My dad raced go-karts in the 80s and one night a kitten ran up under his trailer right as they were leaving the race track. My mom made him crawl under it to fish out the cat so she could take it home. When they started the car, this song had just started, so Spooky the calico kitty got a home AND a name in a matter of minutes and then proceeded to live 18 long years being serenaded by this song countless times.
This almost 73-year old grandmother lived through the 60's TWICE... first when I was a teenager in the 1960s decade and second when I was in my 60s age-wise. When I was pregnant with each of my kids, I listened to the classic 50s, 60s, and early 70s rock and roll music. As adults today, they still love that music and can sing along with the songs! They just don't make music that wonderful anymore.
I too am almost 73yo. My kids grew up listening to me sing along to 50s/60s/ 70s music. My husband was a party DJ and would set up his system every Sunday to play music. My kids love their 80s/90s/00s but when we're together in the car and a Beatles' song comes on or another from my musical era, we all sing. And we do harmonies! They're adults now with spouses but when we get together music is still a vital part of our lives. Thanks for keeping it alive... and thanks for the back stories.
@terrywall3287 Lucky you. My two kids were born in the 80s, but just have no appreciation for this music. My daughter-in-law just calls my stuff "old fogey" music. Of course, she mostly means my love of 30s and 40s big bands and sweet bands songs. But my range of music runs from the 30s to the mid 80s, with a few 90s and one or two from the 2000s.
@johntiggleman4686 ...My parents were of the Big Band Era, and I grew up listening to and developing an appreciation for that music. My high school "fight song" (for football, etc.) was/is "IN THE MOOD" by Glen Miller.
Adam, I think the best part of your videos is where you talk about your family. Music is what brings us together. Good music is timeless. My boys, 15 and 11, listen to the classics with me. I hope when I am gone they speak as lovingly about me as you do about your dad.
Thought the same thing. Reminds me of hanging out with my dad, listening to so many of these songs on road trips and running errands. Thank you, Professor!
Adam, you are a one of the most professional journalists/historians I've ever heard speak, and it doesn't hurt that your delivery is passionate and compelling. Thanks for what you are doing.
Dude! I see that Toto album in the back! My dad had that one! I loved Children's Anthem. My mom didn't like it so much when I asked her what, "You supply the night, baby, I supply the love" means.
The thing that never ceases to entertain me with your videos is that no matter if it's a band/song that I know and love, or something that has always just been a part of the musical landscape to me, I learn something new. Combined with an engaging style of story telling and it's always a good time when a new video drops.
I'm 70 and this song always takes me back to happy times when all my loved ones were alive and life was so good. The Classics IV performed in Hamilton Ohio, Dennis Yosts hometown. Huge hit around here and everywhere
ARS, the southern Steely Dan... totally agree. Spooky is forever etched into my 70's teen brain and still today in my 60's "seasoned" brain! Thanks Professor...
Always liked "Spooky" since I heard it at age 12 on an exclusively oldies station. I think I got it on an oldies CD somewhere---it's such a cool laid-back R&B song, that's it hard not to like. This is one song that's worthy of a Professor of Rock episode, lol. And Yost was an excellent singer---I loved "Traces of Love", and was surprised after finding out that Classics IV did the song, that he didn't have a successful solo career of his own.
I first heard Spooky in grade school in the 1960's. Dennis Yost had such a beautiful voice. He made the song unforgettable. It is sad that he fell down the stairs and suffered so much in his last years. He added something really special to music.
In 1979, my brother-in-law turned me on to ARS. I've been a fan *ever* since. Their version of Spooky is an astonishing piece of music history. I purchased their Greatest Hits CD just about 30 years ago, and enjoy it whenever the bluetooth shuffle god strikes while driving to work. Thank you Professor!
Thanks for giving ARS some love. My favorite all-time southern rock band. Been listening to them since the mid-seventies. Ronnie Hammond was an underappreciated singer and lost amid the likes of Van Zant, Greg Allman, etc. Enjoy your videos!
Still one of my favorite bands of all time. I played "Spooky" in several bands and it was always so much fun; you didn't want it stop! Thanks so much for doing this.
The Stevie Nicks story that parallels the song "Imaginary Lover" Is so entertaining. A southern California Disc Jockey accidentally plays Imaginary Lover at 45rpm instead of 33 & 1/3. The radio station gets flooded with phone calls saying "Was that Stevie Nicks?? Was that Fleetwood Mac??" Stevie took it one step further. She puts Imaginary Lover at the end of a demo tape as a joke at 45RPM and Christine McVie congratulated her on PRESENTING THE BAND WITH A HIT!
Born and raised in Atlanta, lived my high school years not far from Doraville. Classics IV and then ARS were very popular locally before, during, and after their first albums charted. Actually attended a private party in Stone Mountain at the home of my girlfriend’s boss where several ( five, I think) members of C4 / ARS played, including Spooky. The music was every bit as good as any session work or album in spite of the less than optimum acoustics, including a Christmas tree and packages. My date and I just celebrated our 52nd anniversary. Great food, great music, and great date. Thanks for the memories, guys… you’re still appreciated.
