Author: Logan Rocker

A ranking of every Bon Jovi studio album.

In the early 1980s, a band quietly came together that included some of the most accomplished names in Southern rock—yet despite the caliber of its lineup and the strength of its live performances, the group never released an album. Betts, Hall, Leavell and Trucks, often shortened to BHLT, existed between 1982 and 1984 and featured key members of the Allman Brothers Band and Wet Willie. Guitarist and vocalist Dickey Betts, keyboardist Chuck Leavell, drummer Butch Trucks, and singer/saxophonist Jimmy Hall brought their collective experience to a project that had serious momentum and musical chemistry but never secured a recording contract. Although often overlooked in Southern rock histories, BHLT was a serious band with a defined sound, a solid touring schedule, and a clear creative identity.

The Allman Brothers Band had already experienced a turbulent rise and fall by the time BHLT formed. The group had survived the tragic loss of Duane Allman and found commercial success in the mid-1970s, only to disband in 1976 due to internal conflict. A 1979 reunion proved short-lived, with Arista Records pressuring the band into a more commercially viable direction that ultimately alienated both the band and its audience. By 1982, the Allmans had broken up once again, leaving Betts and Trucks looking for a new outlet. Wet Willie, another Southern band with roots in Capricorn Records, had also dissolved by 1980, freeing up Jimmy Hall for new opportunities. With Chuck Leavell newly off the road from touring with the Rolling Stones, and bassist David “Rook” Goldflies and guitarist/violinist Danny Parks brought into the fold, the stage was set for something unique.

The group’s rehearsal base in Sarasota, Florida, gave way to a series of energetic and well-received live performances. Their first concert took place in Fort Worth, Texas, in December 1982, followed by club shows at venues such as the Agora Ballroom in Atlanta and The Bottom Line in New York City. BHLT even shared stages with The Marshall Tucker Band and Johnny Winter, further proving their range and reputation. At their peak, they played Volunteer Jam IX in Nashville and several high-profile East Coast venues. Their sound, while rooted in the Southern rock tradition, branched off in fresh directions. Betts’ influence brought in blues, country, and Western swing elements, while Hall’s R&B style and Leavell’s jazz-inflected piano lines pushed the band’s arrangements beyond genre expectations.

The group never settled on an official name, which led to ongoing jokes about their acronym sounding like a sandwich or a law firm. Within the band, the name “Sandwich Band” stuck, and their music was sometimes described by Hall as “barbecue music”—a laid-back blend of rock, soul, and groove that avoided falling into formulaic Southern rock tropes. The band’s setlists included new songs such as “Whole Lot of Memories,” Betts’ “Pick a Little Boogie,” Hall’s “Need Somebody Bad,” and Leavell’s version of Betts’ older track “Rain.” While they did perform familiar Allman Brothers songs like “Jessica” and “Ramblin’ Man,” the goal was never to rehash the past. Their music pushed forward with a fresh, genre-blending sound that reflected the experience and evolving interests of its members.

Despite positive reception and a tight musical identity, BHLT never secured a recording deal. The band did enter the studio to record about a dozen demos, including the song “No One to Run With,” which would later be revived by the Allman Brothers for their 1994 album Where It All Begins. Industry obstacles, particularly Dickey Betts and Butch Trucks’ contractual ties to Arista Records and label head Clive Davis’ lack of interest in the project, prevented BHLT from moving forward in the studio. Still, for fans and critics who saw them live, there was little doubt that this was a band capable of greatness.

By mid-1984, with no label support and growing logistical challenges—including Leavell’s continuing commitments with the Rolling Stones—the members of BHLT began to move on. The band quietly dissolved, but not without leaving a lasting impression on those who witnessed them live. For years, only bootlegs and word-of-mouth kept the memory alive, until a 1983 live recording surfaced and was released in 2016 as Betts, Hall, Leavell and Trucks – Live at The Coffee Pot 1983.

While their time together was brief and largely undocumented in terms of studio recordings, the legacy of BHLT remains intact through the careers of its members and the live material that finally found daylight. Chuck Leavell once said, “We had a strong band, and it cooked. In fact, I’ve always said in the years since that BHLT was the best band you’ve never heard of.” Their story is a reminder that not all legendary bands need a long discography—sometimes, it’s the music you didn’t get to hear that leaves the biggest impression.

