Jazz Fusion

The song “Spooky” was originally written as an instrumental and was performed by saxophonist Mike Sharpe in 1967. It was written by Sharpe and Harry Middlebrooks, Jr., and it charted in the Top 100 at #57 on the U.S. Pop Chart. Classics IV guitarist James R. Cobb and their producer Buddy Buie added lyrics about a spooky little girl. Their version went to #3 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and #46 in the U.K.

There have been numerous covers of the song, including a commercially successful one in 1979 by Atlanta Rhythm Section, which consisted some former Classics IV and Candymen members. Other versions including those by Dusty Springfield (who changed the gender in the lyrics), Percy Sledge, Andy Williams, Martha and the Vandellas, Michel Pagliaro (in French), Velvet Monkeys., R.E.M., David Sanborn, The Puppini Sisters, and the Lettermen, to mention just a few.

The Classics IV band formed in Jacksonville, Florida, playing a sort of soft southern rock sound, but certainly an American sixties music sound. They originally consisted of lead singer Dennis Yost, Cobb, Walter Eaton, and Joe Wilson. The name came from Yost’s Classic drum set and the four (at the time) members.

Here are the lyrics to “Spooky” by Classics IV:

“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.

You always keep me guessin’, I never seem to know what you are thinkin’.
And if a fella looks at you, it’s for sure your little eye will be a-winkin’.
I get confused, ’cause I don’t know where I stand,
And then you smile, and hold my hand.
Love is kinda crazy with a spooky little girl like you.
Spooky!

If you decide someday to stop this little game that you are playin’,
I’m gonna tell you all what my heart’s been a-dyin’ to be sayin’.
Just like a ghost, you’ve been a-hauntin’ my dreams,
So I’ll propose… on Halloween.
Love is kinda crazy with a spooky little girl like you.

Spooky,
Spooky,
Spooky,
Oh-whoa, all right,
I said Spooky!

Check Out The Groove Pad for More 1960s Music

The Pass the Paisley Groove Pad is a resting stop, a place to chill out and listen to the featured song on the stereo. If the mood strikes you, click on the juke box to access and listen to the 50+ commercial free online songs there. The TV has several channels, with selections updated twice a week. Every now and then, Pass the Paisley hosts an all-request of 1960s and 1970s songs for a Be-In at the juke box in the Groove Pad. Keep on truckin’. Hope you enjoyed “Spooky” by Classics iv.