Jason Johnson Amen.... Alabama an Alan Jackson to keep Country music alive... Oh yea 1 more Jon Pardi hes damn good an also Randy Travis, Dolly, an Reba
I saw Atlanta at the Tulsa State Fair back early to mid 80s. I don't remember the year. I ended up going back for several shows I love them so much. I bought the 1st album on cassette tape and wore it out. I think I replaced it 3 times. Last replacement I couldn't find in Tulsa. I was going through Nashville to Georgia in 1991 and stopped at a records shop and found it there plus the 2nd album on tape. SOLD! I was so happy. Once I started finding the songs on RUclips they are all on my playlist. I love them all but Blue Side of the Grey is my favorite. I still to this day think they should of been bigger than Alabama!!
I've never lived in the Midwest, or the South, or any rural area, but lived most of my life in the suburbs, so I don't know much about what it's like to live in those places. This song though brings pleasant images to my mind of a time, a place, and a way of life that's slower, simpler, more peaceful, and safer, where people are kinder, more pleasant, and treat one another with respect, and dignity. As the song says, "Makes me wish that I was there." This is a great song, by a great band.
This legend that posted this was one of the actual members of the band. Legendary. I'm buying this song, just to support, and because I love it so much. It's just a nice relaxing song for country kids like me to enjoy when cruising down the highway or out in the crops. Yanks wouldn't understand. Lololol, just giving them a hard time, no hate hahaha
growing up in 80s when CMT first came out, i remember Atlanta being one of my favorite groups and Sweet Country Music being one of my all time favorite songs. I still listen to it today, remembering back to being a kid and dancing hard with all my energy when ever Sweet Country Music came on.
Man I forgot all about this song! I thought these guys were gonna be some real competition for Alabama but nothing. At least we have this great song to remember them by.
This was before my time, but just found these guys on Spotify. Holy smokes those two albums are pretty solid. I wonder why they weren’t huge? Man they can sing their butts off. Classic for sure!!
Basically, it was ex-Alabama's manager Larry McBride's influence that launched the band's career, as well as its eventual downfall. Music business politics!
Singing sweet country music Breathing clean mountain air Singing sweet country music Makes me wish that I was there It's been more than a year now Since my daddy had passed away But I keep his memory with me In the songs we used to play Singing sweet country music Breathing clean mountain air Singing sweet country music Makes me wish that I was there Well, he'd lean back in his rocker With a bible in his hand And he'd talk about religion And just how to work the land Will the circle be unbroken? By and by, Lord, by and by (By and by) There's a better home a waiting In the sky, Lord, in the sky Singing sweet country music Breathing clean mountain air Singing sweet country music Makes me wish that I was there Makes me wish that I was there Makes me wish that I was there (Wish that I was there) Sweet country music (Wish that I was there) Among that sweet country music (Oh, I wish that I was there) Singing sweet country music Sweet country music
Larry McBride was my brother in law. I really like this opportunity to hear Atlanta again. I was fortunate enough to get to see a live performance in Nashville. The sound of this music is fantastic. I wish I could see videos with him in them. Thanks for the music!!
ATLANTA albums are now available on AMAZON, iTunes, Spotify, Google Play music. After being just released ib digital format form the original master tapes...
Atlanta was one country music band that should have been as big as Alabama. I have the only two albums they put out in 1984 and 1985. What happened to them, and are any of them still making music?
I like to say: We were new in '82, something to see in '83, there was more in '84, stayed alive in '85, tried to fix in '86, no heaven in '87, and too late in '88. The band was unable to continue due to music industry politics. I haven't kept in close touch, but... Jeff Baker (harmonica) has a furniture restoration company, still plays occasional gigs Allen Collay (piano) passed away about 20 years ago Alan David (guitar), continued to play until his stroke Bill Davidson (guitar) I believe he's still performing in Nashville John Holder (drums) has a home studio in Atlanta Tony Ingram (drums, fiddle) continued to play, but passed away about 15 years ago Brad Griffis (bass) recorded some original Gospel songs, now retired from Dollar Store management Bill Packard (keyboards) is a family entertainer (magician and balloon twister) Dick Stevens (vocals) is a retired hotel manager Boo Boo McAfee invented the Drumometer and is head of World Fastest Drummer organization Jody Worrell (guitar) toured the world in jazz concerts and is still playing & teaching!
