The Fabulous Thunderbirds were founded in Austin, Texas in 1974 by frontman, Kim Wilson and guitarist Jimmie Vaughan. Quickly earning the coveted house band spot at Anton's, The T-Birds got to jam with all the greats; Muddy Waters, Albert Collins, Jimmy Rogers, Buddy Guy, Eddie Taylor, among others, and of course Jimmie's younger brother Stevie Ray.From 1980 to 1982 the Thunderbirds released four well-received classic albums. However, the Thunderbirds really took off in 1986 with TuffF Enough, the band's debut on the Epic/Associated label; the title single hit the Top Ten, and appeared in a couple of movie soundtracks. In addition, '86 was also the year the the Fabulous Thunderbirds were named Best Blues Band at the W.C. Handy Music Awards.
The T-Birds next two albums on Epic/Associated were just as successful, Hot Number, in 1987, and Powerful Stuff, in 1989, firmly establishing the band in the Billboard Charts with hits like "Wrap it Up" , "Look at That, Look at That", "My Babe", "How do you spell Love", and "Stand Back". In 1990, Jimmie Vaughan left to pursue an album with his brother, and he was replaced by Duke Robilliard and Kid Bangham, which inevitably changed the groups dynamics, but the resulting sounds were equally as rockin, but with a bit more of a soulful and mature edge. In 1993, Duke departed to pursue his solo career. Today, the Thunderbirds lineup consists of Kim Wilson on vocals and harp, guitar sensation Kid Ramos, Fran Christina on drums, Willy J. Campbell on bass, and Gene Taylor on the keyboards.
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