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A Look Back At The Band ‘Betts, Hall, Leavell & Trucks’ article published on ClassicRockHistory.com© 2025

presents an in-depth history of these songs from various bands across all musical genres

Brian Kachejian

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Brian Kachejian was born in Manhattan and raised in the Bronx. He is the founder and Editor in Chief of ClassicRockHistory.com. He has spent thirty years in the music business often working with many of the people who have appeared on this site. Brian Kachejian also holds B.A. and M.A. degrees from Stony Brook University along with New York State Public School Education Certifications in Music and Social Studies. Brian Kachejian is also an active member of the New York Press.

Judas Priest formed in Birmingham, England, in 1969, emerging as an integral force within the heavy metal genre. Their powerful blend of intense guitar riffs, soaring vocals, and striking stage presence quickly positioned them as pioneers within their field. The original lineup evolved significantly in the early years, ultimately solidifying with Rob Halford as the iconic lead vocalist, accompanied by guitarists Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing.

The band’s debut album, “Rocka Rolla,” arrived in 1974, showcasing their early blues-infused hard rock style. However, their subsequent releases “Sad Wings of Destiny” (1976) and “Sin After Sin” (1977) crystallized their signature metal sound, setting a new standard within the genre. Albums like “Stained Class” (1978) and “Killing Machine” (1978, released as “Hell Bent for Leather” in the US) further cemented their reputation for sonic innovation and heavy, driving rhythms.

Judas Priest’s mainstream breakthrough occurred with their 1980 album “British Steel,” featuring hit singles “Breaking the Law” and “Living After Midnight,” which became anthems for metal enthusiasts. The album’s commercial success significantly elevated their international profile, firmly establishing them as a household name within the metal community. Their subsequent albums, including “Screaming for Vengeance” (1982) and “Defenders of the Faith” (1984), maintained this momentum, delivering powerful hits like “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’” that expanded their fanbase worldwide.

Throughout their enduring career, Judas Priest has released eighteen studio albums, achieving global sales exceeding 50 million records. The band’s contributions have been recognized by numerous accolades, including a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 2010 for “Dissident Aggressor” and nominations for albums like “Painkiller” (1990), which many consider a hallmark of their intense, technical proficiency.

Judas Priest is revered by fans for their energetic and theatrical live performances, marked by their distinctive leather-and-studs image popularized by Rob Halford, influencing countless metal bands that followed. Their ability to consistently deliver both musical complexity and sheer entertainment has solidified their status as heavy metal legends. The band’s authentic connection with their audience and relentless commitment to their craft continue to attract generations of devoted fans.

Beyond their musical accomplishments, members of Judas Priest have actively engaged in various social causes and charitable events, including supporting cancer research and disaster relief initiatives. Their willingness to lend their platform to these critical issues further highlights their broader cultural significance and their genuine concern for societal well-being.

Judas Priest’s continued relevance in the heavy metal genre is a testament to their uncompromising dedication and artistic integrity. Their ongoing influence on emerging artists and enduring popularity with fans underscore their pivotal role in shaping metal music history. Judas Priest remains a vital and celebrated force, embodying the essence of heavy metal’s relentless spirit and innovation

