Post by 1finemrg on Jan 26, 2023 16:37:41 GMT -5
Atlanta Rhythm Section co-founder Dean Daughtry passed away January 26 at the age of 76.
The keyboardist was the only constant in ARS from the beginning until his retirement in 2020. He never missed a gig during his 49 year tenure.
Dean started playing at the age of 5. His first professional gig was as a member of Roy Orbison's backing band, the Candymen. He also had a stint with the Classics IV.
In 1970, members from the Candymen and Classics IV joined forces forming the Atlanta Rhythm Section. A release from their third album "Third Annual Pipe Dream" would result in their first Top 40 single on the Hot 100. "Doraville" would reach #35 in 1974.
The band's breakthrough was with their sixth album, "A Rock And Roll Alternative". It would peak at #11 and go gold. From the album, "So Into You" would be their first Top 10 single, peaking at #7 in 1977.
The follow-up "Champagne Jam" would fare even better, peaking at #7 and earning platinum honors. The single "Imaginary Lovers" would match the #7 peak success of "So Into You".
Dean Daughtry shared writing credit on both of the band's Top 10 hits. Seven singles from ARS would reach the Top 40, including a cover of "Spooky" from their Classic IV days.
In 2020, Daughtry was asked if there was anything he wished he had gotten to do in his career. "Tour with the Beatles!" he joked. "But I was really [lucky] to get my start with Roy Orbison. It was great. We had a lot of good times."
The band issued the following statement:
“We’re sad today to announce the passing of our long time, and original member Dean ‘Ox’ Daughtry. 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. Our hearts go out to his wife Donna, and his family. We’re gonna miss you, ol’ buddy.”
Obituary
The keyboardist was the only constant in ARS from the beginning until his retirement in 2020. He never missed a gig during his 49 year tenure.
Dean started playing at the age of 5. His first professional gig was as a member of Roy Orbison's backing band, the Candymen. He also had a stint with the Classics IV.
In 1970, members from the Candymen and Classics IV joined forces forming the Atlanta Rhythm Section. A release from their third album "Third Annual Pipe Dream" would result in their first Top 40 single on the Hot 100. "Doraville" would reach #35 in 1974.
The band's breakthrough was with their sixth album, "A Rock And Roll Alternative". It would peak at #11 and go gold. From the album, "So Into You" would be their first Top 10 single, peaking at #7 in 1977.
The follow-up "Champagne Jam" would fare even better, peaking at #7 and earning platinum honors. The single "Imaginary Lovers" would match the #7 peak success of "So Into You".
Dean Daughtry shared writing credit on both of the band's Top 10 hits. Seven singles from ARS would reach the Top 40, including a cover of "Spooky" from their Classic IV days.
In 2020, Daughtry was asked if there was anything he wished he had gotten to do in his career. "Tour with the Beatles!" he joked. "But I was really [lucky] to get my start with Roy Orbison. It was great. We had a lot of good times."
The band issued the following statement:
“We’re sad today to announce the passing of our long time, and original member Dean ‘Ox’ Daughtry. 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. Our hearts go out to his wife Donna, and his family. We’re gonna miss you, ol’ buddy.”
Obituary