Hi Bill, I am from West Virginia, but I saw Atlanta live at the Elkhart County 4-H Fair in Goshen, Indiana, in the summer of 1984. (My maternal grandparents and some other family lived in and around that town, and we just happened to be up for a visit at the time of your appearance.) This was definitely the highlight of the summer following my graduation from high school, and whenever I listen to this band's music, it takes me right back. Thank you for the music and the memories!
Greg Treadway - Bill forwarded your comment to me. Interestingly, I was at the same concert, having grown up in Goshen! Our "story" is, my mother was a huge Atlanta fan, and I was introduced to Bill in '83 because of it. I moved to Atlanta in '86, and, well, we've lived happily ever after! Small world, huh?! My dad, Ron Folker, was a Goshen City cop for 20 years, if your family might have known him. I've lost both my parents but all the rest of my family is still in Goshen! Hope you enjoy Bill's videos!
Hi Tammy, I enjoyed reading your reply! It was interesting to hear from someone who was at the same show! I have no way of knowing whether any of my family knew your dad, but it sure would have been interesting to know if they had. Seems like I'd heard his name somewhere, myself, but I couldn't say for sure. Sad to say, both my grandparents, an aunt and another family member have all passed on, but my uncle and a few cousins still live in the area. Would you believe it was only yesterday that I discovered Bill's RUclips channel?! I'm so glad that it's here, though, for Atlanta was one of my favorite bands back in the day, and these videos help preserve the memory of a wonderful time in my life. Thanks again for your reply.
This is so "original," the harmonica player in the stage shots is Terry McMillan, who played on the recording, but never actually performed live with the group. Within days of the shooting he was replaced by Jeff Baker who does appear in the location shots. They both were tall, had long blonde hair, and of course covered their faces when they played. The band Atlanta was the first country group with a music video, and this video was used to introduce the band to the music industry.
Bill, it was a long time ago and I don't know if you'll remember me right off or not, but I am Roxanne's daughter, Jessica and who would end up being John Holder's stepdaughter. I just want to tell you all THANK YOU for some of the best childhood memories anyone could ask for. I remember being very sad after you guys broke up and being so young couldn't understand why or grasp what exactly that meant. I don't think I stopped asking John when you guys were getting back together for many, many years, just praying he would say this weekend and that we could do it all over again. I remember sitting for many breakfasts and dinners on tour back from CA. when you would entertain myself, my brother Justin and little Jessica (Debbie Wynn's daughter) at the table by pulling quarters out of our ears, putting cigarettes through a coin and various other magic tricks so we didn't feel so left out in all the boring "adult" talk. :) Luckily, growing up, I had all John's albums and music which he allowed me to listen to even though I'm sure it was bittersweet for him and I'd listen a lot! Seeing all the videos, there are no words for me. It's as if I've been taken right back to those days I continued to long for as a little girl. My heart is full of joy every time I pull one of these up, nothing like being able to relive a portion of you childhood over and over. Thank you, thank you, thank you for everything, especially posting all the videos!
In all honesty and seriousness, what do you think the chances of a reunion concert would be? I know back in the day it was a sore subject, but do you think it's at least possible? And would you have to get permissions or would be up to all of you guys at this point?
+Jessica Lee Well, two of our pivotal members are no longer with us, and I wasn't invited to any reunion attempts in the past. I understand that there was a charity concert in California and even a new CD recorded (but never promoted, as far as I know). When the band folded, there was another album's worth of material already recorded and there has been some talk of releasing those, if we can figure out who has the right and the funds to do so. Don't hold your breath!
With all that transpired I can't say this shocks me. What does is that you weren't invited to any of the attempts. That in itself is crazy. How can you have a reunion without all the members? I recall John saying that he heard they were trying to get a reunion going years & years back, but he didn't go into it and I recall he was pretty upset about something concerning it. Maybe he was in the same boat as to not being contacted and it had already happened. Something about Larry and one/some other members and rights,etc., but I can't recall to be sure. That was more adult talk I wasn't privy to. Now that you reminded me about the other album, I remember him talking about that as well. I have a connection or two floating around, maybe they can assist me in finding something out. It's a long shot, but I'm pretty persistent to at least find out some info if nothing else. Which member besides Tony has passed? I didn't know that and hate to hear it.
actually 1983 was the debut and this song was released in early 1984. 30th anniversary is of the band debut with ATLANTA BURNED AGAIN Last Night is coming up in April. The first real "show" was in ATLANTA at the Buckhead Cinema Draft House...later called the Roxy. Then the band went on a long tour.