Thanks Adam, listening to you talk about how your Dad shared so much music with you brings back bittersweet memories for me and my experience with my Dad who passed away in a Monterey CA hospital listening to a music mix I had made for him with his favorite tunes by Paul Simon, Miles Davis, the Doors, Neil Diamond, Van Morrison, the Who and on and on.... Music was one of the only things we had in common and I will always regret that the last conversation I had with him before he ended up in hospital and dying was one full of frustration and anger. Some of the music he loved still makes me feel grief, joy and shame when hearing it. Funny how you can feel such conflicting emotions from a song I now live in Australia and your show always makes me homesick, but that's okay, life is full of meaningful and painful tensions - ""Lately it ocurs to me, what a long strange trip it's been" - Jerry
Always loved that song. Grew up with the original Classics IV version. After ARS breathed life back into it (was fronting my second band) I insisted that we cover it. It became a mainstay in our set list for a couple of years. Thanks Adam you're always going deep into the songs and musicians. My favorite channel on da Tube. 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Love, love, love ARS. Imaginary Lover, Doraville, Homesick, Alien, Quinella, Southern Exposure and their jam on Spooky. I agree, they are the Steely Dan of the South. Great Musicians with a balance of natural yet honed sound that makes unique. They inspire me that good music is just - playing - good - music!
Im 66 and this song has a big spot in my heart! Years ago I found a tiny black longhaired kitten. My then young son who is now an Audiophile Btw he's the one who turned me on to you,couldn't come up with a good name. I started singing "Spooky" ,it stuck! Every song these guys made is part of my younger years,i still remember all the words,and sometimes brings a tear!😢😊😊😊
PROFESSOR!!!!!! THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!!!! THANK YOU!!! I am an Atlanta Born Rock'n'Roll Woman (DOB 1955) and have been a proud fan and follower of "The Atlanta Sound"! This video makes me PROUD!! I got to meet ARS, Joe South, Billy Joe Royal and the AMAZING RODNEY JUSTO who now again sings with ARS! I met him last year when they came to Northern California!! I saw him and The Candymen when I was 13 in Atlanta, Georgia! His voice is FANTASTIC and he is just one heck of a nice dude!!! I know Buddy Buie and J.R. Cobb are smiling in Rock'n'Roll Heaven over this video and how Rodney and his ARS Bandmates are rocking on!!! Seriously this video brings me to tears of joy!! BRAVO 👏
Thanks for the information about the ARS version, Adam! I remember hearing that version on the radio when it first came out, but when I rediscovered the song, it was the Classics version. That one just felt right to me, so I never looked any further. I’m sure it was playing somewhere before I could even make memories. It’s always amazing to me how music can weave its way into your soul and become a part of you. Thanks again as always for the fantastic content!
I got to see the Classics IV at a freshman mixer at WVU in 1970. It was an outside show and they were excellent. The night was warm and the music great. I knew all their hits because my local radio station played them a lot when I was in high school.
Musicians jamming, I would be willing to bet that’s how Fleetwood Mac came up with World Turning. It’s a great, “Sitting under the stars with friends on a beach jamming with guitars, pop can maracas, and plastic bucket bongos kinda song”.
@@Sherwoody it was written by Buckingham and McVie, it was a reworking of a song from an earlier Fleetwood Mac album called the world keeps turning written by Peter Green. The song was changed so much in the rewriting that Peter Green is not credited as a writer
ARS has smooth magic hits in the 70’s. Spookier than Spooky is I’m not going to let it bother me tonight. My fav from ARS. Great back story Adam. Thanks.
I've been a huge Classics IV fan, starting, of course, with 'Spooky', which then turned me into a huge Buie/Cobb fan (I ALWAYS check the writers and producers), as well as Yost. Their albums were every bit as good as their singles, as I feel Yost had a unique voice that blended so well with the lyrics. I followed them all for years, into the new century. Thanks for the video.
The Classics IV version is just so smooth. They had a few more songs around the same time; "Every Day With You Girl" was one. I seem to recall hearing the ARS version a few times, but that was before I quit listening to commercial radio. And your little stories about your dad and you kids are so nice to hear. Thanks for reviewing this one.
In the 70’s my grandmother lived in Doraville and she’s asked me, did you know there’s a song about Doraville?? I said, YES! It’s all over the radio. 📻
Both The Classics IV and ARS were great bands growing up. I especially love "Traces" by The Classics IV. Even though Jim Stafford had a number of radio hits a lot of people probably don't know that he had a somewhat great spooky song titled "Swamp Witch."
Another overlooked 70's funky rock band who were similar to Atlanta Rhythm Section are The Climax Blues Band - their big hit was Couldn't Get It Right.
ARS's "A Rock n Roll Alternative", "Champagne Jam" and "Underdog" just flow. All the cuts can sound like one really cool, long track. I remember buying "Rock N Roll Alternative" at the old CO-Op Records and Tapes in the QC's on the recommendation of the counter guy. One of the best blind buys I ever made. The ARS "20th Century Masters" is also a great sampler album.
I'm almost 59 and my older sister bought Spooky on a 45 when it first came out. I remember this (as well as Stormy and Traces Of Love) being spun up all the time on the family record player when I was little.
.....the DELLS do a PHENOMENAL variation of it (AND "Whiter Shade Of Pale", "Wichita Lineman") on their album of the same name (which INEXPLICABLY, has YET to be FULLY digitized / remastered : (
This brings back memories of my childhood and my children's childhood. Both versions of Spooky was always on the top of my list of songs and ARS has always been one of my favorite bands (yep, I am a Georgia boy born and raised). This is one of the few songs that both of my kids agree on and can sing, my son is a metal head and my daughter is a singer and prefers music like Evanesces and operettic metal. And yes, Spooky comes on in my house every Halloween. I wish we had groups like ARS today.
