Sony/ATV’s "Musical Notes" #34 - Buddy Buie and more of Lowery Music
Jul 10, 2009
Sony/ATV’s "Musical Notes" #34
A newsletter highlighting some of the many classic songs in the Sony/ATV Music Publishing catalog.
From Alan Warner, Creative Consultant
***************
THE LEGACY OF LOWERY MUSIC
Part Two
Songwriter/Producer Buddy Buie
In 1997, Buddy Buie was inducted into the Alabama Music Hall Of Fame and for good reason. The long-running series of hit songs that he wrote and produced primarily for the Classics IV and the Atlanta Rhythm Section speak for themselves and his partnership with music publishing legend Bill Lowery resulted in him being a much-sought after talent on the Atlanta Music scene in the 60’s and 70’s.
Born in Dothan, Alabama, Buddy went to school with Bobby Goldsboro and John Rainey Adkins and it was John who was not only Buddy’s first songwriting partner but also the one most responsible for helping him start his musical career. The young Buie booked Roy Orbison to play Dothan in the early 60’s and hired local group The Webs as the backup band; Orbison loved the group so much that he decided to take them on the road with him. Changing their name to The Candymen, their line-up included pianist Dean Daughtry, drummer Bob Nix and the afore-mentioned John Adkins on guitar; Buddy both managed and produced them when they recorded for ABC and among the standout songs they cut was DEEP IN THE NIGHT written by Buddy along with Messrs. Nix and Adkins and released as a single in 1968.
Buddy’s friend and partner Paul Cochran discovered Dennis Yost & The Classics IV in Jacksonville, Florida; they came to Atlanta to record for Bill Lowery and Buddy Buie became their producer. The two recurring writer names on the Classics IV successes such as SPOOKY, STORMY and TRACES were Buddy and J.R. Cobb who was the band’s guitarist. J.R. went on to become a founder member of Buddy’s next project after the Classics IV, namely the famed Southern rock band: the Atlanta
Rhythm Section.
Along with Bill Lowery, Buie also operated the Georgia recording studio known as Studio One and it was there that he produced sessions with Billy Joe Royal, Tommy Roe, B.J. Thomas and Roy Orbison.
And now…
Part 2 of our list of outstanding copyrights from
The Lowery Music Catalog
KEY LARGO (Bertie Higgins/Sonny Limbo)
“We had it all, Just like Bogie and Bacall/
Starring in our old late, late show, Sailing away to Key Largo”
Florida-born singer Bertie Higgins collaborated with record producer Sonny Limbo on this soft rock ballad which became a worldwide success. Bertie, who had played
drums in Tommy Roe’s band, conjured up a love story around memories of Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall and their classic movie “Key Largo”.
By Bertie Higgins (Kat Family/Sony: 1982) US #8 Pop, #1 AC, UK #60
With John Healy, Bertie & Sonny also wrote CASABLANCA which was a huge seller in Japan for local artist Hiromi Go.
LIVING PROOF (Eddie Carswell/Leonard Ahlstrom/Bill Collier)
By NewSong (DaySpring: 1991) US #4 CHR
LOVE REVOLUTION (Eddie Carswell/Leonard Ahlstrom/Russell Lee)
By NewSong (Benson: 1997) US #25 CHR
MIDNIGHT (Buddy Buie/J.R. Cobb/Emory Gordy)
By Dennis Yost & The Classics IV (Imperial/EMI: 1969) US #58 Pop, #23 AC
MIGHTY CLOUDS OF JOY (Buddy Buie/Robert Nix)
“Holy Jesus, Let your love seize us/Oh, let us find sweet peace within/
Hallelujah! Happiness begins/
When the Mighty Clouds Of Joy come rolling in”
Jubilant inspirational song: one of two hits* that Buddy Buie co-wrote
for and produced on consistent record-seller B.J. Thomas.
By B.J. Thomas (Scepter/Global: 1971) US #34 Pop, #8 AC
Other versions incl: Al Green (A&M/Universal), Glen Campbell (Universal South), The Mighty Clouds Of Joy (ABC/Universal), Melba Moore (Buddah/Sony), Lloyd Parks (Trojan/Universal)
*The other Buddy Buie-produced B.J. Thomas hit was MOST OF ALL.
MIRACLES(Eddie Carswell/Leonard Ahlstrom/Russell Lee)
By NewSong (Benson: 1997) US #10 CHR
MISERY LOVES COMPANY (Jerry Reed)
“Come on sit at my table where the drinks are on me/
Just gather ‘round me cause Misery Loves Company”
Country TV star Porter Wagoner scored a huge success with this song authored by Jerry Reed, the singer/songwriter they called ‘The Guitar Man’.
By Porter Wagoner (RCA/Sony: 1962) US #1 Country
Other versions incl: Ronnie Milsap (RCA/Sony)
MOONLIGHT FEELS RIGHT (Michael Bruce Blackman)
“I'll take you on a trip beside the ocean/And drop the top at Chesapeake Bay/
Ain't nothin’ like the sky to dose a potion/The moon'll send you on your way/
Moonlight Feels Right, moonlight feels right”
Produced by Bruce Blackman for Bill Lowery Productions, this featured Bruce (formerly of Eternity’s Children and later of Korona) singing with a memorable instrumental solo played by Bo Wagner on the marimba. A superb, feel-good soft rock song that is perfect for romantic summer evenings.