Atlanta was new in '82 something to see in '83 there was more in '84 barely stayed alive in '85 but no fix in '86 and no heaven in '87 too late in '88 Music industry politics brought down the band, but not without a fight!
I donr knopw waht happend but mannnnnnnnnnn somebody goofed and it sure wasnt the Banddddd!lol lol lol Boy they were hot,my where they coulda been todayyyyyyy!Nashville for ya all the Big Brasss!
So Bill, do you know if this band is still together or where are they now? Do they still sing? Their voices are great and you can never get tired of hearing this song.
I still have an album by them. Had a lot of great songs on it. Ive only had two albums that I liked every song on the album- Fleetwood Mac- Rumors and this album I have by them. It has all of their greats on it- this one, Blue side of the grey, sweet was our Rose and of course, their remake of the Hollie song- Long cool woman in a black dress, just to mention a few. Top Notch album from a Top Notch Group.
Cuzbro100 Yes, we were proud of the album "Atlanta." A year in the making, there was a lot of heart and soul in it. The second album, "Pictures," which also went Gold, was recorded in two weeks
Hi Bill, No Doubt about the Heart and Soul in that album It is still to this day one of my favs. Many of the songs on it will touch your heart- if it dont, youre not a living, breathing human being. Ive always been a big fan of the civil war era so when I heard "Blue Side of the Grey" it just blew me away. Thanks for the music and memories...
30 years ago... The rider on the bucking bronco is a stunt rider, but the rider on the horse in the pen is band member Brad Griffis. Interesting, because you can see the rider's face, but not Brad's!
MESSAGE FROM UMG NASHVILLE: WOW ! Everything is set…you will be able to find the two Atlanta albums tomorrow at all digital partners (Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music, etc.).
Originally from Maine, went to school in Ithaca NY, played in bands including the Vogues, came to Atlanta in 1982 to join the band Atlanta, and have been here ever since.
Both albums ("Atlanta" and "Pictures") are available on digital services such as Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music). You can download them and create your owns CDs - that's what I did!
I STILL love that song. Too damn bad country isn't like this anymore.
Jason Johnson Amen.... Alabama an Alan Jackson to keep Country music alive... Oh yea 1 more Jon Pardi hes damn good an also Randy Travis, Dolly, an Reba
I saw Atlanta at the Tulsa State Fair back early to mid 80s. I don't remember the year. I ended up going back for several shows I love them so much. I bought the 1st album on cassette tape and wore it out. I think I replaced it 3 times. Last replacement I couldn't find in Tulsa. I was going through Nashville to Georgia in 1991 and stopped at a records shop and found it there plus the 2nd album on tape. SOLD! I was so happy. Once I started finding the songs on RUclips they are all on my playlist. I love them all but Blue Side of the Grey is my favorite. I still to this day think they should of been bigger than Alabama!!
I've never lived in the Midwest, or the South, or any rural area, but lived most of my life in the suburbs, so I don't know much about what it's like to live in those places. This song though brings pleasant images to my mind of a time, a place, and a way of life that's slower, simpler, more peaceful, and safer, where people are kinder, more pleasant, and treat one another with respect, and dignity.
As the song says, "Makes me wish that I was there." This is a great song, by a great band.
These guys were great. Don't know why they didn't make it bigtime.
Now that's Country Music !
Indeed!
Country music was hijacked by a gang of wannabes!
hawkeye142 HELL YEAH BRO!
My favorite song of all time.
This legend that posted this was one of the actual members of the band. Legendary. I'm buying this song, just to support, and because I love it so much. It's just a nice relaxing song for country kids like me to enjoy when cruising down the highway or out in the crops. Yanks wouldn't understand. Lololol, just giving them a hard time, no hate hahaha
growing up in 80s when CMT first came out, i remember Atlanta being one of my favorite groups and Sweet Country Music being one of my all time favorite songs. I still listen to it today, remembering back to being a kid and dancing hard with all my energy when ever Sweet Country Music came on.
