paul band they did Rock pretty hard. Blackhawk would do a fantastic version of The Bluest Eyes in Texas when they performed live because the late Van Stevenson was one of the writers of the song.