By Starbuck (Private Stock/Janus: 1976) US #3 Pop, #2 AC
MOST OF ALL (Buddy Buie/J.R. Cobb)
“Hello darlin', my it's good to hear you/I'm at the railroad station in St. Paul/
How are all the folks, I'd love to see 'em/But, girl, I'd love to see you Most Of All”
By B.J. Thomas (Scepter/Global: 1971) US #38 Pop
Other versions incl: Anne Murray (Capitol/EMI), Classics IV (Imperial/EMI), The Osmonds (MGM/Universal), Joe Simon (Spring/UK Ace)
MR. MOONLIGHT(Roy Lee Johnson)
“And the nights you don't come my way. I'll pray and pray more each day/
Because we love you, Mr. Moonlight”
Originally recorded by American R&B band Dr. Feelgood & The Interns in 1962, this song never charted but became a favorite with a number of Merseybeat bands including The Beatles who, with John Lennon singing lead, recorded it for their UK album “Beatles For Sale” in 1964.
Versions incl: Dr. Feelgood & The Interns (OKeh/Sony),
The Beatles (Capitol/EMI), The Hollies (UK EMI)
The Merseybeats (Fontana/Universal)
MY TRUE CONFESSION (Ray Stevens/Margie Singleton)
“(True Confession) she can read the story/
(Read it in your magazine) that's my true confession/
(True confession) and I'm sorry/(Sorry that I treated her so mean)”
Lyrically describing an acknowledgment of guilt, this mid-tempo ballad certainly had its moment in the sun during Brook Benton’s long running string of hits.
y Brook Benton (Mercury/Universal: 1963) US #8 AC
NEON NITES (Buddy Buie/Robert Nix)
By The Atlanta Rhythm Section (Polydor/Universal: 1977) US #42 Pop, #39 AC
9,999,999 TEARS (Razzy Bailey)
“Got nine million nine hundred ninety nine thousand nine hundred ninety nine tears to go/
And then I don't know if I'll be over you”
By Dickey Lee (RCA/Sony: 1976) US #3 Country
By Tammy Lucas (SOA: 1989) US #75 Country
Other versions incl: Razzy Bailey (RCA/Sony)
OLD BRIDGES BURN SLOW (Joe South/Sanford Brown/Shawn Meadows)
By Billy Joe Royal (Atlantic America/WMG: 1987) US #11 Country
PEARL (Tommy Roe/Freddy Weller)
By Tommy Roe (ABC/Universal: 1970) US #50 Pop
POPSICLE (Buzz Cason/Bobby Russell)
“Orange, lemon, cherry and lime/Fudge, tutti-frutti and a grape, that's fine/
Buy one for me, and one for my chick/A lot of good eating on a popsicle stick”
Jan Berry & Dean Torrence surfed their way through this hit-flavored ditty (“And it comes on a stick…uh huh huh”!) which makes it perfect for both children’s and summer song lists.
By Jan & Dean (Liberty/EMI: 1966) US #66 Pop
REACH OUT OF THE DARKNESS Aka IN THE DARKNESS (Jim Post)
“Reach out in the darkness/And you may find a friend”
Produced by Joe South and Bill Lowery, the memorable opening lines of this ballad began “I think it's so groovy now/That people are finally getting together”.
The song certainly struck a chord with record-buying audiences in the months following 1967: the summer
of love. ‘Friend And Lover’ were folk singer Jim Post and Cathy, his then-wife.
By Friend & Lover (Verve Forecast/Universal: 1968) US #10 Pop
RHYTHM OF THE WORLD (Eddie Carswell/Leonard Ahlstrom)
“Everyday we’re closer than before/That’s the Rhythm Of The World”
Inspirational ballad from the successful Christian rock group NewSong.
By NewSong (Benson: 1997) US #5 CHR
ROSANNA (Buddy Buie/J.R. Cobb)
By Dennis Yost & The Classics IV (MGM South/Universal: 1973) US #95 Pop, #35 AC
ROUGH SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN(Fair Cloth Barnes)
“I’m comin’ up on the Rough Side Of The Mountain”/
I must hold to God, His powerful hand”
Uplifting gospel standard written and most powerfully recorded by the Reverend Fair Cloth Barnes on Malaco.
Other versions incl: The Sisters Of Glory (Warner Bros/WMG), Garnet Mimms (GM), The Rev. F.C. Barnes & The Red Budd Combined Choir (Atlanta International).
RUN RUN LOOK AND SEE (Martin Cooper/Ray Whitley)
“My heart says: Run, run, look and see/Are my eyes just foolin' me?/
While I'm runnin', I keep prayin'/All the time my heart keeps sayin':
Run, Run, Look and See”
by Brian Hyland (Philips/Universal: 1966) US #25 Pop
SANTA CLAUS IS WATCHING YOU (Ray Stevens)
By Ray Stevens (Mercury/Universal: 1962) US #45 Pop
SHEILA (Tommy Roe)
“Never knew a girl like-a little Sheila/Her name drives me insane/
Sweet little girl, that's my little Sheila/Man, this little girl is fine”
Tommy Roe first cut this outstanding Buddy Holly-inspired song with his group The Satins back in 1960 but it was his 1962 Felton Jarvis-produced remake that sold a million copies here in the US. SHEILA was one of a number of covers performed by The Beatles at the Star-Club in Hamburg, Germany, prior their signing with EMI.
*By Tommy Roe (ABC-Paramount/Universal: 1962) US #1 Pop, UK #3
Other versions incl: The Greg Kihn Band (Beserkley), Dino Desi & Billy (Reprise/WMG), Status Quo (Universal), Leif Garrett (Scotti Bros.), The Tokens, Billy Fury (Magnum)
Another Tommy Roe composition called YOU MIGHT AS WELL FORGET HIM was cut by Liverpool singer Tommy Quickly for the British Pye label, the master of which is now controlled by Universal.
SHELTER (Joe South)
Versions incl. Petula Clark (MGM/Universal), The Tams (Arlen)
SO INTO YOU (Buddy Buie/Robert Nix/Dean Daughtry)
I am so into you/I can't think of nothing else”
This was the first Top Ten success for the Atlanta Rhythm Section (above). Driven by an infectious groove, it’s a midtempo Southern rock anthem that will have you
reaching for the replay button.
