The Fabulous Thunderbirds

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During their heyday in the early ’80s, they were the most popular attraction on the blues bar circuit.

—AllMusic

For more than 30 years, the Fabulous Thunderbirds have been a quintessentially American band. The group’s distinctive and powerful sound manifested itself into a unique musical hybrid of blues, rock and roll, and R&B in hit songs such as “Tuff Enuff” and “Wrap It Up.” Cofounder Kim Wilson, who founded the band with Jimmie Vaughn and remains its sole original member, still leads the group as it evolves into its newest incarnation.

The Fabulous Thunderbirds released their first self-titled album in 1979 and spent years incorporating myriad influences—including Cajun, rock and roll, and soul sounds—into their Texas blues base. They reached a commercial peak in 1986 with Tuff Enuff, which spawned three Top 40 singles.

Vaughn left the Thunderbirds in 1990, but Wilson has kept the group going, incorporating keyboards into their guitar-driven sound. Their next album, Struck Down, will be released June.