Highlights of 2025: This holiday season,GW is celebrating its most impactful stories from the past year.
Henry Paul,a cornerstone of Southern rock,has navigated a remarkable journey filled with creative exploration,relentless dedication,and the tenacity to bounce back after his unexpected departure from The Outlaws,the band that launched his career.
The iconic group kicked off their first national tour as the opening act for Lynyrd Skynyrd. Clive Davis of Arista records recognized their potential after ronnie van Zant famously remarked,”If you don’t sign The outlaws,you’re the dumbest music person I’ve ever met,” which likely sealed the deal.
What followed was a dream career in the 1970s, featuring a series of electrifying performances alongside legends like The Rolling Stones, The Who, and The Allman Brothers. However, in 1977, Paul faced a sudden setback when he was dismissed from the band during a heated exchange.
“I was blindsided,” recalls the New York native. “They claimed my contry rock influence was holding them back and wanted to pursue a more progressive sound.It was painful,but I channeled my energy into rebuilding my career.”
Paul went on to achieve further success with The Henry Paul Band and Blackhawk, the latter of which saw their self-titled debut album go double-platinum in 1994. He rejoined The Outlaws in 2005, marking a third chapter with the band after a brief return in the 1980s. His journey is chronicled in his new memoir, The Last Outlaw.
Discovering the Guitar
“My stepbrother, who was quite skilled, introduced me to playing. I began writing my own songs and purchased a painted plywood guitar with brass frets for just $13. My first real instrument was a ’67 Gibson J-50,” he shares.
Contrasting Music Scenes: New York vs. Florida
“The music scene in Florida was vibrant, competitive, and professionally advanced-miles ahead of New York, which felt stuck in the past. In New York, I was approached by someone from Epic Records who suggested I relocate to Nashville, which seemed distant and abstract at the time,” he explains.
“I returned to Florida to perform at a show featuring triumphant artists from Tampa. the energy was electric, prompting me to form a band, and with determination, we secured a record deal with The Outlaws.”
“Charlie brasco took on the role of our manager and organized our first tour outside of Florida, including two nights in Nashville with Lynyrd Skynyrd.Their enthusiasm led to a partnership between our management teams, and an A&R director from Arista fell in love with our sound.We recorded with Paul rothchild, and soon we were on the airwaves, becoming rock stars.”
Memorable Moments with Legends
“Do you recall Ronnie van Zant encouraging Clive Davis to sign you?”
“I felt a bit embarrassed! Ronnie was deeply invested in our success and was quite persuasive,especially since we were on the rise,” Paul reflects.
“Did you gain any insights from Gary Rossington or Allen Collins?”
“You learn a lot by observing others. lynyrd Skynyrd had a powerful musical presence, which influenced The Outlaws. I also learned a great deal from Pat Simmons during our first tour with The doobie Brothers, especially regarding stage performance.”
“When you achieve popularity in music, other prominent figures treat you as an equal, which is a great feeling.I remember opening for The Rolling Stones, and Mick Jagger and Keith Richards came to our dressing room to express their admiration for us.”
Opening for The Rolling Stones
“Those opportunities came unexpectedly. Our first performance was in Louisville at Freedom Hall, and the Stones’ audience responded so positively that we were invited to play in Virginia at the Hampton Coliseum, and then in buffalo in front of 80,000 fans,” he recalls.
“We drove to Buffalo, ready to win over a crowd that didn’t know us. We always put on a great show for the Stones, ensuring we didn’t embarrass ourselves! I focused on engaging the first 50 rows, connecting with the audience I could see.”
Playing to a UK Audience
“The UK audience is much more vocal and physically engaged. If they’re not impressed, they can be quite creative in showing their displeasure.We had to play for our lives when supporting The Who, but we managed to win them over,” Paul explains.
“The British music charts offered a diverse range of sounds.I was taken aback by how different it was. The beer was warm, the people were fantastic-really passionate and soulful; we connected with them on a basic level.”
“Stevie Ray Vaughan was something else. I couldn’t comprehend his playing; he was in a league of his own.”
“Once, we arrived in Glasgow, and some local boys ran alongside our bus, giving us the finger. I thought it was a peace sign, but it was far from that, and they didn’t even know who we were!”
Influences from The Who
“The Who were the most powerful band I had ever encountered. Roger Daltrey was an unbelievable frontman, and Pete Townshend was a whirlwind of energy. Each member had such distinct personalities, and their music was mind-blowing-loud, powerful, and impeccably performed,” he recalls.
“Keith Moon would sometimes hang out with us, unlike the others. one night, we went to a restaurant, and an American couple mistook Keith for a waiter as he was in a tuxedo. They asked for a bottle of wine, and he poured it all over the guy! He must have spent a fortune on that man’s ruined clothes. Keith was truly one of a kind.”
Reflections on Musical Greatness
“Stevie Ray Vaughan was uniquely extraordinary-his right hand seemed to float over the strings, creating music effortlessly. I toured with him during his sober days, and he was a natural talent. I had never seen anyone play like that,” Paul shares.
The departure from The Outlaws
“The dynamics within a band can be quite complex. Some individuals are adept at navigating these waters, while others are more naive. In the 1980s,The Outlaws’ manager suggested reuniting the original lineup due to declining interest,which was reassuring for me,” he reflects.
“The reunion lasted six years and was the most enjoyable period of my musical career-it was free from pressure. We weren’t getting rich, but we were doing well in the industry.”
“When Hughie wanted to reform the band, I was ready to move on. I was content to pursue new opportunities, as it became clear that there were self-serving motives at play.”
Favorite Guitars Through the Years
“I’ve primarily played acoustic electrics like Gibson 335s or 330s. My original white 330 with P-90s was my all-time favorite, and I wish I still had it! Eventually, I transitioned to Ovations, which were a notable upgrade,” he explains.
“Now, all the Outlaws use red guitars and amps. I couldn’t find a red Gretsch Falcon, so I bought a black one and had it refinished in fire-engine red. It’s stunning.”
“My go-to road guitars are my red and black Gibson J-200s-they’ve seen better days but still sound fantastic. I prefer a bit of distortion in my sound,but I keep it simple; I just plug into the amp and play.”