Complete List Of Judas Priest Songs From A to Z

1. (Take These) Chains – Screaming for Vengeance – 1982
2. A Touch of Evil – Painkiller – 1990
3. Abductors – Jugulator – 1997
4. Alone – Nostradamus – 2008
5. All Fired Up – Turbo – 1986 (2001 bonus track)
6. All Guns Blazing – Painkiller – 1990
7. All the Way – Point of Entry – 1981
8. Angel – Angel of Retribution – 2005
9. As God Is My Witness – Invincible Shield – 2024
10. Awakening – Nostradamus – 2008
11. Battle Cry – Redeemer of Souls – 2014
12. Battle Hymn – Painkiller – 1990
13. Before the Dawn – Killing Machine – 1978
14. Beginning of the End – Redeemer of Souls – 2014
15. Better by You, Better than Me – Stained Class – 1978
16. Better by You, Better than Me (Live) – Stained Class – 1978 (2001 bonus track)
17. Between the Hammer & the Anvil – Painkiller – 1990
18. Beyond the Realms of Death – Stained Class – 1978
19. Blood Red Skies – Ram It Down – 1988
20. Blood Stained – Jugulator – 1997
21. Bloodstone – Screaming for Vengeance – 1982
22. Bloodstone (Live) – Ram It Down – 1988 (2001 bonus track)
23. Bloodsuckers – Demolition – 2001
24. Brain Dead – Jugulator – 1997
25. Breaking the Law – British Steel – 1980
26. Bring It On – Redeemer of Souls – 2014 (Deluxe/EP bonus track)
27. Bullet Train – Jugulator – 1997
28. Burn in Hell – Jugulator – 1997
29. Burnin’ Up – Killing Machine – 1978
30. Calm Before the Storm – Nostradamus – 2008
31. Cathedral Spires – Jugulator – 1997
32. Caviar and Meths – Rocka Rolla – 1974
33. Cheater – Rocka Rolla – 1974
34. Children of the Sun – Firepower – 2018
35. Close to You – Demolition – 2001
36. Cold Blooded – Redeemer of Souls – 2014
37. Come and Get It – Ram It Down – 1988
38. Conquest – Nostradamus – 2008
39. Creatures – Redeemer of Souls – 2014 (Deluxe/EP bonus track)
40. Crown of Horns – Invincible Shield – 2024
41. Crossfire – Redeemer of Souls – 2014
42. Cyberface – Demolition – 2001
43. Dawn of Creation – Nostradamus – 2008
44. Dead Meat – Jugulator – 1997
45. Deal with the Devil – Angel of Retribution – 2005
46. Death – Nostradamus – 2008
47. Death Row – Jugulator – 1997
48. Decapitate – Jugulator – 1997
49. Deceiver – Sad Wings of Destiny – 1976
50. Deep Freeze – Rocka Rolla – 1974
51. Defenders of the Faith – Defenders of the Faith – 1984
52. Delivering the Goods – Killing Machine – 1978
53. Demonizer – Angel of Retribution – 2005
54. Desert Plains – Point of Entry – 1981
55. Desert Plains (Live) – Point of Entry – 1981 (2001 bonus track)
56. Devil Digger – Demolition – 2001
57. Devil in Disguise – Invincible Shield – 2024
58. Devil’s Child – Screaming for Vengeance – 1982
59. Devil’s Child (Live) – Screaming for Vengeance – 1982 (2001 bonus track)
60. Diamonds and Rust – Rocka Rolla – 1974 (1987 remaster bonus track)
61. Diamonds and Rust – Sin After Sin – 1977
62. Dissident Aggressor – Sin After Sin – 1977
63. Don’t Go – Point of Entry – 1981
64. Down in Flames – Redeemer of Souls – 2014
65. Dragonaut – Redeemer of Souls – 2014
66. Dreamer Deceiver – Sad Wings of Destiny – 1976
67. Dying to Meet You/Hero, Hero – Rocka Rolla – 1974
68. Eat Me Alive – Defenders of the Faith – 1984
69. Electric Eye – Screaming for Vengeance – 1982
70. Epitaph – Sad Wings of Destiny – 1976
71. Escape from Reality – Invincible Shield – 2024
72. Eulogy – Angel of Retribution – 2005
73. Evening Star – Killing Machine – 1978
74. Evil Fantasies – Killing Machine – 1978
75. Evil Never Dies – Firepower – 2018
76. Exciter – Stained Class – 1978
77. Exiled – Nostradamus – 2008
78. Feed on Me – Demolition – 2001
79. Fever – Screaming for Vengeance – 1982
80. Fight for Your Life – Killing Machine – 1978 (2001 bonus track)
81. Fight of Your Life – Invincible Shield – 2024 (Deluxe edition bonus track)
82. Fire Burns Below – Stained Class – 1978 (2001 bonus track)
83. Firepower – Firepower – 2018
84. Flame Thrower – Firepower – 2018
85. Freewheel Burning – Defenders of the Faith – 1984
86. Future of Mankind – Nostradamus – 2008
87. Gates of Hell – Invincible Shield – 2024
88. Genocide – Sad Wings of Destiny – 1976
89. Giants in the Sky – Invincible Shield – 2024
90. Grinder – British Steel – 1980
91. Guardians – Firepower – 2018
92. Halls of Valhalla – Redeemer of Souls – 2014
93. Hard as Iron – Ram It Down – 1988
94. Heading Out to the Highway – Point of Entry – 1981
95. Heavy Duty – Defenders of the Faith – 1984
96. Heavy Duty/Defenders of the Faith (Live) – Defenders of the Faith – 1984 (2001 bonus track)
97. Heavy Metal – Ram It Down – 1988
98. Hell & Back – Redeemer of Souls – 2014
99. Hell Bent for Leather – Killing Machine – 1978
100. Hell Is Home – Demolition – 2001
101. Hell Patrol – Painkiller – 1990
102. Hellrider – Angel of Retribution – 2005
103. Here Come the Tears – Sin After Sin – 1977
104. Heroes End – Stained Class – 1978
105. Hope – Nostradamus – 2008
106. Hot for Love – Turbo – 1986
107. Hot Rockin’ – Point of Entry – 1981
108. I’m a Rocker – Ram It Down – 1988
109. In Between – Demolition – 2001
110. Invader – Stained Class – 1978
111. Invincible Shield – Invincible Shield – 2024
112. Island of Domination – Sad Wings of Destiny – 1976
113. Jawbreaker – Defenders of the Faith – 1984
114. Jawbreaker (Live) – Sin After Sin – 1977 (2001 bonus track)
115. Jekyll and Hyde – Demolition – 2001
116. Johnny B. Goode – Ram It Down – 1988
117. Judas Rising – Angel of Retribution – 2005
118. Jugulator – Jugulator – 1997
