The original band, consisting of Conwell (guitar, vocals), Paul Slivka (stand-up bass) and Jimmy Hannum (drums), was known for its raw, high-energy live performances which included many classic blues and rock standards.

such as "Hideaway" by Freddie King, "Rumble" by Link Wray, "Time Has Come Today" by The Chambers Brothers and "Downtown Train" by Tom Waits, together with several original songs, some of which appeared on the debut album, Walkin' on the Water.

Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers had moderate success in 1986 with their independently released album, Walkin' On the Water.

The band's national major-label debut came when Columbia Records released Rumble in 1988, followed by Guitar Trouble in 1990.

[1] In 2019, Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers released their fifth studio album, their first in nearly 30 years, Showboats and Grandstanders.