Rode home with my sister after she bought her new '77 Formula Firebird. She had ARS on 8 track tape that she had brought with her and she cranked "So into you" and other great songs on the way home!
I love the original. Its what I grew up singing along with. I'm also partial to saxophone. It's the first instrument I learned to play, and I wish I could still play. I've since moved on to guitar. Everything time you played a clip I started doing the same "sitting in the car" dance. The oldies station was the default for a large part of my childhood. I just have no idea who sang what because of interruption free play blocks. The car was the main place we listened to music. We didn't have music videos available to us because it required paid television service. So I came up with my own ideas of what they looked like. It always amazes me how wrong my mental image turns out to be. Maybe it's because the only manner of fashion I knew was the current one. I always pictured a 20 something guy with dark hair and eyes, with a James Dean aura to him.
I was a band geek throughout elementary and high school, I remember playing along with the Classic Four 45 with my alto sax trying to emulate the sax solo .
Love this song both versions!! I was fortunate to see both the Classics 4 and ARS in concert. Both groups put on great shows and the first time I saw ARS I realized some of them had been in the Classics 4. Was really glad when ARS redid Spooky as I felt like it was already their song. Dennis Yost and Ronnie Hammond were both great singers and I miss them both. Great memories!!
ARS also has a really underrated song called ''Homesick"" that's a great song to play on guitar. As a dual US-Aussie citizen living in Melbourne AU for 17 years so far, I often get very Homesick
Always loved this song. I put it on a hand-made cassette Halloween tape even before others started playing it around Halloween. I had Halloween-Birthday parties since the 80s.
Thanks Adam, your memories of sharing happy moments with your father has special significance with me today. My soft-spoken greatest generation dad died exactly 20-years ago on March 20, 2004. Dad was an accomplished musician who played tenor sax and clarinet during the Big Band era. He was a WWII combat veteran during the Battle of the Bulge and immediately following the war he toured Europe with army bands playing dances for GI's. I doubt Dad would have appreciated 'Spooky' like we do but that's not really what's important is it?
Spooky is one of my favourite songs. I prefer the Classics IV version with Dennis Yost's raspy voice and the saxophone solo but it is one of those songs that is hard to make a bad version! I love the fact you chose the Spooky EP cover from Australia to show in your video. I am sure it is the same scan I uploaded to Discogs (as zatopecary)!
Saw ARS live when they opened for the Beach Boys and Jay Ferguson was on the bill in 1979. I believe ARS was also a favorite of President Carter, playing at the White House in 1978
Oh gosh I love this song. It’s on my Halloween playlist as well as my classics playlist. Every time I hear of a peculiar situation I start singing Spooky! Love all the Classic lV music! Traces is so hauntingly beautiful. Nothing like these great songs and music. ARS is another gem of music as expected. I’m amazed how things just seem to fall into place like the universe just shifted a bit to make it happen (the Roy Orbison deal included). Imaginary Lover is perfection for sure. Maybe Spooky holds a special place in my heart because my sister had a big white cat named (what else?) SPOOKY. 😂 I’d forgotten about PacMan Fever. So many memories, love the story about your dad and your boys. Love both versions so much it’s would be hard to pick just one. But definitely Classics lV and ARS have the best versions. Thanks for this uplifting video POR.
I love the way you go in depth on the connections that musicians have to each other and to each other's songs. Thanks. Three chords and the Truth, my friend.
ARS was an amazingly tight band. Great musicians...check out "Homesick", "Doraville" and "Georgia Rhythm". Here's a piece of trivia, ARS and Lynyrd Skynyrd were friends and shared the same studio in Doraville many times. In fact, ARS' drummer, Robert Nix, played the drums on Lynyrd Skynyrd's studio version of "Tuesday's Gone".
As an Atlanta native who grew up there in the 70's, ARS was an anchor of the Atlanta music market, as you can imagine. Thanks to The Professor for the spotlight on the great Atlanta scene from the 70's...
I love the Atlanta Rhythm Section. They have a distinctly southern sound. I never thought of comparing them to Steely Dan but there is a comparison. They both have a very smooth and polished sound. Although I do like the ARS version of “Spooky” I still like the Classics IV version the best. I’m always very sorry to hear of the demise of musicians I love. It happens all too often. I guess once you get a taste of fame and fortune and that over the top lifestyle, it’s hard to live without it. I wouldn’t know about that personally though. I’ve never had the fame and fortune. I think if I ever did I’d try to be smart with the money so that when the revenue stream dried up and I faded back into obscurity I’d still be ok. Realistically though, I probably won’t ever have to worry about that. It still bugs me the way Steve Merriot went out. He was a little guy with a big voice and a heluva guitar player. He deserves to be in the Rock and Roll hall of fame. But that’s a subject for a different video.
Spooky and Peanuts Halloween special were musts around Halloween for us in the 60s and early 70s… until Rocky Horror Picture Show took over. I love your show! I thought when the internet took over I was in heaven for finding info about music, but your show is much more trustworthy! Thank you!
This is a fantastic song, and if I were forced to listen to only one song for the rest of my life, this would be a good one. "A Day in the Life" might be on my list, or maybe "My Sweet Lord." My favorite version of this song outside of ARS is the Daniel Ash version. Thank you for recognizing that obscure version. I shouldn't be surprised, though, as you are a genius. I love Daniel Ash and the "Coming Down" album.
I was fortunate enough to find ARS back in the 70s and see them in concert in 1980. A truly amazing group of musicians (especially Barry Bailey and Paul Goddard) Sadly all of the members of the classic 1970s lineup have passed away but the music lives on.