119. Killing Machine – Killing Machine – 1978
120. Last Rose of Summer – Sin After Sin – 1977
121. Leather Rebel – Painkiller – 1990
122. Let Us Prey/Call for the Priest – Sin After Sin – 1977
123. Lightning Strike – Firepower – 2018
124. Living After Midnight – British Steel – 1980
125. Lochness – Angel of Retribution – 2005
126. Locked In – Turbo – 1986
127. Locked In (Live) – Turbo – 1986 (2001 bonus track)
128. Lone Wolf – Firepower – 2018
129. Lost and Found – Demolition – 2001
130. Lost Love – Nostradamus – 2008
131. Love Bites – Defenders of the Faith – 1984
132. Love You to Death – Ram It Down – 1988
133. Love Zone – Ram It Down – 1988
134. Machine Man – Demolition – 2001
135. March of the Damned – Redeemer of Souls – 2014
136. Metal Gods – British Steel – 1980
137. Metal Meltdown – Painkiller – 1990
138. Metal Messiah – Demolition – 2001
139. Metalizer – Redeemer of Souls – 2014
140. Monsters of Rock – Ram It Down – 1988
141. Necromancer – Firepower – 2018
142. Never Forget – Redeemer of Souls – 2014 (Deluxe/EP bonus track)
143. Never Satisfied – Rocka Rolla – 1974
144. Never the Heroes – Firepower – 2018
145. New Beginnings – Nostradamus – 2008
146. Night Comes Down – Defenders of the Faith – 1984
147. Night Comes Down (Live) – Ram It Down – 1988 (2001 bonus track)
148. Night Crawler – Painkiller – 1990
149. No Surrender – Firepower – 2018
150. Nostradamus – Nostradamus – 2008
151. On the Run – Point of Entry – 1981
152. One for the Road – Rocka Rolla – 1974
153. One on One – Demolition – 2001
154. One Shot at Glory – Painkiller – 1990
155. Out in the Cold – Turbo – 1986
156. Pain and Pleasure – Screaming for Vengeance – 1982
157. Painkiller – Painkiller – 1990
158. Panic Attack – Invincible Shield – 2024
159. Parental Guidance – Turbo – 1986
160. Peace – Nostradamus – 2008
161. Persecution – Nostradamus – 2008
162. Pestilence and Plague – Nostradamus – 2008
163. Prelude – Sad Wings of Destiny – 1976
164. Prisoner of Your Eyes – Screaming for Vengeance – 1982 (2001 bonus track)
165. Private Property – Turbo – 1986
166. Prophecy – Nostradamus – 2008
167. Race with the Devil – Sin After Sin – 1977 (2001 bonus track)
168. Ram It Down – Ram It Down – 1988
169. Rapid Fire – British Steel – 1980
170. Raw Deal – Sin After Sin – 1977
171. Reckless – Turbo – 1986
172. Redeemer of Souls – Redeemer of Souls – 2014
173. Revelations – Nostradamus – 2008
174. Revolution – Angel of Retribution – 2005
175. Riding on the Wind – Screaming for Vengeance – 1982
176. Riding on the Wind (Live) – Killing Machine – 1978 (2001 bonus track)
177. Rising from Ruins – Firepower – 2018
178. Rock Forever – Killing Machine – 1978
179. Rock Hard Ride Free – Defenders of the Faith – 1984
180. Rock You All Around the World – Turbo – 1986
181. Rocka Rolla – Rocka Rolla – 1974
182. Run of the Mill – Rocka Rolla – 1974
183. Running Wild – Killing Machine – 1978
184. Saints in Hell – Stained Class – 1978
185. Sands of Time – Nostradamus – 2008
186. Savage – Stained Class – 1978
187. Screaming for Vengeance – Screaming for Vengeance – 1982
188. Sea of Red – Firepower – 2018
189. Secrets of the Dead – Redeemer of Souls – 2014
190. Shadows in the Flame – Nostradamus – 2008
191. Sinner – Sin After Sin – 1977
192. Snakebite – Redeemer of Souls – 2014 (Deluxe/EP bonus track)
193. Solar Angels – Point of Entry – 1981
194. Solitude – Nostradamus – 2008
195. Some Heads Are Gonna Roll – Defenders of the Faith – 1984
196. Sons of Thunder – Invincible Shield – 2024
197. Spectre – Firepower – 2018
198. Stained Class – Stained Class – 1978
199. Starbreaker – Sin After Sin – 1977
200. Steeler – British Steel – 1980
201. Subterfuge – Demolition – 2001
202. Sword of Damocles – Redeemer of Souls – 2014
203. Take On the World – Killing Machine – 1978
204. Tears of Blood – Redeemer of Souls – 2014 (Deluxe/EP bonus track)
205. The Four Horsemen – Nostradamus – 2008
206. The Green Manalishi (With the Two-Pronged Crown) – Killing Machine – 1978
207. The Hellion – Screaming for Vengeance – 1982
208. The Lodger – Invincible Shield – 2024 (Deluxe edition bonus track)
209. The Rage – British Steel – 1980
210. The Ripper – Sad Wings of Destiny – 1976
211. The Sentinel – Defenders of the Faith – 1984
212. The Serpent and the King – Invincible Shield – 2024
213. Thunder Road – Point of Entry – 1981 (2001 bonus track)
214. Traitors Gate – Firepower – 2018
215. Trial by Fire – Invincible Shield – 2024
216. Troubleshooter – Point of Entry – 1981
217. Turbo Lover – Turbo – 1986
218. Turn On Your Light – Defenders of the Faith – 1984 (2001 bonus track)
219. Turning Circles – Point of Entry – 1981
220. Tyrant – Sad Wings of Destiny – 1976
221. United – British Steel – 1980
222. Victim of Changes – Sad Wings of Destiny – 1976
223. Vicious Circle – Invincible Shield – 2024 (Deluxe edition bonus track)
224. Visions – Nostradamus – 2008
225. War – Nostradamus – 2008
226. Wheels of Fire – Angel of Retribution – 2005
227. White Heat, Red Hot – Stained Class – 1978
228. Wild Nights, Hot & Crazy Days – Turbo – 1986
229. Winter – Rocka Rolla – 1974
230. Winter Retreat – Rocka Rolla – 1974
231. Worth Fighting For – Angel of Retribution – 2005
232. You Don’t Have to Be Old to Be Wise – British Steel – 1980
233. You Say Yes – Point of Entry – 1981
234. You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’ – Screaming for Vengeance – 1982