By The Atlanta Rhythm Section (Polydor/Universal: 1977) US #7 Pop, #11 AC, #93 R&B
Other versions incl: Les Paul & Peter Frampton (Capitol/EMI), Jose Feliciano (Motown/Universal), Shudder To Think (Epic/Sony)
Performed by Mark Wilms on the soundtrack of the Bill Murray/Scarlett Johanson comedy “Lost In Translation” (Universal: 2003)
SOUL TRAIN (Buddy Buie/J.R. Cobb)
By Classics IV (Imperial/EMI: 1968) US #90 Pop
SPANISH FIREBALL (Dan Welch)
“I met a girl in Laredo down in Mexico/While I was makin' the rounds/
Down in a dim cafe she does the swing and sway/That's the talk of the town/
I never learned her name but she's called the Spanish Fireball”
By Hank Snow (RCA/Sony: 1953) US #3 Country
SPEED BALL (Ray Stevens)
By Ray Stevens (Mercury/Universal: 1963) US #59 Pop
SPOOKY (Buddy Buie/J.R. Cobb/Harry Middlebrooks/Mike Shapiro)
“In the cool of the evening when ev'rything is gettin' kind of groovy/
I call you up and ask you if you want to go and meet and see a movie/
First you say no, you've got some plans for the night/
And then you stop, and say, "All right."/
Love is kinda crazy with a Spooky little girl like you”
SPOOKY started out as a jazz instrumental before Buddy Buie and J.R. Cobb wrote a new arrangement and its now-famous lyric. The song launched Florida
group the Classics IV and as you’ll see below, has been covered by a wide range of artists including the timeless Dusty Springfield who gave it an almost sultry
interpretation.
By Mike Sharpe (Liberty/EMI: 1967) US #57 Pop
*By Classics IV (Imperial/EMI: 1968) US #3 Pop, UK #46
By The Atlanta Rhythm Section (Polydor/Universal: 1979) US #17 Pop, #23 AC, UK #48
Other versions incl: Dusty Springfield (Mercury/Universal), Daniel Ash (Psychobaby), David Sanborn (Elektra/WMG), King Curtis (Atco/WMG), Stanley Turrentine (Blue Note/EMI), David Cassidy (Universal), The Fame Gang (Atlantic), Boris Gardiner (Trojan/Universal), The Lettermen (Capitol/EMI), Chris Montez (A&M/Universal), Joan Osborne (Universal), Boots Randolph (Monument/Sony), Percy Sledge (Atlantic/WMG), Martha Reeves (Sony/ATV), Cal Tjader (Direct Source), Andy Williams (Columbia/Sony), Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings (Velvel), Billy Larkin & The Delegates (World Pacific/EMI), The Walker Brothers (Philips/Universal),
Performed by Imogen Heap on the soundtrack of the Reese Witherspoon/Mark Ruffalo romantic comedy “Just Like Heaven” (DreamWorks: 2005).
STIR IT UP AND SERVE IT (Tommy Roe/Freddy Weller)
By Tommy Roe (ABC/Universal: 1970) US #50 Pop
STORMY (Buddy Buie/J.R. Cobb)
“Oh, Stormy, oh, Stormy, Bring back that sunny day”
This was the second Top 5 hit for the Classics IV, now with lead singer Dennis Yost given special billing. It’s a top-drawer soft rock love song and the instrumental version by jazz guitarist Gabor Szabo was sampled by John Legend in his song “Save Room” on his 2007 Grammy-nominated album “Once Again”.
*By Classics IV Featuring Dennis Yost (Imperial/EMI: 1968) US #5 Pop, #26 AC
By Santana (Columbia/Sony: 1979) US #32 Pop
Other versions incl: Billy Eckstine (Enterprise/Concord)
Percy Faith & His Orchestra (Columbia/Sony), Georgie Fame (Epic/Sony), Bobbie Gentry (Capitol/EMI), Duke Pearson (Blue Note/EMI), The Meters (Josie/Rhino), The Supremes (Motown/Universal), Gabor Szabo (Skye).
{The Gabor Szabo version was sampled by John Legend in his song “Save Room”}
SWEET PEA (Tommy Roe)
Oh, Sweet Pea, Come on and dance with me/
Come on, come on, come on and dance with me”
By Tommy Roe (ABC-Paramount/Universal: 1966) US #8 Pop
Other versions incl: Manfred Mann
THAT’S ALL YOU GOTTA DO Aka ALL YOU GOTTA DO (Jerry Reed)
*By Brenda Lee (Decca/Universal: 1960) US #6 Pop
THESE ARE NOT MY PEOPLE (Joe South)
By Freddy Weller (Columbia/Sony: 1969) US #5 Country
By Johnny Rivers (Imperial/EMI: 1969) US #55 Pop
Other versions incl: Joe South (Capitol/EMI)
TRACES (Buddy Buie/J.R. Cobb/Emory Gordy)
“Faded photograph covered now with lines and creases/
Tickets torn in half, mem-ories in bits and pieces/
Traces of love long ago, That didn't work out right”
Among the most performed songs in BMI’s catalog, TRACES is another timeless song of young love. Perfectly crafted for Dennis Yost’s voice, it was written by Buddy & J.R. along with Emory Gordy who played bass on the Classics IV session and later became Elvis Presley’s bass guitarist.