I love this documentary on this song and the respective bands. I would love for you to do a documentary on Waylon Jennings….the more I hear and read, the more I want to know. The man is amazing and he has intertwined with rock music in so many ways!!! It would be appreciated!
Woah, David Sanborn! I used to listen to him all the time 25 years ago. I had kind of forgotten about him. Thank you because I will be listening to him again now.
SO many of the songs you highlight are old favorites of mine, but have been (temporarily) lost to time passing. Spooky is one of those songs that takes me in the Way-Back Machine to my middle school years when my transistor radio was ever present in my hand. LOVED that song and just hearing the opening bars made me go AHHH. Same for the others you mentioned - Traces and Stormy. Keep it going Dude!
I learned something new today. Thanks, Prof., I never knew the connection between both bands... two bands awesome in their own rights. How sad to learn the fates of these men.
Thank you, thank you, Professor!! Was a teen when C4's Spooky debuted. But ARS's cover was peerless. And on my nighttime playlist...Atlanta Rhythm Section...always!
It’s amazing that this is such a simple/complex song. I remember when the ARS version came out and falling in love with it. It was so different from everything else that was playing on the radio and like your dad I used to love to sing along at the top of my voice (making sure no one’s listening 😂). Thanks again for all the great memories and for sharing your dad with us.
"Spooky" has always been a favorite of mine, especially the ARS version. Mid to late '70s, the ARS was everywhere - even in southern Illinois where I lived. What a great band. It was good to hear them highlighted. One other good "Spooky" version is Joan Osborne's take on it...
Awww, I ❤️ your sweet memory of your dad & oldies music! I have similar memories with my parents, as well of me with my kids… now I’m making memories with my grandkids! We’ll always have our memories & music!
Re. "Dad, you always do that..." Such "quirks" become endearing more than annoying over time, otherwise we would not repeat them ourselves later on. If you were to stop, I guarantee those boys would ask, "Why don't you do that 'thing' anymore? Is something wrong?" Great storytelling.
Poll: If you had to listen to the same song for the rest of your life...What would it be?
"Suite Madam Blue" by Styx
We are the Champions by Queen
“Take the Long Way Home” Supertramp!!!🤘🔥
Fire!@@christineml1476
Red Is the Rose- Irish folk tune.
My dad raced go-karts in the 80s and one night a kitten ran up under his trailer right as they were leaving the race track. My mom made him crawl under it to fish out the cat so she could take it home. When they started the car, this song had just started, so Spooky the calico kitty got a home AND a name in a matter of minutes and then proceeded to live 18 long years being serenaded by this song countless times.
This almost 73-year old grandmother lived through the 60's TWICE... first when I was a teenager in the 1960s decade and second when I was in my 60s age-wise. When I was pregnant with each of my kids, I listened to the classic 50s, 60s, and early 70s rock and roll music. As adults today, they still love that music and can sing along with the songs! They just don't make music that wonderful anymore.
I too am almost 73yo. My kids grew up listening to me sing along to 50s/60s/ 70s music. My husband was a party DJ and would set up his system every Sunday to play music. My kids love their 80s/90s/00s but when we're together in the car and a Beatles' song comes on or another from my musical era, we all sing. And we do harmonies! They're adults now with spouses but when we get together music is still a vital part of our lives. Thanks for keeping it alive... and thanks for the back stories.
@terrywall3287 Lucky you. My two kids were born in the 80s, but just have no appreciation for this music. My daughter-in-law just calls my stuff "old fogey" music. Of course, she mostly means my love of 30s and 40s big bands and sweet bands songs. But my range of music runs from the 30s to the mid 80s, with a few 90s and one or two from the 2000s.
When did I go from being a child of the 60s to a child in his 60s? I kinda missed the middle part.
@johntiggleman4686 ...My parents were of the Big Band Era, and I grew up listening to and developing an appreciation for that music. My high school "fight song" (for football, etc.) was/is "IN THE MOOD" by Glen Miller.
Adam, I think the best part of your videos is where you talk about your family. Music is what brings us together. Good music is timeless. My boys, 15 and 11, listen to the classics with me. I hope when I am gone they speak as lovingly about me as you do about your dad.
I appreciate that!
And, I love ARS. So Into You is my favorite song of theirs. Spooky is awesome too.
Love them too!@@garydean0308
Thought the same thing. Reminds me of hanging out with my dad, listening to so many of these songs on road trips and running errands. Thank you, Professor!
Oh I dunno, I kinda think Gregorian chants ran their course.
Adam, you are a one of the most professional journalists/historians I've ever heard speak, and it doesn't hurt that your delivery is passionate and compelling. Thanks for what you are doing.
Dude! I see that Toto album in the back! My dad had that one! I loved Children's Anthem. My mom didn't like it so much when I asked her what, "You supply the night, baby, I supply the love" means.
The thing that never ceases to entertain me with your videos is that no matter if it's a band/song that I know and love, or something that has always just been a part of the musical landscape to me, I learn something new. Combined with an engaging style of story telling and it's always a good time when a new video drops.
That's so cool to hear!
I fully agree! So many stories we never knew before!
Yes! The story behind the song is riveting . I appreciate the effort put into these wonderful songs and performers.
Halloween keeps the song alive. That’s not really a bad thing at all.👍🏻
Right?
@@ProfessorofRock 👍🏻
BONUS EPISODE!!!!!
