PORTLAND — The Marshall Tucker Band, known for such hit singles as “Heard It In a Love Song and “Take The Highway,” will perform in concert Sunday, Oct. 11, at Hadlock Field – with proceeds benefiting U.S. troops and veterans.

Specifically helped by the fundraiser, hosted by the Falmouth Rotary, will be Operation HomeFront, Warrior Legacy, Adopt a US Soldier and Home for Our Troops.

From its first LP in 1973 to its latest CD, “Love Songs,” released in February, the Marshall Tucker Band has never stopped recording or touring.

The band is still led by founding member and lead singer Doug Gray, who is quick to credit current members with carrying on the timeless essence of the Marshall Tucker Band sound. They are slide guitarist Stuart Swanlund, who joined the band in 1989; multi-instrumentalist Marcus Henderson, who plays flute, saxophone and keyboards and provides lead and background vocals; Pat Elwood on bass guitar; and Rick Willis on lead guitar and vocals.

The Marshall Tucker Band got its start in Spartanburg, S.C., when Gray teamed up with Tommy Caldwell and Toy Caldwell, Paul T. Riddle, George McCorkle and Jerry Eubanks, borrowing the name “Marshall Tucker” from a piano tuner whose name was found on a key ring in their old rehearsal space.

In 1972, they signed with Capricorn Records and the following year opened shows for the Allman Brothers. In 1974, the Marshall Tucker Band began to headline its own shows across America, thanks to platinum-plus sales of its debut album.
In years to come, the Marshall Tucker Band would wow critics and fans with its definitive blend of rock, rhythm & blues, jazz, country and gospel. Along the way, the band has recorded 22 studio albums, three DVDs, three live albums and many compilations.

In 1980, Tommy Caldwell died as a result of injuries from an auto accident. In 1984, Toy Caldwell, George McCorkle and Paul Riddle decided to retire. Gray and Eubanks, with the blessings of the other three, continued to record and perform as the Marshall Tucker Band. 1n 1993, Toy Caldwell, who wrote the majority of the band’s songs, died, as did McCorkle in 2007. Eubanks retired in 1996.
The Marshall Tucker Band earned seven gold and three platinum albums while with the Capricorn Records label. During the ’90s, the band scored four hit singles on Billboard’s country chart and one on Billboard’s gospel chart. Their music has also been featured on the soundtracks of movies such as “Smokey and the Bandit,” “Swing Vote” and “Taking Chance.”

After 37 years, the Marshall Tucker Band continues to be played on classic rock and country radio.
The concert will be from 2 to 6 p.m., with Typhoon Ferri opening.

Tickets, $25, may be purchased online at www.porttix.com; or call 842-0800. Seats are limited. Anyone wishing to donate or any company wanting to purchase large blocks of tickets may call David Jones at 650-3455. The official Web site for this event is www.portlandoktoberfest.com.