RIP: JR Cobb from Atlanta Rhythm Section

Discussion in 'Music Corner' started by Comet01, May 6, 2019.

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  1. Comet01

    Comet01 Forum Resident Thread Starter

    Guitarist JR Cobb was a very important part of ARS. As part of the ARS/Classics IV song writing team, he co-wrote Spooky, Stormy, Traces, Champagne Jam, and Back Up Against The Wall. He was a constant presence in the band until his retirement in 1986.

    Atlanta Rhythm Section founding member J.R. Cobb dies

    James Barney "J. R." Cobb Jr., a founding member of the Atlanta Rhythm Section, died on Saturday of a heart attack. He was 75.

    Born in Birmingham, Ala., and reared in Jacksonville, Fla., Cobb was also a founding member of the Classics IV, which formed in Jacksonville in 1965. Along with Buddy Buie, the band’s manager and producer, Cobb wrote hits including “Spooky,” “Stormy” and “Traces.”

    “Spooky” reached No. 3 on the Billboard charts in 1968 and was later re-recorded by ARS on their 1979 “Underdog” album.”

    In the spring of 1970, Cobb, who had already moved to Atlanta, worked as a session guitarist at Doraville’s Studio One, where he played in a session band with members of Classics IV and The Candymen.

    Two years later, Cobb, along with three former members of the Candymen – Rodney Justo, Dean Daughtry and Robert Nix – birthed ARS with Justo on vocals, Daughtry on keyboards, Nix on drums, Cobb on guitar, Barry Bailey on guitar and Paul Goddard on bass.

    In February 2017, Cobb told Vintage Guitar magazine that seeing the Beatles perform on “The Ed Sullivan Show” shaped his musical future.

    “We dropped most of the instrumentals and started to discover R&B and traditional blues,” he said. “Nobody played much country music, and standards weren’t cool anymore.”

    Cobb, who lived near Monticello, left ARS in 1986. In 1993, he was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.
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    [​IMG]

    Deceased ARS members from the classic era:
    Ronnie Hammond - 2011
    Barry Bailey - 2017
    JR Cobb - 2019
    Paul Goddard - 2014
    Robert Nix - 2012
    Buddy Buie - 2015
     
    Last edited: May 7, 2019
  2. Zoot Marimba

    Zoot Marimba And I’m The Critic Of The Group

    Location:
    Savannah, Georgia
    Very sorry to hear this.
     
  3. ZippyPippy

    ZippyPippy Forum Resident

  4. Sean

    Sean Senior Member

    Location:
    Ottawa
    RIP
     
  5. billnunan

    billnunan Forum Resident

    Location:
    New Hampshire
    I'm not gonna let it bother me tonight.........no, can't stop the sadness.

    I've been listening to this talented man for over 40 years.

    Always liked his voice and musical instincts.

    RIP, my friend.
     
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  6. clhboa

    clhboa Forum Resident

    I recently read the new book on the Atlanta Rhythm Section and have been listening to ARS a lot lately. Got tickets to see the current lineup of ARS this summer. 4 of the 6 from the classic lineup are now gone. R.I.P.
     
    Comet01 likes this.
  7. Comet01

    Comet01 Forum Resident Thread Starter

    Could you give details on this book?
     
  8. Dr. Funk

    Dr. Funk Vintage Dust

    Location:
    Fort Worth TX
    RIP J.R.
     
  9. california_roll

    california_roll Memento Mori

    Location:
    Portugal
    Last I read someone mention ARS, it was during a Justified episode; one of the characters there makes mention of Champagne Jam.

    Pure Southern Rock bliss, growing up...

    RIP, JR.
     
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  10. clhboa

    clhboa Forum Resident

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  11. Holy Diver

    Holy Diver Senior Member

    Location:
    USA
    Very sad news. Such a great talent. He co-wrote my favorite ARS song Homesick, as well. RIP.
     
    clhboa likes this.
  12. Billy Taylor

    Billy Taylor Forum Resident

    Barry Bailey is not deceased.
     
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  13. clhboa

    clhboa Forum Resident

    Good catch! I hadn't even noticed that.
     
  14. Comet01

    Comet01 Forum Resident Thread Starter

    Thanks for the correction.
     
  15. Daryl M

    Daryl M Senior Member

    Location:
    London, Ontario
    I just received the hard-cover book this week. Haven't delved into it but the tome
    looks fantastic at first glance.
     
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  16. clhboa

    clhboa Forum Resident

    "Homesick" is a great tune! Great lyrics. I like Travis Tritt's version too.
     
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  17. MYQ1

    MYQ1 Forum Resident

    Saw an advertisement for The Classics IV in concert today & wondered if J.R. was involved.

    RIP
     
  18. melstapler

    melstapler Reissue Activist


    Interesting interview with Rodney Justo
     
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  19. melstapler

    melstapler Reissue Activist


    A 2011 performance featuring Rodney Justo with J.R. Cobb on guitar
     
    King!, Rick Bartlett, MYQ1 and 2 others like this.
  20. GlobalObserver

    GlobalObserver Observing The Globe Since 1964

    I always loved the ARS and JR.

    It's a sad day. RIP.
     
    melstapler likes this.
  21. Chris Schoen

    Chris Schoen Rock 'n Roll !!!

    Location:
    Maryland, U.S.A.
    I have that "Underdog" album (vinyl) and their version of "Spooky" is very tasty. Will have to see if there is a good "best of" ARS.
     
    melstapler likes this.
  22. Comet01

    Comet01 Forum Resident Thread Starter

    Thank you for that video.
    I was never lucky enough to see JR play with ARS.
     
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  23. pool_of_tears

    pool_of_tears Searching For Simplicity

    Location:
    Midwest
    There is a good best of:

    From 1991...compiled by Bill Levenson, and mastered by Joe Palmaccio. Good sounding disc, for sure


    Atlanta Rhythm Section - Best Of Atlanta Rhythm Section
     
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  24. Sad news indeed. RIP JR Cobb. Incredible career and the music of IV and ARS is timeless.
     
    melstapler likes this.
  25. steve phillips

    steve phillips Forum Resident

    Location:
    NC
    I just picked up The Boys From Doraville album. That one sure fell through the cracks.
    I had never heard it before, but it's great, like all their albums. Sorry to hear about JR.
    Talented guitarist and songwriter. He was in 2 hit groups. That says something right there.
    "Traces" is one of the best hit ballads of the 60's.
     
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