Joe South

Joe South

Joe South Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Sep. 6, 2012.
ATLANTA (AP) - Singer-songwriter Joe South, who penned hits in the 1960s and 1970s like "Games People Play," and "Down in the Boondocks," died Wednesday, his music publisher said. South was 72.

South, whose real name was Joseph Souter, died at his home in Buford, Georgia, northeast of Atlanta, according to Marion Merck of the Hall County Coroner's office. Merck said South died from natural causes stemming from a heart attack.

"He's one of the greatest songwriters of all time," said Butch Lowery, president of the Lowery Group, which published South's music. "His songs have touched so many lives. He's such a wonderful guy and loved by many."

South was an inductee in the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.

South's song "Down in the Boondocks" was a 1965 hit for singer Billy Joe Royal. South worked as a session guitar player on recordings such as Aretha Franklin's "Chain of Fools," and on albums such as B ob Dylan's "Blonde on Blonde" and LPs by Eddy Arnold and Marty Robbins.

South also had a solo singing career producing hits such as the late 60s-song "Games People Play," which won him two Grammys for Best Contemporary Song and Song of the Year. The song, which was released on South's debut album "Introspect," spoke against hate, hypocrisy and inhumanity.

"Walk A Mile In My Shoes" and "Don't It Make You Want to Go Home" were also hits for South. He also wrote the Grammy-nominated "(I Never Promised You a) Rose Garden" for Lynn Anderson.

But his music career was struck by tragedy when his brother, Tommy Souter, committed suicide in 1971. South's last album was "Classic Masters" in 2002.

According to South's website, he was born in Atlanta on Feb. 28, 1940. As a child he was interested in technology and developed his own radio station with a 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) transmission area.

In 1958, South recorded his debut single, a novelty song called, " The Purple People Eater Meets the Witch Doctor."


Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Sign Joe South's Guest Book

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May 23, 2018

John Kenneth Plaikner posted to the memorial.

November 3, 2017

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November 3, 2017

Someone posted to the memorial.

320 Entries

John Kenneth Plaikner

May 23, 2018

I've loved you since I was a young boy, Joe. You were a beautifully brilliant light in an ever darkening world. My life is not, nor ever will be the same without you. Thank You for all the great memories and wonderful music. That is the part of you that I shall always have. You keep them on their toes up there in Heaven. I'll see you soon.

November 3, 2017

Dank voor je mooie muziek.
Ik zal je altijd herinneren. Vooral de song : God vergeef me.
Deze hoorde in jouw en mijn leven.

God zegent je.

November 3, 2017

Dank voor je mooie muziek.
Ik zal je altijd herinneren. Vooral de song : God vergeef me.
Deze hoorde in jouw en mijn leven.

God zegent je.

July 19, 2017

Rest in peace. Your music touched so many people. You will never be forgotten. I still listen to your songs often.

Ann Brannen

June 20, 2017

RIP Sir. I love all your music but my all time favorite is "Don't It Make You Wanna Go Home" Brings back so many memories. I know Heaven must have an amazing band....

Bill Marks

June 3, 2017

Have been playing "Walk a Mile in My Shoes" on my ipod while jogging. Such an upbeat song of hope. Both Joe and brother Tommy Souter remain with us through their enduring songs...

tootie miller

March 9, 2017

r.i.p. joe

March 5, 2017

Poignant singer. Touched my life immensely.

Mary Wilson

September 5, 2016

My heart go out to the family,sorry about your loss.Joe South songs touched everyone. May the family receive comfort from God and Jesus Christ1Cornithians1:3,4. M W

VY

May 13, 2016

Thank you for being a super star in the soundtrack of our lives!

Mystic Maverick

January 25, 2016

Revisiting your music today. Incredible songwriter, vocalist and musician. Just learned you played the funky guitar on Aretha's "Chain of Fools." The world lost an incredibly underrated talent when you passed from this earth. I pray you found the peace you didn't always have here.

wanda miller

August 7, 2015

r.i.p. my love

Betty J. Spaid

April 3, 2014

I love Don't it make you wanta go home. It reminds me of when I visit my hometown of Belton, Texas how things have changed, and not for the better. The song makes me cry just about every time I hear it. He had a voice that you dont' ever forget. Rest in Peace Joe.

Mikki Yunt

February 28, 2014

Joe's songs influenced me very strongly growing up. My mother introduced me to his songs at a young age and I still listen to them today. Joe was one of a kind and he is missed.

Nick Mills

October 30, 2013

Thank you for the wonderful music.
MAY GOD BLESS
Nick

Mike Stephens

September 5, 2013

It has been a year, and you are certainly missed brother. Thank you again for the music you have graced us all with, and God Bless.

Mike Stephens

February 28, 2013

R.I.P. Joe, Happy Birthday brother, and thank you for the l
music, and the mark you left in my life. You will never be forgotten.

Richard Owen

February 28, 2013

Rest In Peace, Mr. South. See You On The Other Side Someday, Dear Friend! Thank You For All You r Great Music.