Thanks Professor. You are a treasure. Your presence is a good thing for us.
Thanks!
Rock on, Professor...good for us all!
Awesome!@@kwilliams1958
I'm 70 and this song always takes me back to happy times when all my loved ones were alive and life was so good. The Classics IV performed in Hamilton Ohio, Dennis Yosts hometown. Huge hit around here and everywhere
ARS, the southern Steely Dan... totally agree. Spooky is forever etched into my 70's teen brain and still today in my 60's "seasoned" brain! Thanks Professor...
For sure!
That's a great analogy.
Always liked "Spooky" since I heard it at age 12 on an exclusively oldies station. I think I got it on an oldies CD somewhere---it's such a cool laid-back R&B song, that's it hard not to like. This is one song that's worthy of a Professor of Rock episode, lol. And Yost was an excellent singer---I loved "Traces of Love", and was surprised after finding out that Classics IV did the song, that he didn't have a successful solo career of his own.
More like Steely Dan is the northern ARS.
Nice!@@woodsrdr
I first heard Spooky in grade school in the 1960's. Dennis Yost had such a beautiful voice. He made the song unforgettable. It is sad that he fell down the stairs and suffered so much in his last years. He added something really special to music.
I like all the popular versions of Spooky, Stormy and Black Magic Woman 🎸
In 1979, my brother-in-law turned me on to ARS. I've been a fan *ever* since. Their version of Spooky is an astonishing piece of music history. I purchased their Greatest Hits CD just about 30 years ago, and enjoy it whenever the bluetooth shuffle god strikes while driving to work.
Thank you Professor!
Thanks for giving ARS some love. My favorite all-time southern rock band. Been listening to them since the mid-seventies. Ronnie Hammond was an underappreciated singer and lost amid the likes of Van Zant, Greg Allman, etc. Enjoy your videos!
Still one of my favorite bands of all time. I played "Spooky" in several bands and it was always so much fun; you didn't want it stop! Thanks so much for doing this.
The Stevie Nicks story that parallels the song "Imaginary Lover" Is so entertaining. A southern California Disc Jockey accidentally plays Imaginary
Lover at 45rpm instead of 33 & 1/3. The radio station gets flooded with phone calls saying "Was that Stevie Nicks?? Was that Fleetwood Mac??" Stevie took it one step further. She puts Imaginary Lover at the end of a demo tape as a joke at 45RPM and Christine McVie congratulated her on PRESENTING THE BAND WITH A HIT!
Born and raised in Atlanta, lived my high school years not far from Doraville. Classics IV and then ARS were very popular locally before, during, and after their first albums charted. Actually attended a private party in Stone Mountain at the home of my girlfriend’s boss where several ( five, I think) members of C4 / ARS played, including Spooky. The music was every bit as good as any session work or album in spite of the less than optimum acoustics, including a Christmas tree and packages. My date and I just celebrated our 52nd anniversary. Great food, great music, and great date.
Thanks for the memories, guys… you’re still appreciated.
Thanks Adam, listening to you talk about how your Dad shared so much music with you brings back bittersweet memories for me and my experience with my Dad who passed away in a Monterey CA hospital listening to a music mix I had made for him with his favorite tunes by Paul Simon, Miles Davis, the Doors, Neil Diamond, Van Morrison, the Who and on and on.... Music was one of the only things we had in common and I will always regret that the last conversation I had with him before he ended up in hospital and dying was one full of frustration and anger. Some of the music he loved still makes me feel grief, joy and shame when hearing it. Funny how you can feel such conflicting emotions from a song I now live in Australia and your show always makes me homesick, but that's okay, life is full of meaningful and painful tensions - ""Lately it ocurs to me, what a long strange trip it's been" - Jerry
Always loved that song. Grew up with the original Classics IV version. After ARS breathed life back into it (was fronting my second band) I insisted that we cover it. It became a mainstay in our set list for a couple of years. Thanks Adam you're always going deep into the songs and musicians. My favorite channel on da Tube. 🔥🔥🔥🔥
My dad bought me the ARS album with Spooky on it and I wore it out. Now that he's gone, the song reminds me of him.
Love, love, love ARS. Imaginary Lover, Doraville, Homesick, Alien, Quinella, Southern Exposure and their jam on Spooky. I agree, they are the Steely Dan of the South. Great Musicians with a balance of natural yet honed sound that makes unique. They inspire me that good music is just - playing - good - music!
Im 66 and this song has a big spot in my heart! Years ago I found a tiny black longhaired kitten. My then young son who is now an Audiophile Btw he's the one who turned me on to you,couldn't come up with a good name. I started singing "Spooky" ,it stuck! Every song these guys made is part of my younger years,i still remember all the words,and sometimes brings a tear!😢😊😊😊
I named my grey cat Stormy as she brings back those sunny days❤
First ARS song I ever heard was Doraville. I was visiting my brother who was a police officer in the area. Loved their sound
Atlanta Rhythm Section and the Mussel Shoals All Stars.... Yessir!
I love Classics 4! Especially their classic hit Stormy - I play it in my car daily
They seem to have the market cornered on six-letter titles beginning with 'S' and ending with 'Y' 😆
Awesome!
Indeed!
Good call. Stormy was a nickname for a girlfriend long ago. I played the crap out of that song. Still brings back great memories of young love.
