The Outlaws formed in Florida in 1967, originally calling themselves The Six Gun Band. The early lineup included Hughie Thomasson, Billy Jones, Frank O'Keefe, Henry Paul, Dave Dix, and Monte Yoho. They signed with Arista Records in 1972 and released their self-titled debut album, which featured songs like 'Green Grass and High Tides' and 'There Goes Another Love Song.'
Their 1974 album 'Wanted!' included a version of 'Ghost Riders In The Sky' that became their best-known recording. The song was originally written by Stan Jones and recorded by Johnny Cash, but the Outlaws' arrangement gave it a Southern rock treatment that connected with radio audiences.
Personnel changes happened regularly throughout the 1970s, with O'Keefe and Dix leaving in 1975. Billy Jones died in a motorcycle accident in 1981, which affected the band's continuity. They kept recording and touring with various lineups, including songs like 'Rebel Girl' and 'The Outlaw' in their setlists.
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