It doesn't get any better than this...thanks Bill...awesome! John G.
Man I forgot all about this song! I thought these guys were gonna be some real competition for Alabama but nothing. At least we have this great song to remember them by.
Yes, the bass voice was Jeff Baker. You can still find him sitting in on his harmonica for local bands.
Bill Packard awesome that we can still see Atlanta on u tube. Thanks Bill
man, back in the day, this was the greatest thing since sliced bread
Hello beautiful girl how're you doing
Hello I'm Christopher carnes and I like your music
this is what real country music sounds like!
Boy Music has always continued down hilll,to where it is today!Few of us Keepin it sweet!lol lol
This song brings back memories.
What country music is supposed to sound like!
scottty500 HELL YEAH BRO!
This was before my time, but just found these guys on Spotify. Holy smokes those two albums are pretty solid. I wonder why they weren’t huge? Man they can sing their butts off. Classic for sure!!
Basically, it was ex-Alabama's manager Larry McBride's influence that launched the band's career, as well as its eventual downfall. Music business politics!
Another great song from the long lost group of Atlanta! May they play forever more!
Singing sweet country music
Breathing clean mountain air
Singing sweet country music
Makes me wish that I was there
It's been more than a year now
Since my daddy had passed away
But I keep his memory with me
In the songs we used to play
Singing sweet country music
Breathing clean mountain air
Singing sweet country music
Makes me wish that I was there
Well, he'd lean back in his rocker
With a bible in his hand
And he'd talk about religion
And just how to work the land
Will the circle be unbroken?
By and by, Lord, by and by
(By and by)
There's a better home a waiting
In the sky, Lord, in the sky
Singing sweet country music
Breathing clean mountain air
Singing sweet country music
Makes me wish that I was there
Makes me wish that I was there
Makes me wish that I was there
(Wish that I was there)
Sweet country music
(Wish that I was there)
Among that sweet country music
(Oh, I wish that I was there)
Singing sweet country music
Sweet country music
Larry McBride was my brother in law. I really like this opportunity to hear Atlanta again. I was fortunate enough to get to see a live performance in Nashville. The sound of this music is fantastic. I wish I could see videos with him in them. Thanks for the music!!
Larry was interviewed in the Atlanta -- Making It In Music documentary: ruclips.net/video/BNeNCxRHriA/видео.html
Can you tell me about Edie McCrosky?
@@billpackardmagic Edie is my sister
@@billpackardmagic Thank you for this interview! It was great to see Larry in his element again.
@@billpackardmagic My email address is tooneb@hotmail.com Feel free to contact me there. Thank you again for the videos!
ATLANTA albums are now available on AMAZON, iTunes, Spotify, Google Play music. After being just released ib digital format form the original master tapes...
Alan David why pay when its really easy to get music free?
The reason why one should pay is that recorded music is copyrighted and owned by record companies, the writers get their royalties, etc.
100000000000 times liked! I LOVE THIS SONG!!!!!
Where was church I like. . Jesus back. Miss Atlanta. Sorry. For lose. Tonay. Allan. Still love.Atlanta. big fan
We miss Tony and Allen, too. Thanks for posting.
Atlanta was one country music band that should have been as big as Alabama. I have the only two albums they put out in 1984 and 1985. What happened to them, and are any of them still making music?
I like to say: We were new in '82, something to see in '83, there was more in '84, stayed alive in '85, tried to fix in '86, no heaven in '87, and too late in '88. The band was unable to continue due to music industry politics.
I haven't kept in close touch, but...
Jeff Baker (harmonica) has a furniture restoration company, still plays occasional gigs
Allen Collay (piano) passed away about 20 years ago
Alan David (guitar), continued to play until his stroke
Bill Davidson (guitar) I believe he's still performing in Nashville
John Holder (drums) has a home studio in Atlanta
Tony Ingram (drums, fiddle) continued to play, but passed away about 15 years ago
Brad Griffis (bass) recorded some original Gospel songs, now retired from Dollar Store management
Bill Packard (keyboards) is a family entertainer (magician and balloon twister)
Dick Stevens (vocals) is a retired hotel manager
Boo Boo McAfee invented the Drumometer and is head of World Fastest Drummer organization
Jody Worrell (guitar) toured the world in jazz concerts and is still playing & teaching!