PROFESSOR!!!!!! THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!!!! THANK YOU!!! I am an Atlanta Born Rock'n'Roll Woman (DOB 1955) and have been a proud fan and follower of "The Atlanta Sound"! This video makes me PROUD!! I got to meet ARS, Joe South, Billy Joe Royal and the AMAZING RODNEY JUSTO who now again sings with ARS! I met him last year when they came to Northern California!! I saw him and The Candymen when I was 13 in Atlanta, Georgia! His voice is FANTASTIC and he is just one heck of a nice dude!!! I know Buddy Buie and J.R. Cobb are smiling in Rock'n'Roll Heaven over this video and how Rodney and his ARS Bandmates are rocking on!!! Seriously this video brings me to tears of joy!! BRAVO 👏
Love it! Rock on!
@@ProfessorofRock Thank you!! Love you Dude!!!
Same birth year Good times. Thanks.
@@miketurner1768 Well said!!! 👍👍
I’m 61 and I learn so much from you. rock ‘n’ roll has got the biggest chunk of my soul
Thanks for watching!
No, thank you!@@ProfessorofRock
Spooky (ARS version) is one of my favorite jams.
I even named my black cat (of 17 yrs) after that song.
So good!
So did I!❤❤❤😻😻😻
@@dianewilliams1125 That’s so awesome, Diane. Thanks for sharing that.
I named my grey cat Stormy.
@@cyncty666 Nice. I feed a grey stray daily, we call Smokey. No song source, though. LOL
Both bands were a strong presence in my formative years. Loved each of them dearly! Thanks, Professor!
Thanks for the information about the ARS version, Adam! I remember hearing that version on the radio when it first came out, but when I rediscovered the song, it was the Classics version. That one just felt right to me, so I never looked any further. I’m sure it was playing somewhere before I could even make memories. It’s always amazing to me how music can weave its way into your soul and become a part of you. Thanks again as always for the fantastic content!
I love ARS. They were southern rock, but they had a jazz, blues sound that made them unique. Talent out the wazoo.
Well, Paul Goddard's bass was a fantastic vibe. My favorite is Another Man's Woman .
I got to see the Classics IV at a freshman mixer at WVU in 1970. It was an outside show and they were excellent. The night was warm and the music great. I knew all their hits because my local radio station played them a lot when I was in high school.
Know what I miss...Bands Jammin'
Know what I miss...Musicians.
Yes!
There's plenty of both still going on, if you don't know about it you're not paying attention.
Give me some of your faves.
Musicians jamming, I would be willing to bet that’s how Fleetwood Mac came up with World Turning.
It’s a great, “Sitting under the stars with friends on a beach jamming with guitars, pop can maracas, and plastic bucket bongos kinda song”.
@@Sherwoody it was written by Buckingham and McVie, it was a reworking of a song from an earlier Fleetwood Mac album called the world keeps turning written by Peter Green. The song was changed so much in the rewriting that Peter Green is not credited as a writer
ARS has smooth magic hits in the 70’s. Spookier than Spooky is I’m not going to let it bother me tonight. My fav from ARS. Great back story Adam. Thanks.
Thank you once again for bringing back a lot of fond memories...60's-80's, best 3 decades of music in my humble opinion.
I've been a huge Classics IV fan, starting, of course, with 'Spooky', which then turned me into a huge Buie/Cobb fan (I ALWAYS check the writers and producers), as well as Yost. Their albums were every bit as good as their singles, as I feel Yost had a unique voice that blended so well with the lyrics. I followed them all for years, into the new century. Thanks for the video.
So good!
What a wonderful musical archeology you bring to the ones like me that always wonder how it really happened..... good show !
The Classics IV version is just so smooth. They had a few more songs around the same time; "Every Day With You Girl" was one. I seem to recall hearing the ARS version a few times, but that was before I quit listening to commercial radio. And your little stories about your dad and you kids are so nice to hear. Thanks for reviewing this one.
Anyone remember - Angie Baby - by Helen Reddy ?
Pretty eerie lyrics - I liked it tho.
Yep!
I remember it very well.
In the 70’s my grandmother lived in Doraville and she’s asked me, did you know there’s a song about Doraville?? I said, YES! It’s all over the radio. 📻
Both The Classics IV and ARS were great bands growing up. I especially love "Traces" by The Classics IV. Even though Jim Stafford had a number of radio hits
a lot of people probably don't know that he had a somewhat great spooky song titled "Swamp Witch."
Another overlooked 70's funky rock band who were similar to Atlanta Rhythm Section are The Climax Blues Band - their big hit was Couldn't Get It Right.
ARS's "A Rock n Roll Alternative", "Champagne Jam" and "Underdog" just flow. All the cuts can sound like one really cool, long track. I remember buying "Rock N Roll Alternative" at the old CO-Op Records and Tapes in the QC's on the recommendation of the counter guy. One of the best blind buys I ever made.
The ARS "20th Century Masters" is also a great sampler album.
Yes! Champagne Jam!
I’m still shopping at co-op 😎
Great groove. I'm 59 and always enjoy when this song is played on the radio. :-D
Same!
I'm almost 59 and my older sister bought Spooky on a 45 when it first came out. I remember this (as well as Stormy and Traces Of Love) being spun up all the time on the family record player when I was little.
For anyone wondering, the number one song the week “Spooky” peaked was Paul Mauriat’s “Love Is Blue”. One of my favorite instrumentals ever.
Awesome!
I like "Love Is Blue" too, lol. It's one of the best late '60s instrumentals, too.