*By Classics IV Featuring Dennis Yost (Imperial/EMI: 1969) US #2 Pop, #2 AC
By The Lettermen (in a medley)(Capitol/EMI: 1970) US #47 Pop, #3 AC (in ’69)
By Sonny James (Capitol/EMI: 1972) US #30 Country
Other versions include: Gloria Estefan (Epic/Sony), Johnny Mathis (Columbia/Sony), Henry Mancini & His Orchestra (RCA/Sony), Steve Lawrence (Columbia/Sony), Billy Paul (Philadelphia Int’l/Sony), The Harry James Orchestra (Reader’s Digest), Mel Torme (Capitol/EMI), Bettye Swann (Capitol/EMI), Bobby Vinton (Epic/Sony), Andre Kostelanetz & His Orchestra (Columbia/Sony), Scooter Lee (Southern Tracks), Mike Melvoin (RCA/Sony),
UNTIE ME (Joe South)
“So Untie Me, untie me baby/’Cause you’re not ever there when I need you/
You don't care what I say or what I do/So untie me”
By The Tams (Arlen: 1962) US #12 R&B, #60 Pop
By James & Bobby Purify (Bell/Sony: 1969) US #47 R&B
Other versions incl: Joe South (Capitol/EMI), Manfred Mann
WALK A MILE IN MY SHOES (Joe South)
“Yeah, before you abuse, criticize and accuse/Walk a mile in my shoes”
By Joe South & The Believers (Capitol/EMI: 1970) US #12 Pop, #56 Country, #3 AC
By Willie Hightower (Fame/EMI: 1970) US #26 R&B
Other versions incl: Elvis Presley (RCA/Sony), Ray Stevens (Barnaby)
WALK ON BY (Kendall Hayes)
“Just walk on by, wait on the corner/I love you, but we're strangers when we meet”
A major country-crossover pop smash sung by Missouri born singer Leroy Van Dyke;
WALK ON BY stayed on top of Billboard’s country chart for 19 straight weeks!
By Leroy Van Dyke (Mercury/Universal: 1961) US #1 Country, #5 Pop, UK #5 (in ’62)
By Donna Fargo (Warner Bros/WMG: 1980) US #43 Country
By Perry LaPointe (Door Knob: 1987) US #73 Country
By Asleep At The Wheel (Epic/Sony: 1988) US #55 Country
Other versions incl: Daniel O’Donnell (DPTV), Dean Martin (Reprise), Martina McBride (RCA/Sony), Johnny Burnette (Liberty/EMI), Robert Gordon (RCA/Sony)
WHAT AM I CRYING FOR?(Buddy Buie/J.R. Cobb)
By Dennis Yost & The Classics IV (MGM South/Universal: 1972) US #39 Pop, #7 AC
WHAT KIND OF FOOL DO YOU THINK I AM (Ray Whitley)
“What kind of fool do you think I am/Do you think I am baby/
Darling you can't think that/Darling I'm no fool”
Another beach music classic by Atlanta’s own R&B favorites, The Tams.
By The Tams (ABC-Paramount/Universal: 1964) US #1 R&B, #9 Pop
Other versions incl: Bill Deal & The Rondells (Heritage), Del Shannon
WHEN I’M WITH YOU (Eddie Carswell/Leonard Ahlstrom)
By NewSong (Benson: 1995) US #9 CHR
WHERE DID ALL THE GOOD TIMES GO(Buddy Buie/J.R. Cobb)
By Dennis Yost & The Classics IV (Liberty/EMI: 1970) US #69 Pop, #14 AC
WORKING CLASS HERO (Tommy Roe)
By Tommy Roe (MGM South/Universal: 1973) US #73 Country
YO YO (Joe South)
By The Osmonds (MGM/Universal: 1971) US #3 Pop
Other versions incl: Billy Joe Royal (Columbia/Sony)
YOU LIED TO YOUR DADDY (Ray Whitley)
By The Tams (ABC-Paramount/Universal: 1964) US #27 R&B, #70 Pop
YOUNG LOVE (Ric Cartey/Carole Joyner)
“Young love, first love filled with true devotion/
Young love, our love, We share with deep emotion.”
First recorded by singer/songwriter Ric Cartey and his girlfriend and originally issued as a B side. Song was then picked up and two million-selling versions emerged –
one by country star Sonny James and the other by a young Hollywood heartthrob called Tab Hunter. Sixteen years on, then-teen idol Donny Osmond took YOUNG LOVE back to the charts.
By Sonny James (Capitol/EMI: 1957) US #1 Country, #1 Pop, UK #11
By Tab Hunter (Dot/Universal: 1957) US #1 Pop, UK #1
By The Crew-Cuts (Mercury/Universal: 1957) US #17 Pop
By Lesley Gore (Mercury/Universal: 1966) US #50 Pop
By Connie Smith & Nat Stuckey (RCA/Sony: 1969) US #20 Country
By Donny Osmond (MGM-Kolob/Universal: 1973) US #25 Pop, UK #1
By Ray Stevens (Barnaby: 1976) US #48 Country
By Stella Parton (Town House: 1982) US #75 Country
By Twister Alley (Mercury/Universal: 1994) US #70 Country
Other versions incl: The Jordanaires (Capitol/EMI), Perry Como (RCA/Sony), Mary Hopkin (Apple/EMI), Ray Conniff & His Orchestra (Columbia/Sony), Leroy Van Dyke (Mercury/Universal), Bo & Peep (UK Decca/Universal), Ric Cartey (RCA/Sony)
a href="https://satv.sonydadc.com:443/sony_atv/cgi-bin/ratePlaylistForward?playlistMessageId=f0Vo6y7DDcw%3D" target="new">Click Here for Associated Playlist
***************
*Sony/ATV owns re-recordings by Tommy Roe of SHEILA and SWEET PEA Plus a re-recording by The Tams of WHAT KIND OF FOOL DO YOU THINK I AM. In addition, a re-recording by Joe South of WALK A MILE IN MY SHOES. We also control re-recordings by Classics IV Featuring Dennis Yost of the songs SPOOKY, STORY and TRACES; Plus THAT’S ALL YOU GOTTA DO by Brenda Lee.
For further details, please contact Jack Jackson In Nashville on 615.726.8404.