Man I love this group ! Them boys sure could sing and harmonize....put on a great show too ! 👍
Absolute kick ass vocals!
Awesome vocals and harmonizing!! Wow! Too bad these dudes in the prom tux's still aren't cranking out some more good ol kick ass country music.
Hi Bill, I am from West Virginia, but I saw Atlanta live at the Elkhart County 4-H Fair in Goshen, Indiana, in the summer of 1984. (My maternal grandparents and some other family lived in and around that town, and we just happened to be up for a visit at the time of your appearance.) This was definitely the highlight of the summer following my graduation from high school, and whenever I listen to this band's music, it takes me right back. Thank you for the music and the memories!
Greg Treadway - Bill forwarded your comment to me. Interestingly, I was at the same concert, having grown up in Goshen! Our "story" is, my mother was a huge Atlanta fan, and I was introduced to Bill in '83 because of it. I moved to Atlanta in '86, and, well, we've lived happily ever after! Small world, huh?! My dad, Ron Folker, was a Goshen City cop for 20 years, if your family might have known him. I've lost both my parents but all the rest of my family is still in Goshen! Hope you enjoy Bill's videos!
Hi Tammy, I enjoyed reading your reply! It was interesting to hear from someone who was at the same show! I have no way of knowing whether any of my family knew your dad, but it sure would have been interesting to know if they had. Seems like I'd heard his name somewhere, myself, but I couldn't say for sure. Sad to say, both my grandparents, an aunt and another family member have all passed on, but my uncle and a few cousins still live in the area. Would you believe it was only yesterday that I discovered Bill's RUclips channel?! I'm so glad that it's here, though, for Atlanta was one of my favorite bands back in the day, and these videos help preserve the memory of a wonderful time in my life. Thanks again for your reply.
This is so "original," the harmonica player in the stage shots is Terry McMillan, who played on the recording, but never actually performed live with the group. Within days of the shooting he was replaced by Jeff Baker who does appear in the location shots. They both were tall, had long blonde hair, and of course covered their faces when they played. The band Atlanta was the first country group with a music video, and this video was used to introduce the band to the music industry.
i wish their other songs were this good
Bill, it was a long time ago and I don't know if you'll remember me right off or not, but I am Roxanne's daughter, Jessica and who would end up being John Holder's stepdaughter. I just want to tell you all THANK YOU for some of the best childhood memories anyone could ask for. I remember being very sad after you guys broke up and being so young couldn't understand why or grasp what exactly that meant. I don't think I stopped asking John when you guys were getting back together for many, many years, just praying he would say this weekend and that we could do it all over again. I remember sitting for many breakfasts and dinners on tour back from CA. when you would entertain myself, my brother Justin and little Jessica (Debbie Wynn's daughter) at the table by pulling quarters out of our ears, putting cigarettes through a coin and various other magic tricks so we didn't feel so left out in all the boring "adult" talk. :) Luckily, growing up, I had all John's albums and music which he allowed me to listen to even though I'm sure it was bittersweet for him and I'd listen a lot! Seeing all the videos, there are no words for me. It's as if I've been taken right back to those days I continued to long for as a little girl. My heart is full of joy every time I pull one of these up, nothing like being able to relive a portion of you childhood over and over. Thank you, thank you, thank you for everything, especially posting all the videos!
+Jessica Lee I saw John just a couple weeks ago!
Oh, I'm so glad to hear that!
In all honesty and seriousness, what do you think the chances of a reunion concert would be? I know back in the day it was a sore subject, but do you think it's at least possible? And would you have to get permissions or would be up to all of you guys at this point?
+Jessica Lee Well, two of our pivotal members are no longer with us, and I wasn't invited to any reunion attempts in the past. I understand that there was a charity concert in California and even a new CD recorded (but never promoted, as far as I know). When the band folded, there was another album's worth of material already recorded and there has been some talk of releasing those, if we can figure out who has the right and the funds to do so. Don't hold your breath!