.....the DELLS do a PHENOMENAL variation of it (AND "Whiter Shade Of Pale", "Wichita Lineman") on their album of the same name (which INEXPLICABLY, has YET to be FULLY digitized / remastered : (
@@alondathomas293 : ALONG with "Classical Gas".....
Always wanted to be that spooky little girl, lol. ARS was amazing!
For sure!
I think I was!😮😮😮
@@ProfessorofRock 🙂
This brings back memories of my childhood and my children's childhood. Both versions of Spooky was always on the top of my list of songs and ARS has always been one of my favorite bands (yep, I am a Georgia boy born and raised). This is one of the few songs that both of my kids agree on and can sing, my son is a metal head and my daughter is a singer and prefers music like Evanesces and operettic metal. And yes, Spooky comes on in my house every Halloween.
I wish we had groups like ARS today.
Rode home with my sister after she bought her new '77 Formula Firebird. She had ARS on 8 track tape that she had brought with her and she cranked "So into you" and other great songs on the way home!
ARS may not be my favorite southern rock band, but I think the band is great. Very underrated.
Smooth Southern Rock!
I love the original. Its what I grew up singing along with. I'm also partial to saxophone. It's the first instrument I learned to play, and I wish I could still play. I've since moved on to guitar. Everything time you played a clip I started doing the same "sitting in the car" dance. The oldies station was the default for a large part of my childhood. I just have no idea who sang what because of interruption free play blocks. The car was the main place we listened to music. We didn't have music videos available to us because it required paid television service. So I came up with my own ideas of what they looked like. It always amazes me how wrong my mental image turns out to be. Maybe it's because the only manner of fashion I knew was the current one. I always pictured a 20 something guy with dark hair and eyes, with a James Dean aura to him.
I was a band geek throughout elementary and high school, I remember playing along with the Classic Four 45 with my alto sax trying to emulate the sax solo .
Love this song both versions!! I was fortunate to see both the Classics 4 and ARS in concert. Both groups put on great shows and the first time I saw ARS I realized some of them had been in the Classics 4. Was really glad when ARS redid Spooky as I felt like it was already their song. Dennis Yost and Ronnie Hammond were both great singers and I miss them both. Great memories!!
I saw Dennis Yost as part of a package show in the early 90s. He was one of the highlights.
ARS also has a really underrated song called ''Homesick"" that's a great song to play on guitar. As a dual US-Aussie citizen living in Melbourne AU for 17 years so far, I often get very Homesick
Learned to play guitar at 12, quit at 16. Picked it up again because of ARS and never set it down.
Always loved this song. I put it on a hand-made cassette Halloween tape even before others started playing it around Halloween. I had Halloween-Birthday parties since the 80s.
Classics IV - Spooky and Stormy - fabulous.
Thanks Adam, your memories of sharing happy moments with your father has special significance with me today. My soft-spoken greatest generation dad died exactly 20-years ago on March 20, 2004. Dad was an accomplished musician who played tenor sax and clarinet during the Big Band era. He was a WWII combat veteran during the Battle of the Bulge and immediately following the war he toured Europe with army bands playing dances for GI's. I doubt Dad would have appreciated 'Spooky' like we do but that's not really what's important is it?
Your dad and then you carry on the Tradition of singing along with Spooky song and encouraging the son to sing along. Heartwarming!.
Spooky is one of my favourite songs. I prefer the Classics IV version with Dennis Yost's raspy voice and the saxophone solo but it is one of those songs that is hard to make a bad version! I love the fact you chose the Spooky EP cover from Australia to show in your video. I am sure it is the same scan I uploaded to Discogs (as zatopecary)!
Saw ARS live when they opened for the Beach Boys and Jay Ferguson was on the bill in 1979. I believe ARS was also a favorite of President Carter, playing at the White House in 1978
Cool!
Poll: What if your pick for the COOLEST Song of all time?
Fire Woman
LA Woman
Bloodletting: the Vampire Song--Concrete Blonde
Mack the Knife (1928, the oldest "cool" song anyway) 😄
Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress - The Hollies.
runnerup: Bang A Gong - T. Rex.
"Stormy" is my favorite Classics IV song.
I named my cat Stormy💜
Awesome bonus vid!! My late father, hubby & son are all/were Journeyman Welders!
Very cool!
Im a half ass welder. Welders are great engineers and can build and fix anything.
@@williambarry8015 I agree! Even 'welding' a plastic train car toy w/plastic!
Stormy, spooky and traces
Love all of them!
Big favs!❤❤❤
Excellent story. Also love Santana’s version of Spooky.
A good version of “Spooky” can be found on David Cassidy’s “A Touch Of Blue”.
The arrangement is lush and vibrant.
Great to see another DC fan on here!
Oh gosh I love this song. It’s on my Halloween playlist as well as my classics playlist. Every time I hear of a peculiar situation I start singing Spooky! Love all the Classic lV music! Traces is so hauntingly beautiful. Nothing like these great songs and music. ARS is another gem of music as expected. I’m amazed how things just seem to fall into place like the universe just shifted a bit to make it happen (the Roy Orbison deal included). Imaginary Lover is perfection for sure. Maybe Spooky holds a special place in my heart because my sister had a big white cat named (what else?) SPOOKY. 😂 I’d forgotten about PacMan Fever. So many memories, love the story about your dad and your boys. Love both versions so much it’s would be hard to pick just one. But definitely Classics lV and ARS have the best versions. Thanks for this uplifting video POR.
I love the way you go in depth on the connections that musicians have to each other and to each other's songs. Thanks. Three chords and the Truth, my friend.
