Henry Paul The Last Outlaw

The Architect of American Sound: A Review of Henry Paul’s “The Last Outlaw: My 50 Years in Southern Rock & Country”

By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine

The Artist: A Three-Act Career in American Music

Henry Paul, the author of the candid new memoir “The Last Outlaw: My 50 Years in Southern Rock & Country,” is one of the music industry’s most enduring and versatile figures. His career is not merely one long story, but a fascinating triptych of American musical eras and genres.

1. The Outlaws (1970s Southern Rock Legend): Paul was a co-founder of the seminal Southern Rock band, The Outlaws. Known as ‘The Florida Guitar Army,’ the band blended country-rock harmonies with a powerful triple-guitar attack, yielding classic hits like “There Goes Another Love Song” and the epic concert staple “Green Grass and High Tides.” Their early success, including being signed as the first rock act by Clive Davis to Arista Records, positioned Paul at the epicenter of the 1970s rock scene, touring with legends like Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Who, and The Rolling Stones.
2. The Henry Paul Band (1980s Pop/Rock Leader): After his initial departure from The Outlaws, Paul formed The Henry Paul Band, showcasing a different, more pop-rock sensibility while retaining a Southern feel. This phase, signed to Atlantic Records, proved his ability to pivot and remain commercially viable, releasing albums that included popular songs like “Living Without Your Love.”
3. Blackhawk (1990s Country Superstars): Paul’s third act, Blackhawk, solidified his status as a master craftsman. Moving to Nashville and co-founding the trio with Dave Robbins and Van Stephenson, Blackhawk became one of the decade’s most successful country acts. Their sound, characterized by intricate three-part harmonies and Paul’s distinctive voice, yielded multi-platinum sales and a string of distinctive hits like “Goodbye Says It All” and “Every Once in a While.”

Paul’s decades-long career is a masterclass in resilience, creative adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of a resonant musical voice. He is not just a performer but a brand steward, actively touring and overseeing the legacy of both The Outlaws and Blackhawk today.

Book Review: The Last Outlaw: My 50 Years in Southern Rock & Country

Henry Paul’s memoir, co-written with Gary Hertz, is a compelling and often poignant reflection on a life lived fully within the tumultuous, rewarding, and sometimes brutal world of professional music. Released in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of The Outlaws’ debut, the book serves as both a historical document and a deeply personal account of creative triumph and profound loss.

A Journey of Three Careers, Not One

The central thesis of the book is the sheer improbability of Paul’s career arc—achieving significant, sustained success in three distinct musical incarnations across three different decades. The narrative expertly handles the transitions, illustrating how Paul applied the lessons learned from one era to the next.

• The Southern Rock Brotherhood: The memoir offers a rich, insider’s perspective on the Southern rock phenomenon of the 70s. Paul details the brotherhood, camaraderie, and intense touring schedules, but does not shy away from the darker sides: the betrayal, internal strife, and high-stakes chaos that often defined the genre. His recollections of securing the Arista deal with Clive Davis and sharing stages with rock royalty are among the book’s most thrilling passages.
• The Nashville Pivot: The book convincingly articulates Paul’s decision to move to Nashville and commit to country music in the late 80s/early 90s, an era when the genre was being reshaped by new influences. His account of forming Blackhawk—a decision rooted in a shared love of acoustic instrumentation and tight vocal harmony—is a testament to his persistent drive to create music with integrity. This part of the book is particularly touching as it addresses the loss of bandmate Van Stephenson, an experience that added a layer of tragedy to Blackhawk’s remarkable commercial success.

Themes of Resilience and Legacy

Beyond the name-dropping and road stories—which include memorable encounters with figures like Tom Waits, Keith Moon, and Bette Davis’s cat—the true strength of “The Last Outlaw” lies in its exploration of resolve and resilience. Paul confronts the industry’s harsh realities, including moments of deep rejection and polarization, with a reflective honesty. The memoir is a story of a man constantly reinventing himself, yet remaining fundamentally true to his folk-country-rock roots.

The book is also a deliberate effort by Paul to cement his legacy and that of the brands he helped build. He views himself as the “caretaker” of both The Outlaws and Blackhawk, and the book puts a definitive, reflective stamp on his life’s work. Co-written with Gary Hertz, who possesses an insider’s knowledge of the industry, the narrative is engaging and well-paced, maintaining a conversational tone that feels genuine and direct.

Conclusion

“The Last Outlaw” is an essential read for fans of Southern Rock, 90s Country, and anyone interested in the sheer grit required for a decades-long music career. At a concise 220 pages, it is a fast-moving journey through a golden age of American music, filled with the highs of arena success and the lows of personal and professional setbacks. Henry Paul’s voice, both literally and figuratively, is distinctive, honest, and the bedrock of a fascinating narrative that fully earns the title: the story of one of the true, enduring Architects of American Sound.