With all that transpired I can't say this shocks me. What does is that you weren't invited to any of the attempts. That in itself is crazy. How can you have a reunion without all the members? I recall John saying that he heard they were trying to get a reunion going years & years back, but he didn't go into it and I recall he was pretty upset about something concerning it. Maybe he was in the same boat as to not being contacted and it had already happened. Something about Larry and one/some other members and rights,etc., but I can't recall to be sure. That was more adult talk I wasn't privy to. Now that you reminded me about the other album, I remember him talking about that as well. I have a connection or two floating around, maybe they can assist me in finding something out. It's a long shot, but I'm pretty persistent to at least find out some info if nothing else. Which member besides Tony has passed? I didn't know that and hate to hear it.
Always keepin it Sweet For yallll Billlllllll!lol lol lol lol God Bless yalll!lol
Boy Branson and The Opry sure would love to have yall now days!lol lol lol
this video is awesome, like this song as well.
actually 1983 was the debut and this song was released in early 1984. 30th anniversary is of the band debut with ATLANTA BURNED AGAIN Last Night is coming up in April. The first real "show" was in ATLANTA at the Buckhead Cinema Draft House...later called the Roxy. Then the band went on a long tour.
I love singing this song..
Wow. I never knew a video existed. Thanks for the post!
Atlanta was new in '82
something to see in '83
there was more in '84
barely stayed alive in '85
but no fix in '86
and no heaven in '87
too late in '88
Music industry politics brought down the band, but not without a fight!
I donr knopw waht happend but mannnnnnnnnnn somebody goofed and it sure wasnt the Banddddd!lol lol lol Boy they were hot,my where they coulda been todayyyyyyy!Nashville for ya all the Big Brasss!
Seen there Show making it in the industry boy what hard world beyond a Bands control!
What happened to this band?
always loved this song and the whole album thanks for posting!
I'd be out on the factory floor - early '80s? - and this tune would come over some one's radio and I'd stop in my tracks to listen. great stuff!
Do these guys still perform? I seen them in the mid 80's at our county fair
There was a brief reunion effort with an unreleased album and a charity concert (I didn't participate, so I don't know the details.).
So Bill, do you know if this band is still together or where are they now? Do they still sing? Their voices are great and you can never get tired of hearing this song.
this group's two ALBUMS will be release digitally by UMG Nashville in December 2016
I still have an album by them. Had a lot of great songs on it. Ive only had two albums that I liked every song on the album- Fleetwood Mac- Rumors and this album I have by them. It has all of their greats on it- this one, Blue side of the grey, sweet was our Rose and of course, their remake of the Hollie song- Long cool woman in a black dress, just to mention a few. Top Notch album from a Top Notch Group.
Cuzbro100 Yes, we were proud of the album "Atlanta." A year in the making, there was a lot of heart and soul in it. The second album, "Pictures," which also went Gold, was recorded in two weeks
Hi Bill, No Doubt about the Heart and Soul in that album It is still to this day one of my favs. Many of the songs on it will touch your heart- if it dont, youre not a living, breathing human being. Ive always been a big fan of the civil war era so when I heard "Blue Side of the Grey" it just blew me away. Thanks for the music and memories...
30 years ago... The rider on the bucking bronco is a stunt rider, but the rider on the horse in the pen is band member Brad Griffis. Interesting, because you can see the rider's face, but not Brad's!
MESSAGE FROM UMG NASHVILLE: WOW !
Everything is set…you will be able to find the two Atlanta albums tomorrow at all digital partners (Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music, etc.).
I stand corrected, Alan. I'm not sure where I got my info - it was probably just faulty recollection. I've corrected the description.
I love is song very much
That horse was a stud
+Bill Packard, how do I know your name? Sounds so familiar.
Well, if it's not from the band Atlanta, it could be from my magic or Barbershop circles...
Bill Packard Were you part of it? And have you been around Nashville in different capacities?
I was one of the keyboard players. And I've been to Nashville for Barbershop conventions.
+Bill Packard Are you originally from GA by any chance?
Originally from Maine, went to school in Ithaca NY, played in bands including the Vogues, came to Atlanta in 1982 to join the band Atlanta, and have been here ever since.
i wish I had a Cd of them
Both albums ("Atlanta" and "Pictures") are available on digital services such as Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music). You can download them and create your owns CDs - that's what I did!
Poor man's Alabama!
Atlanta. Manger is Alabama. Manger