I love this song,it really takes me back.
It's a great one!
ARS was an amazingly tight band. Great musicians...check out "Homesick", "Doraville" and "Georgia Rhythm". Here's a piece of trivia, ARS and Lynyrd Skynyrd were friends and shared the same studio in Doraville many times. In fact, ARS' drummer, Robert Nix, played the drums on Lynyrd Skynyrd's studio version of "Tuesday's Gone".
The song Large Time is a nod to the great Lynyrd Skynyrd…. Love ARS and Skynyrd
As an Atlanta native who grew up there in the 70's, ARS was an anchor of the Atlanta music market, as you can imagine. Thanks to The Professor for the spotlight on the great Atlanta scene from the 70's...
I love the Atlanta Rhythm Section. They have a distinctly southern sound. I never thought of comparing them to Steely Dan but there is a comparison. They both have a very smooth and polished sound.
Although I do like the ARS version of “Spooky” I still like the Classics IV version the best.
I’m always very sorry to hear of the demise of musicians I love. It happens all too often. I guess once you get a taste of fame and fortune and that over the top lifestyle, it’s hard to live without it. I wouldn’t know about that personally though. I’ve never had the fame and fortune. I think if I ever did I’d try to be smart with the money so that when the revenue stream dried up and I faded back into obscurity I’d still be ok. Realistically though, I probably won’t ever have to worry about that.
It still bugs me the way Steve Merriot went out. He was a little guy with a big voice and a heluva guitar player. He deserves to be in the Rock and Roll hall of fame.
But that’s a subject for a different video.
Always loved this song in any version! Thanks!!
Spooky and Peanuts Halloween special were musts around Halloween for us in the 60s and early 70s… until Rocky Horror Picture Show took over.
I love your show! I thought when the internet took over I was in heaven for finding info about music, but your show is much more trustworthy! Thank you!
This is a fantastic song, and if I were forced to listen to only one song for the rest of my life, this would be a good one. "A Day in the Life" might be on my list, or maybe "My Sweet Lord." My favorite version of this song outside of ARS is the Daniel Ash version. Thank you for recognizing that obscure version. I shouldn't be surprised, though, as you are a genius. I love Daniel Ash and the "Coming Down" album.
A sax player named Sharpe and a fisherman named Bouie... trippy.
Great stories, great memories, and a great song! ARS has been a favorite of mine for many years!
Stormy spooky and Wendy are my favorite songs of this tydescribe from that era.
So good!
Hi Adam!
I played 1st Tenor sax (and played the sax solo) in a Big Band that played “Spooky” in the early 1970’s!
I was fortunate enough to find ARS back in the 70s and see them in concert in 1980. A truly amazing group of musicians (especially Barry Bailey and Paul Goddard) Sadly all of the members of the classic 1970s lineup have passed away but the music lives on.
This story brought me to tears multiple times. God bless the boys who are into Spooky girls 🙌🏼
I love this documentary on this song and the respective bands.
I would love for you to do a documentary on Waylon Jennings….the more I hear and read, the more I want to know. The man is amazing and he has intertwined with rock music in so many ways!!! It would be appreciated!
Woah, David Sanborn! I used to listen to him all the time 25 years ago. I had kind of forgotten about him. Thank you because I will be listening to him again now.
Ronnie Hammond was a damned fine singer.
Spooky was always a great song for anytime. Love it. Saw ARS at the Champagne Jam in Atlanta back when.
Great music. Will never get old to me. Grew up in this era. 🥰
Spooky one of my most favorite songs ever. And "I am So Into You" is another! Thanks for the history on these.
SO many of the songs you highlight are old favorites of mine, but have been (temporarily) lost to time passing. Spooky is one of those songs that takes me in the Way-Back Machine to my middle school years when my transistor radio was ever present in my hand. LOVED that song and just hearing the opening bars made me go AHHH. Same for the others you mentioned - Traces and Stormy. Keep it going Dude!
I learned something new today. Thanks, Prof., I never knew the connection between both bands... two bands awesome in their own rights. How sad to learn the fates of these men.
The Dusty Springfield version is the definitive version for me, her voice fits it perfectly.
Thank you, thank you, Professor!! Was a teen when C4's Spooky debuted. But ARS's cover was peerless.
And on my nighttime playlist...Atlanta Rhythm Section...always!
It’s amazing that this is such a simple/complex song. I remember when the ARS version came out and falling in love with it. It was so different from everything else that was playing on the radio and like your dad I used to love to sing along at the top of my voice (making sure no one’s listening 😂). Thanks again for all the great memories and for sharing your dad with us.
Awesome!
Great songs like Spooky last through generations.
"Spooky" has always been a favorite of mine, especially the ARS version. Mid to late '70s, the ARS was everywhere - even in southern Illinois where I lived. What a great band. It was good to hear them highlighted. One other good "Spooky" version is Joan Osborne's take on it...
Awww, I ❤️ your sweet memory of your dad & oldies music! I have similar memories with my parents, as well of me with my kids… now I’m making memories with my grandkids! We’ll always have our memories & music!
My tomcat's name is Spooky, and it's hilarious to watch his ears perk up when I play this song for him.
Re. "Dad, you always do that..." Such "quirks" become endearing more than annoying over time, otherwise we would not repeat them ourselves later on.
If you were to stop, I guarantee those boys would ask, "Why don't you do that 'thing' anymore? Is something wrong?"
Great storytelling.
EXCELLENT SHIRT PROFESSOR!!!
Rock on!