***************
US chart positions courtesy of Joel Whitburn & Billboard Magazine
2/09
Jul 10, 2009
Sony/ATV’s "Musical Notes" #34
A newsletter highlighting some of the many classic songs in the Sony/ATV Music Publishing catalog.
From Alan Warner, Creative Consultant
***************
THE LEGACY OF LOWERY MUSIC
Part Two
Songwriter/Producer Buddy Buie
In 1997, Buddy Buie was inducted into the Alabama Music Hall Of Fame and for good reason. The long-running series of hit songs that he wrote and produced primarily for the Classics IV and the Atlanta Rhythm Section speak for themselves and his partnership with music publishing legend Bill Lowery resulted in him being a much-sought after talent on the Atlanta Music scene in the 60’s and 70’s.
Born in Dothan, Alabama, Buddy went to school with Bobby Goldsboro and John Rainey Adkins and it was John who was not only Buddy’s first songwriting partner but also the one most responsible for helping him start his musical career. The young Buie booked Roy Orbison to play Dothan in the early 60’s and hired local group The Webs as the backup band; Orbison loved the group so much that he decided to take them on the road with him. Changing their name to The Candymen, their line-up included pianist Dean Daughtry, drummer Bob Nix and the afore-mentioned John Adkins on guitar; Buddy both managed and produced them when they recorded for ABC and among the standout songs they cut was DEEP IN THE NIGHT written by Buddy along with Messrs. Nix and Adkins and released as a single in 1968.
Buddy’s friend and partner Paul Cochran discovered Dennis Yost & The Classics IV in Jacksonville, Florida; they came to Atlanta to record for Bill Lowery and Buddy Buie became their producer. The two recurring writer names on the Classics IV successes such as SPOOKY, STORMY and TRACES were Buddy and J.R. Cobb who was the band’s guitarist. J.R. went on to become a founder member of Buddy’s next project after the Classics IV, namely the famed Southern rock band: the Atlanta
Rhythm Section.
Along with Bill Lowery, Buie also operated the Georgia recording studio known as Studio One and it was there that he produced sessions with Billy Joe Royal, Tommy Roe, B.J. Thomas and Roy Orbison.
And now…
Part 2 of our list of outstanding copyrights from
The Lowery Music Catalog
KEY LARGO (Bertie Higgins/Sonny Limbo)
“We had it all, Just like Bogie and Bacall/
Starring in our old late, late show, Sailing away to Key Largo”
Florida-born singer Bertie Higgins collaborated with record producer Sonny Limbo on this soft rock ballad which became a worldwide success. Bertie, who had played
drums in Tommy Roe’s band, conjured up a love story around memories of Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall and their classic movie “Key Largo”.
By Bertie Higgins (Kat Family/Sony: 1982) US #8 Pop, #1 AC, UK #60
With John Healy, Bertie & Sonny also wrote CASABLANCA which was a huge seller in Japan for local artist Hiromi Go.
LIVING PROOF (Eddie Carswell/Leonard Ahlstrom/Bill Collier)
By NewSong (DaySpring: 1991) US #4 CHR
LOVE REVOLUTION (Eddie Carswell/Leonard Ahlstrom/Russell Lee)
By NewSong (Benson: 1997) US #25 CHR
MIDNIGHT (Buddy Buie/J.R. Cobb/Emory Gordy)
By Dennis Yost & The Classics IV (Imperial/EMI: 1969) US #58 Pop, #23 AC
MIGHTY CLOUDS OF JOY (Buddy Buie/Robert Nix)
“Holy Jesus, Let your love seize us/Oh, let us find sweet peace within/
Hallelujah! Happiness begins/
When the Mighty Clouds Of Joy come rolling in”
Jubilant inspirational song: one of two hits* that Buddy Buie co-wrote
for and produced on consistent record-seller B.J. Thomas.
By B.J. Thomas (Scepter/Global: 1971) US #34 Pop, #8 AC
Other versions incl: Al Green (A&M/Universal), Glen Campbell (Universal South), The Mighty Clouds Of Joy (ABC/Universal), Melba Moore (Buddah/Sony), Lloyd Parks (Trojan/Universal)
*The other Buddy Buie-produced B.J. Thomas hit was MOST OF ALL.
MIRACLES(Eddie Carswell/Leonard Ahlstrom/Russell Lee)
By NewSong (Benson: 1997) US #10 CHR
MISERY LOVES COMPANY (Jerry Reed)
“Come on sit at my table where the drinks are on me/
Just gather ‘round me cause Misery Loves Company”
Country TV star Porter Wagoner scored a huge success with this song authored by Jerry Reed, the singer/songwriter they called ‘The Guitar Man’.
By Porter Wagoner (RCA/Sony: 1962) US #1 Country
Other versions incl: Ronnie Milsap (RCA/Sony)
MOONLIGHT FEELS RIGHT (Michael Bruce Blackman)
“I'll take you on a trip beside the ocean/And drop the top at Chesapeake Bay/
Ain't nothin’ like the sky to dose a potion/The moon'll send you on your way/
Moonlight Feels Right, moonlight feels right”
Produced by Bruce Blackman for Bill Lowery Productions, this featured Bruce (formerly of Eternity’s Children and later of Korona) singing with a memorable instrumental solo played by Bo Wagner on the marimba. A superb, feel-good soft rock song that is perfect for romantic summer evenings.
