South Carolina’s highest civilian honor

It felt like a homecoming in the Christ Church Episcopal School performing arts center on Oct. 7 as friends gathered to celebrate one of the Upstate’s most beloved musicians.

Paul T. Riddle, original drummer for the Marshall Tucker Band and a longtime music educator, was awarded the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor.

Greenwood Mayor Brandon Smith, a friend of Riddle’s, presented the award on behalf of Gov. Henry McMaster.

He described Riddle as “a musical ambassador for South Carolina” and lauded his “extraordinary commitment” to educating young people.

Riddle received a standing ovation as he walked to the stage to accept the framed citation.

“This is insane,” said Riddle, who had been unaware up until the time event that he would be honored. “I don’t even know what to say.”

The crowd of supporters included friends who date back to the Marshall Tucker Band days.

There was Moon Mullins, who first met Riddle when he was still a student at Spartanburg High School.

Mullins and Tommy Caldwell connected with Riddle and guitarist George McCorkle, who were in a band together, to discuss the idea of joining forces.

“Tommy and I had been in the Marines, and Paul was such a young kid,” Mullins recalled. “But Tommy was a bass player, and he could see Paul’s talent.”

Mullins would go on the lead the Marshall Tucker Band’s road crew during its touring heyday.

Founded in Spartanburg, the Marshall Tucker Band was a pioneering Southern Rock act. During the 1970s, the group had hits with “Can’t You See,” “Take the Highway,” “Heard it in a Love Song,” and others. Their songs have influenced generations of musicians and remain staples of the classic rock radio format.

Mullins said that even as the band’s popularity grew and the touring schedule grew more demanding, Riddle was always easy to work with – a humble guy who enjoyed spending time behind the scenes with the team.

About 10 former Marshall Tucker Band crew members attended the presentation Tuesday, Mullins said.

One was Robin Majors, who drove from Nashville to honor his friend Riddle. “I had to be here,” he said.

The audience also included Joe McConnell, who worked as the group’s manager during its peak years. He said Riddle was consistently willing to go the extra mile to support bandmates and crew.

“Paul was always the guy,” McConnell said. “If there were radio interviews or that sort of thing scheduled and the other guys didn’t want to do it, Paul would volunteer. He and George would fill in.”

Riddle is known for his energy and enthusiasm, and McConnell admires his outlook on life.

“Paul is the only person I’ve ever known who does exactly what he wants to be doing everyday when he wakes up,” he said. “It’s amazing.”

Riddle has taught lessons privately and at Christ Church Episcopal School for decades.

He also continues to perform. He has recently put together an all-star cast of musicians that includes Greenville’s Marcus King to record and perform songs by Toy Caldwell, older brother of Tommy.

Toy Caldwell was the lead creative force in the Marshall Tucker Band.

Prior to the forming of the Marshall Tucker Band, Caldwell led a group called the Toy Factory.

Riddle named the group he’s been working with – and its tribute to Caldwell’s music – the Toy Factory Project.

King and Charlie Starr, lead singer of Blackberry Smoke and a member of the Toy Factory Project team, recorded video tributes to Riddle for Tuesday’s event.

“Well deserved, my friend. Well deserved,” King said. “I think the world of you.”

The video messages offered a glimpse of Riddle’s influence and musical connections.

Longtime friend Chuck Leavell, a former member of the Allman Brothers Band who has played keyboard with the Rolling Stones in recent years, sent a message.

Married musical duo Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi as well as concert promoter Barry Leff offered their congratulations.

During his introduction, Smith read a congratulatory email from Allman Brothers drummer Jaimoe Johanson.

During the 1990s, Riddle filled in for Johanson on a number of Allman Brothers shows. One of those performances became a Grammy Award-winning live recording.

Riddle and his wife, Valerie, live in Greenville, but his deep ties to Spartanburg were represented in the audience.

Franklin and Neva Wilkie made the trip from Spartanburg. Franklin is a bass player who grew up making music with Toy Caldwell.

After Tommy Caldwell died following a vehicle crash in 1980, Wilkie was brought in to perform with the Marshall Tucker Band.

He and Riddle “always had adjoining rooms when we were out on tour,” Wilkie recalled. “We entertained each other.”

After the band split in 1983, Wilkie and Riddle put together a jazz fusion group called the Throbbers.

He admires Riddle’s talent and professionalism as a drummer but has been equally impressed by his work as a teacher.

“I think it’s wonderful how he makes music education fun for children,” Wilkie said. “He’s a great role model.”

The Order of the Palmetto was created in 1971 to recognize “extraordinary achievement, service, and contributions on a national or statewide scale.”

Riddle expressed gratitude for the show of support from friends – and for the opportunities that have come his way.

He recognized the support of his parents, who saved money they earned working at Drayton Mill so that he could pursue his passion for music.

As an up-and-coming teenage drummer, he couldn’t have known the success that was in store when Tommy Caldwell first approached him about being in a band – but, looking back, he said meeting Caldwell “changed my life.”

As for the many students he has worked with over the years, Riddle described them as “a gift.”

Riddle concluded: “I’m the most blessed person alive.”

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: SC honors Marshall Tucker Band member Paul Riddle with top award