Legendary multi-platinum selling southern rock and country group The Marshall Tucker Band (MTB) was awarded Pandora's coveted Billionaires Plaque on Saturday night, December 9, on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry. The plaque recognizes over one billion Pandora streams for the MTB.
Ahead of the MTB's final song of the evening, Opry announcer Mike Terry stopped the band for the big reveal. Terry welcomed the late Charlie Daniels' wife and son, Hazel Daniels and Charlie Daniels, Jr., to the stage with a wrapped Christmas present containing the Pandora Billionaires Plaque. The band's lead singer and founder Doug Gray graciously accepted, visibly moved. Two years ago, the MTB presented the same honor to the Daniels family to recognize one billion Pandora streams for The Charlie Daniels Band.
"Receiving this great honor from Pandora was one of the proudest moments in our over 50 years of performing," explains Gray. "Over one billion streams. We are floored and completely overwhelmed. Thank you Pandora, thank you Grand Ole Opry and thank you to Hazel and Charlie Jr. for making it so very special. I know Charlie was watching. And thank you to the fans. We wouldn't be here without you. Merry Christmas!"
Following the presentation, the MTB ripped through its biggest hit song, "Can't You See," earning a standing ovation from the crowd.
The Marshall Tucker Band's music will now be played on Pandora's Country Billionaires station.
"Saturday night was very special for us, but we'd like to send our thoughts to those devastated by the tornadoes," adds Gray. "By the grace of God, we were all safe, but there are so many of our friends who were affected. We are abundantly praying for those people and God Bless Tennessee."
About The Marshall Tucker Band
Over 50 years ago, The Marshall Tucker Band was founded in Spartanburg, SC. Thanks to hits like "Can't You See," "Heard It in a Love Song," "Fire on the Mountain," and "24 Hours At a Time," the 5x Gold, 3x Platinum-selling southern rock group has sold millions of albums worldwide. MTB songs have been featured in major motion picture films and television shows including Breaking Bad, Blow, The Box, Swing Vote, Half Nelson, My Name Is Earl, Cold Case Files and Good Guys. CMT (Country Music Television) named the MTB's "Can't You See" the #4 Greatest Southern Rock Song. The MTB's debut album, The Marshall Tucker Band, reigns as Gibson Guitar's #5 Greatest Southern Rock Album. Ultimate Classic Rock crowned the MTB's "Can't You See" as the #1 Southern Rock Song and in 2013, GRAMMY® Magazine named the group's logo as one of the most distinctive and iconic brands in music.