By Starbuck (Private Stock/Janus: 1976) US #3 Pop, #2 AC
MOST OF ALL (Buddy Buie/J.R. Cobb)
“Hello darlin', my it's good to hear you/I'm at the railroad station in St. Paul/
How are all the folks, I'd love to see 'em/But, girl, I'd love to see you Most Of All”
By B.J. Thomas (Scepter/Global: 1971) US #38 Pop
Other versions incl: Anne Murray (Capitol/EMI), Classics IV (Imperial/EMI), The Osmonds (MGM/Universal), Joe Simon (Spring/UK Ace)
MR. MOONLIGHT(Roy Lee Johnson)
“And the nights you don't come my way. I'll pray and pray more each day/
Because we love you, Mr. Moonlight”
Originally recorded by American R&B band Dr. Feelgood & The Interns in 1962, this song never charted but became a favorite with a number of Merseybeat bands including The Beatles who, with John Lennon singing lead, recorded it for their UK album “Beatles For Sale” in 1964.
Versions incl: Dr. Feelgood & The Interns (OKeh/Sony),
The Beatles (Capitol/EMI), The Hollies (UK EMI)
The Merseybeats (Fontana/Universal)
MY TRUE CONFESSION (Ray Stevens/Margie Singleton)
“(True Confession) she can read the story/
(Read it in your magazine) that's my true confession/
(True confession) and I'm sorry/(Sorry that I treated her so mean)”
Lyrically describing an acknowledgment of guilt, this mid-tempo ballad certainly had its moment in the sun during Brook Benton’s long running string of hits.
y Brook Benton (Mercury/Universal: 1963) US #8 AC
NEON NITES (Buddy Buie/Robert Nix)
By The Atlanta Rhythm Section (Polydor/Universal: 1977) US #42 Pop, #39 AC
9,999,999 TEARS (Razzy Bailey)
“Got nine million nine hundred ninety nine thousand nine hundred ninety nine tears to go/
And then I don't know if I'll be over you”
By Dickey Lee (RCA/Sony: 1976) US #3 Country
By Tammy Lucas (SOA: 1989) US #75 Country
Other versions incl: Razzy Bailey (RCA/Sony)
OLD BRIDGES BURN SLOW (Joe South/Sanford Brown/Shawn Meadows)
By Billy Joe Royal (Atlantic America/WMG: 1987) US #11 Country
PEARL (Tommy Roe/Freddy Weller)
By Tommy Roe (ABC/Universal: 1970) US #50 Pop
POPSICLE (Buzz Cason/Bobby Russell)
“Orange, lemon, cherry and lime/Fudge, tutti-frutti and a grape, that's fine/
Buy one for me, and one for my chick/A lot of good eating on a popsicle stick”
Jan Berry & Dean Torrence surfed their way through this hit-flavored ditty (“And it comes on a stick…uh huh huh”!) which makes it perfect for both children’s and summer song lists.
By Jan & Dean (Liberty/EMI: 1966) US #66 Pop
REACH OUT OF THE DARKNESS Aka IN THE DARKNESS (Jim Post)
“Reach out in the darkness/And you may find a friend”
Produced by Joe South and Bill Lowery, the memorable opening lines of this ballad began “I think it's so groovy now/That people are finally getting together”.
The song certainly struck a chord with record-buying audiences in the months following 1967: the summer
of love. ‘Friend And Lover’ were folk singer Jim Post and Cathy, his then-wife.
By Friend & Lover (Verve Forecast/Universal: 1968) US #10 Pop
RHYTHM OF THE WORLD (Eddie Carswell/Leonard Ahlstrom)
“Everyday we’re closer than before/That’s the Rhythm Of The World”
Inspirational ballad from the successful Christian rock group NewSong.
By NewSong (Benson: 1997) US #5 CHR
ROSANNA (Buddy Buie/J.R. Cobb)
By Dennis Yost & The Classics IV (MGM South/Universal: 1973) US #95 Pop, #35 AC
ROUGH SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN(Fair Cloth Barnes)
“I’m comin’ up on the Rough Side Of The Mountain”/
I must hold to God, His powerful hand”
Uplifting gospel standard written and most powerfully recorded by the Reverend Fair Cloth Barnes on Malaco.
Other versions incl: The Sisters Of Glory (Warner Bros/WMG), Garnet Mimms (GM), The Rev. F.C. Barnes & The Red Budd Combined Choir (Atlanta International).
RUN RUN LOOK AND SEE (Martin Cooper/Ray Whitley)
“My heart says: Run, run, look and see/Are my eyes just foolin' me?/
While I'm runnin', I keep prayin'/All the time my heart keeps sayin':
Run, Run, Look and See”
by Brian Hyland (Philips/Universal: 1966) US #25 Pop
SANTA CLAUS IS WATCHING YOU (Ray Stevens)
By Ray Stevens (Mercury/Universal: 1962) US #45 Pop
SHEILA (Tommy Roe)
“Never knew a girl like-a little Sheila/Her name drives me insane/
Sweet little girl, that's my little Sheila/Man, this little girl is fine”
Tommy Roe first cut this outstanding Buddy Holly-inspired song with his group The Satins back in 1960 but it was his 1962 Felton Jarvis-produced remake that sold a million copies here in the US. SHEILA was one of a number of covers performed by The Beatles at the Star-Club in Hamburg, Germany, prior their signing with EMI.
*By Tommy Roe (ABC-Paramount/Universal: 1962) US #1 Pop, UK #3
Other versions incl: The Greg Kihn Band (Beserkley), Dino Desi & Billy (Reprise/WMG), Status Quo (Universal), Leif Garrett (Scotti Bros.), The Tokens, Billy Fury (Magnum)
Another Tommy Roe composition called YOU MIGHT AS WELL FORGET HIM was cut by Liverpool singer Tommy Quickly for the British Pye label, the master of which is now controlled by Universal.
SHELTER (Joe South)
Versions incl. Petula Clark (MGM/Universal), The Tams (Arlen)
SO INTO YOU (Buddy Buie/Robert Nix/Dean Daughtry)
I am so into you/I can't think of nothing else”
This was the first Top Ten success for the Atlanta Rhythm Section (above). Driven by an infectious groove, it’s a midtempo Southern rock anthem that will have you
reaching for the replay button.