Albums

Rocka Rolla (1974): 11 songs

Sad Wings of Destiny (1976): 9 songs

Sin After Sin (1977): 10 songs

Stained Class (1978): 11 songs

Killing Machine (1978): 13 songs

British Steel (1980): 9 songs

Point of Entry (1981): 12 songs

Screaming for Vengeance (1982): 12 songs

Defenders of the Faith (1984): 12 songs

Turbo (1986): 11 songs

Ram It Down (1988): 12 songs

Painkiller (1990): 10 songs

Jugulator (1997): 10 songs

Demolition (2001): 13 songs

Angel of Retribution (2005): 10 songs

Nostradamus (2008): 23 songs

Redeemer of Souls (2014): 18 songs

Firepower (2018): 14 songs

Invincible Shield (2024): 14 songs

Check out our fantastic and entertaining Judas Priest articles, detailing in-depth the band’s albums, songs, band members, and more…all on ClassicRockHistory.com

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Complete List Of Judas Priest Band Members
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Top 10 Judas Priest Albums
Judas Priest Screaming for Vengeance: Album Review
AJ Mills Of KK’s Priest: The ClassicRockHistory.com Interview

Read More: Artists’ Interviews Directory At ClassicRockHistory.com

Read More: Classic Rock Bands List And Directory

Complete List Of Judas Priest Songs From A to Z article published on ClassicRockHistory.com© 2025

Brian Kachejian

More from this Author

Brian Kachejian was born in Manhattan and raised in the Bronx. He is the founder and Editor in Chief of ClassicRockHistory.com. He has spent thirty years in the music business often working with many of the people who have appeared on this site. Brian Kachejian also holds B.A. and M.A. degrees from Stony Brook University along with New York State Public School Education Certifications in Music and Social Studies. Brian Kachejian is also an active member of the New York Press.