Dean Daughtry, the keyboardist and cowriter behind Atlanta Rhythm Section’s two biggest hits, died Thursday in Huntsville, Alabama. He was 76 and his passing was attributed to “natural causes.”
Atlanta Rhythm Section was omnipresent on the radio in the 1970s, thanks to soft-rock hits “So Into You” and “Imaginary Lover.” Daughtry cowrote both.
Related Story
Hollywood & Media Deaths In 2023: Photo Gallery & Obituaries
“While ARS is known to be a guitar centric band, just listen to the recordings and you’ll realize the contribution that Dean brought to the band. From the first chord of ‘So Into You,’ and the introduction to ‘Imaginary Lover,’ he left his imprint on the band’s recordings,” the group wrote on Facebook. “For 49 years he never missed a gig, until his health forced him to retire a couple of years ago, cutting short his goal of 50 years. He was like a Bulldog, but his friends knew him as ‘OX.’”
Daughtry was the sole consistent member from 1971 through 2020, when he retired. Before joining ARS, Daughtry played keyboards in the bands Classics IV and The Candymen, the latter which had hits in 1967 and 1968 with “Georgia Pines” and “Ways,” respectively. He also often played as part of the backing band for Roy Orbison.
Daughtry and fellow Candymen bandmates Rodney Justo, Barry Bailey and Robert Nix, as well as former Classics IV member J.R. Cobb Jr., joined bassist Paul Goddard to form ARS in the Atlanta suburb of Doraville.
The band’s first album came out in 1972, but it took until 1977’s “A Rock and Roll Alternative” for them to break big. That album had “So Into You,” a Top Ten hit on the Billboard Hot 100.
They followed up with the Top 10 “Imaginary Lover,” part of their “Champagne Jam” album.
The group had several minor hits after that, including “Spooky,” originally a Classics IV song. “Spooky” charged at No. 17 on Billboard.
ARS still plays small theaters and festivals, with Lee Shealy taking Daughtry’s place.
No information on survivors or memorial plans was immediately available.
Must Read Stories
‘The Bear’ Breakout Ayo Edebiri Joins Marvel’s ‘Thunderbolts’ Pic In Secret Role
Stuck On You: ‘Elvis’ Director Baz Luhrmann Sets First-Look With Warner Bros
Hollywood’s Unions In Talks To Renew Covid Protocols, Which Expire Tuesday
All About Kang: ‘Quantumania‘ Hits Tracking With Projected $120M U.S. Bow
Read More About:
Source: Read Full Article