By The Atlanta Rhythm Section (Polydor/Universal: 1977) US #7 Pop, #11 AC, #93 R&B
Other versions incl: Les Paul & Peter Frampton (Capitol/EMI), Jose Feliciano (Motown/Universal), Shudder To Think (Epic/Sony)
Performed by Mark Wilms on the soundtrack of the Bill Murray/Scarlett Johanson comedy “Lost In Translation” (Universal: 2003)
SOUL TRAIN (Buddy Buie/J.R. Cobb)
By Classics IV (Imperial/EMI: 1968) US #90 Pop
SPANISH FIREBALL (Dan Welch)
“I met a girl in Laredo down in Mexico/While I was makin' the rounds/
Down in a dim cafe she does the swing and sway/That's the talk of the town/
I never learned her name but she's called the Spanish Fireball”
By Hank Snow (RCA/Sony: 1953) US #3 Country
SPEED BALL (Ray Stevens)
By Ray Stevens (Mercury/Universal: 1963) US #59 Pop
SPOOKY (Buddy Buie/J.R. Cobb/Harry Middlebrooks/Mike Shapiro)
“In the cool of the evening when ev'rything is gettin' kind of groovy/
I call you up and ask you if you want to go and meet and see a movie/
First you say no, you've got some plans for the night/
And then you stop, and say, "All right."/
Love is kinda crazy with a Spooky little girl like you”
SPOOKY started out as a jazz instrumental before Buddy Buie and J.R. Cobb wrote a new arrangement and its now-famous lyric. The song launched Florida
group the Classics IV and as you’ll see below, has been covered by a wide range of artists including the timeless Dusty Springfield who gave it an almost sultry
interpretation.
By Mike Sharpe (Liberty/EMI: 1967) US #57 Pop
*By Classics IV (Imperial/EMI: 1968) US #3 Pop, UK #46
By The Atlanta Rhythm Section (Polydor/Universal: 1979) US #17 Pop, #23 AC, UK #48
Other versions incl: Dusty Springfield (Mercury/Universal), Daniel Ash (Psychobaby), David Sanborn (Elektra/WMG), King Curtis (Atco/WMG), Stanley Turrentine (Blue Note/EMI), David Cassidy (Universal), The Fame Gang (Atlantic), Boris Gardiner (Trojan/Universal), The Lettermen (Capitol/EMI), Chris Montez (A&M/Universal), Joan Osborne (Universal), Boots Randolph (Monument/Sony), Percy Sledge (Atlantic/WMG), Martha Reeves (Sony/ATV), Cal Tjader (Direct Source), Andy Williams (Columbia/Sony), Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings (Velvel), Billy Larkin & The Delegates (World Pacific/EMI), The Walker Brothers (Philips/Universal),
Performed by Imogen Heap on the soundtrack of the Reese Witherspoon/Mark Ruffalo romantic comedy “Just Like Heaven” (DreamWorks: 2005).
STIR IT UP AND SERVE IT (Tommy Roe/Freddy Weller)
By Tommy Roe (ABC/Universal: 1970) US #50 Pop
STORMY (Buddy Buie/J.R. Cobb)
“Oh, Stormy, oh, Stormy, Bring back that sunny day”
This was the second Top 5 hit for the Classics IV, now with lead singer Dennis Yost given special billing. It’s a top-drawer soft rock love song and the instrumental version by jazz guitarist Gabor Szabo was sampled by John Legend in his song “Save Room” on his 2007 Grammy-nominated album “Once Again”.
*By Classics IV Featuring Dennis Yost (Imperial/EMI: 1968) US #5 Pop, #26 AC
By Santana (Columbia/Sony: 1979) US #32 Pop
Other versions incl: Billy Eckstine (Enterprise/Concord)
Percy Faith & His Orchestra (Columbia/Sony), Georgie Fame (Epic/Sony), Bobbie Gentry (Capitol/EMI), Duke Pearson (Blue Note/EMI), The Meters (Josie/Rhino), The Supremes (Motown/Universal), Gabor Szabo (Skye).
{The Gabor Szabo version was sampled by John Legend in his song “Save Room”}
SWEET PEA (Tommy Roe)
Oh, Sweet Pea, Come on and dance with me/
Come on, come on, come on and dance with me”
By Tommy Roe (ABC-Paramount/Universal: 1966) US #8 Pop
Other versions incl: Manfred Mann
THAT’S ALL YOU GOTTA DO Aka ALL YOU GOTTA DO (Jerry Reed)
*By Brenda Lee (Decca/Universal: 1960) US #6 Pop
THESE ARE NOT MY PEOPLE (Joe South)
By Freddy Weller (Columbia/Sony: 1969) US #5 Country
By Johnny Rivers (Imperial/EMI: 1969) US #55 Pop
Other versions incl: Joe South (Capitol/EMI)
TRACES (Buddy Buie/J.R. Cobb/Emory Gordy)
“Faded photograph covered now with lines and creases/
Tickets torn in half, mem-ories in bits and pieces/
Traces of love long ago, That didn't work out right”
Among the most performed songs in BMI’s catalog, TRACES is another timeless song of young love. Perfectly crafted for Dennis Yost’s voice, it was written by Buddy & J.R. along with Emory Gordy who played bass on the Classics IV session and later became Elvis Presley’s bass guitarist.
