United States 
Vanessa Nakate to Open Giving Black Conference 2026 With Climate Justice Keynote
7 days ago
Atlanta Rhythm Section emerged from Atlanta's vibrant studio scene, evolving into a prominent Southern rock band known for their polished, pop-oriented sound and chart-topping hits.
Interested in booking Atlanta Rhythm Section?
Request A ShowSigned by Decca Records, the band released their first album, "Atlanta Rhythm Section," in January 1972. Due to the record's limited commercial success, Justo quit the band, relocating to New York City as a session singer. He was replaced by Ronnie Hammond, assistant to Studio One's engineer, Rodney Mills. With Hammond on board, the band's second release, "Back Up Against the Wall" (February 1973), also failed to sell and Decca dumped ARS from their roster.
Buie’s manager, Jeff Franklin, who was based in New York and had gotten the group the deal with Decca, was then able to get ARS signed to Polydor for their third release, "Third Annual Pipe Dream," in August 1974. As a special thank-you to Bailey, Daughtry, and Goddard for appearing on his pioneering 1970 Christian Rock album Mylon, We Believe, Mylon LeFevre performed on one of the Pipe Dream tracks, "Jesus Hearted People" (Buie, Bailey, Goddard, Daughtry and Rodney Mills had all been regular players at Master Sound and LeFevre’s studio, LeFevre Sound, before they built Studio One).
Bruce Lundvall offered a better deal at Columbia Records (CBS), who released the next ARS album, "Quinella" in August 1981, containing the hit "Alien" (#29) but, like "The Boys From Doraville," struggled with sales.
In 1995 the group went back into the studio, this time to re-record some of their classic songs. This new collection was recorded in North Carolina and the resulting live-in-studio sound of "Atlanta Rhythm Section '96" (released on CMC International in April 1996) presented a different, less polished take on some of their classic tunes and captured the sound of their live performances from that period.
Polydor had the Atlanta Rhythm Section, MCA had Lynyrd Skynyrd, Epic signed the Charlie Daniels Band, and the first company to promote southern rock, Capricorn, was still enjoying the success of the Allman Brothers Band and the Marshall Tucker Band. ARS was cast into this category, but their style was not of the same mold.
The Atlanta Rhythm Section, also known as ARS, was formed in 1970 by a group of seasoned studio musicians in Doraville, Georgia. The initial lineup included Rodney Justo (singer), Barry Bailey (guitar), Paul Goddard (bass), Dean Daughtry (keyboards), Robert Nix (drums), and J. R. Cobb (guitar). Many of these members had previously played with The Candymen and Classics IV, often backing Roy Orbison. They coalesced at Studio One, a newly opened recording studio, where they served as the session band. The band’s name was conceived by Studio One’s owner and their manager, Buddy Buie, along with Cobb and Bill Lowery. After signing with Decca Records, they released their self-titled debut album in 1972. While this initial release, and their second album “Back Up Against the Wall” (1973), did not achieve significant commercial success, it set the stage for their future work.
Following a shift to Polydor Records, ARS released “Third Annual Pipe Dream” in 1974. This album spawned their first hit single, “Doraville,” which reached number 35 on the charts and helped the album climb to number 74 on Billboard’s Top 200. The band gained further recognition through extensive touring throughout 1975-1976, performing alongside acts like The Who and The Rolling Stones. Their breakthrough came with the 1976 album “A Rock and Roll Alternative,” which was certified gold in 1977 and featured the top 10 single “So in to You.” This success was surpassed by their 1978 album “Champagne Jam,” which sold over a million copies and achieved platinum status. This album included two more hit singles: “Imaginary Lover” (number 7) and “I’m Not Gonna Let It Bother Me Tonight” (number 14).
Atlanta Rhythm Section demonstrated a unique sound within the Southern rock genre, favoring meticulously crafted, pop-leaning compositions over the extended blues-based guitar improvisations characteristic of some contemporaries. They continued to achieve chart success with the album “Underdog” in 1979, which produced hits like “Do It or Die” and a remake of the Classics IV’s “Spooky.” Throughout their career, ARS performed at major festivals such as Knebworth Festival and Texxas Jam, and even played at the White House for President Jimmy Carter. Despite later personnel changes and shifts in the music industry, the band maintained a touring presence. Original members Barry Bailey, Paul Goddard, J.R. Cobb, and Dean Daughtry have since passed away, leaving Rodney Justo as the last surviving original member.
Curious about our offerings or have inquiries? We're eager to assist!
Just complete the form, and we'll respond promptly.