*By Classics IV Featuring Dennis Yost (Imperial/EMI: 1969) US #2 Pop, #2 AC
By The Lettermen (in a medley)(Capitol/EMI: 1970) US #47 Pop, #3 AC (in ’69)
By Sonny James (Capitol/EMI: 1972) US #30 Country
Other versions include: Gloria Estefan (Epic/Sony), Johnny Mathis (Columbia/Sony), Henry Mancini & His Orchestra (RCA/Sony), Steve Lawrence (Columbia/Sony), Billy Paul (Philadelphia Int’l/Sony), The Harry James Orchestra (Reader’s Digest), Mel Torme (Capitol/EMI), Bettye Swann (Capitol/EMI), Bobby Vinton (Epic/Sony), Andre Kostelanetz & His Orchestra (Columbia/Sony), Scooter Lee (Southern Tracks), Mike Melvoin (RCA/Sony),
UNTIE ME (Joe South)
“So Untie Me, untie me baby/’Cause you’re not ever there when I need you/
You don't care what I say or what I do/So untie me”
By The Tams (Arlen: 1962) US #12 R&B, #60 Pop
By James & Bobby Purify (Bell/Sony: 1969) US #47 R&B
Other versions incl: Joe South (Capitol/EMI), Manfred Mann
WALK A MILE IN MY SHOES (Joe South)
“Yeah, before you abuse, criticize and accuse/Walk a mile in my shoes”
By Joe South & The Believers (Capitol/EMI: 1970) US #12 Pop, #56 Country, #3 AC
By Willie Hightower (Fame/EMI: 1970) US #26 R&B
Other versions incl: Elvis Presley (RCA/Sony), Ray Stevens (Barnaby)
WALK ON BY (Kendall Hayes)
“Just walk on by, wait on the corner/I love you, but we're strangers when we meet”
A major country-crossover pop smash sung by Missouri born singer Leroy Van Dyke;
WALK ON BY stayed on top of Billboard’s country chart for 19 straight weeks!
By Leroy Van Dyke (Mercury/Universal: 1961) US #1 Country, #5 Pop, UK #5 (in ’62)
By Donna Fargo (Warner Bros/WMG: 1980) US #43 Country
By Perry LaPointe (Door Knob: 1987) US #73 Country
By Asleep At The Wheel (Epic/Sony: 1988) US #55 Country
Other versions incl: Daniel O’Donnell (DPTV), Dean Martin (Reprise), Martina McBride (RCA/Sony), Johnny Burnette (Liberty/EMI), Robert Gordon (RCA/Sony)
WHAT AM I CRYING FOR?(Buddy Buie/J.R. Cobb)
By Dennis Yost & The Classics IV (MGM South/Universal: 1972) US #39 Pop, #7 AC
WHAT KIND OF FOOL DO YOU THINK I AM (Ray Whitley)
“What kind of fool do you think I am/Do you think I am baby/
Darling you can't think that/Darling I'm no fool”
Another beach music classic by Atlanta’s own R&B favorites, The Tams.
By The Tams (ABC-Paramount/Universal: 1964) US #1 R&B, #9 Pop
Other versions incl: Bill Deal & The Rondells (Heritage), Del Shannon
WHEN I’M WITH YOU (Eddie Carswell/Leonard Ahlstrom)
By NewSong (Benson: 1995) US #9 CHR
WHERE DID ALL THE GOOD TIMES GO(Buddy Buie/J.R. Cobb)
By Dennis Yost & The Classics IV (Liberty/EMI: 1970) US #69 Pop, #14 AC
WORKING CLASS HERO (Tommy Roe)
By Tommy Roe (MGM South/Universal: 1973) US #73 Country
YO YO (Joe South)
By The Osmonds (MGM/Universal: 1971) US #3 Pop
Other versions incl: Billy Joe Royal (Columbia/Sony)
YOU LIED TO YOUR DADDY (Ray Whitley)
By The Tams (ABC-Paramount/Universal: 1964) US #27 R&B, #70 Pop
YOUNG LOVE (Ric Cartey/Carole Joyner)
“Young love, first love filled with true devotion/
Young love, our love, We share with deep emotion.”
First recorded by singer/songwriter Ric Cartey and his girlfriend and originally issued as a B side. Song was then picked up and two million-selling versions emerged –
one by country star Sonny James and the other by a young Hollywood heartthrob called Tab Hunter. Sixteen years on, then-teen idol Donny Osmond took YOUNG LOVE back to the charts.
By Sonny James (Capitol/EMI: 1957) US #1 Country, #1 Pop, UK #11
By Tab Hunter (Dot/Universal: 1957) US #1 Pop, UK #1
By The Crew-Cuts (Mercury/Universal: 1957) US #17 Pop
By Lesley Gore (Mercury/Universal: 1966) US #50 Pop
By Connie Smith & Nat Stuckey (RCA/Sony: 1969) US #20 Country
By Donny Osmond (MGM-Kolob/Universal: 1973) US #25 Pop, UK #1
By Ray Stevens (Barnaby: 1976) US #48 Country
By Stella Parton (Town House: 1982) US #75 Country
By Twister Alley (Mercury/Universal: 1994) US #70 Country
Other versions incl: The Jordanaires (Capitol/EMI), Perry Como (RCA/Sony), Mary Hopkin (Apple/EMI), Ray Conniff & His Orchestra (Columbia/Sony), Leroy Van Dyke (Mercury/Universal), Bo & Peep (UK Decca/Universal), Ric Cartey (RCA/Sony)
a href="https://satv.sonydadc.com:443/sony_atv/cgi-bin/ratePlaylistForward?playlistMessageId=f0Vo6y7DDcw%3D" target="new">Click Here for Associated Playlist
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*Sony/ATV owns re-recordings by Tommy Roe of SHEILA and SWEET PEA Plus a re-recording by The Tams of WHAT KIND OF FOOL DO YOU THINK I AM. In addition, a re-recording by Joe South of WALK A MILE IN MY SHOES. We also control re-recordings by Classics IV Featuring Dennis Yost of the songs SPOOKY, STORY and TRACES; Plus THAT’S ALL YOU GOTTA DO by Brenda Lee.
For further details, please contact Jack Jackson In Nashville on 615.726.8404.
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US chart positions courtesy of Joel Whitburn & Billboard Magazine
2/09