Don Bryan

February 11, 2013

I signed with Bill back in early 70's and you were such an inspiration to all that worked around the old school house in Brookhaven. I remember you pulling up to the Dune n Dine on Roswell Rd about 1 am in that pearl blue Ferrari and hanging out. I got a chance to play your iconic red 335 at RKM studio and never got a chance to thank you for that chance. My ax was getting a tuneup. I am sure you and Brother Bill are working on your next release. I hope I get a chance to hear it. Rest in Peace Joe.

John Zimba

January 3, 2013

Joe Thanks for the music , may the wind always be at your back. John Z.

Ron H

December 31, 2012

A great talent who did his best! I found out in Dec. of his death. He leaves behind recordings, compositions, and memories of the music he shared. We will miss him.

Bill Jahnke

December 8, 2012

Joe was a legend in his time.
Rock on in Heaven, Joe. RIP!

October 11, 2012

we used 'Games People Play' as a Cajun dance tune for our Appalachian clog group a few years ago, it worked really well.Loved all his music though. Thanks Joe. Phil and Pam Crookes,Ex 'Steel and Toe'Sheffield,England.

Debi Fowler-Kyle

October 4, 2012

Rest in Peace! I am so honored to have had the pleasure to have known you! You are one of the best songwriters and entertainers in the world!!!!

October 2, 2012

I have always enjoyed Joe`s music and got to see him in 1996 at a concert in Macon,Ga for the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. He played along with Tommy Roe and Chet Atkins and was great. May God Bless him and i am certain he is playing on in Heaven.

Harley Willis
Byron,Ga

October 1, 2012

Joe Souths music taught me some lasting lessons about life.absolutely one of the best.i know the walk a mile in his shoes brought him to heaven.Winter Alton, New Hampshire

September 27, 2012

I've had the privilege of recording two of Joe's songs. I was fortunate enough to meet him on the session when he sang on one of them. Good night and God speed master tunesmith!
dan baird

Liz Joyce

September 27, 2012

Thanks for all the wonderful music and that beautiful smile.

Kat

September 27, 2012

God be with you when you roam, cause this old world's just not your home and there's nothing in the world you lack, there's there's no reason in the world to look back, cause the past is gone. Keep on keeping on River Dog.

D, R

September 26, 2012

Will always remember and Enjoying the song "Games people play", when I was a kid! God bless his soul.

Cindy Schaeffer

September 26, 2012

Rest in Peace dear Music man...

Deborah Fowler-Kyle

September 22, 2012

RIP Joe, You are now reunited with your beloved brother, Tommy! OH, HOW YOU WILL BE MISSED HERE!!

Deborah-Fowler Kyle

September 22, 2012

Joe may you Rest In Peace now that you are reunited with your beloved Tommy! How you will be missed here! You were the greatest!!!

Shloime Perel

September 22, 2012

Thank you, Joe, for yourself, your music, your social consciousness, for your contribution to everyone. I listened to a memorial show about you tonight on Vermont Public Radio.
I love your music.

Mark Bechtel

September 20, 2012

You touched us all with your music..RIP Joe.

Ned Ridings

September 19, 2012

We all lost a good friend,RIP.

JANET ALLESXANDRO

September 18, 2012

Rip ILoved His music Heaven Now has a hell of a band with all our greats up in paradice our savyour must be really enteyained. God bless u and your loved ones keep makein music for our lord and saveyour thank you

September 17, 2012

Loved your music. You will be missed. RIP

Analyne Roberts

September 17, 2012

I loved his song down in the boondocks;) condolences to the family... U well be greatly missed RIP

Kendall Gray

September 16, 2012

Joe connected with us when we needed connections. Yes,it does "make you want to go home."

Elaine Hazelrigs Manross

September 16, 2012

Joe, I always loved your music and your friendliness towards us teenagers in Buckhead. You were truly gifted and introspective.

TRICIA WENLOCK

September 16, 2012

OH IF ONLY I COULD HAVE KNOWN YOU. THE GAMES PEOPLE PLAY TO ME SUMS UP "LIFE AS WE ALL KNOW IT" THANK YOU. TRICIA, MELBOURNE AYSTRALIA

Laura Moncus-Berman

September 15, 2012

You and your music will be
Missed.

Tommy Hamrick

September 15, 2012

R.I.P. Joe. you will be missed

Sue Brown

September 15, 2012

Your music left the world a better place. May you continue to shine in heaven as you did here.

bobby wesson

September 13, 2012

We had a lot of fun in atlanta back then kids

Deborah Reece

September 13, 2012

Thank you for your music, and all the goodness you gave in life Joe South. Loved you the minute I heard your songs. Too great to ever be forgotten, thanks for sharing your wonderful gifts, and speaking to what is wise and best in us all. Peace.

Rose Bailer

September 12, 2012

R.I.P. Joe, you were one of the best!!

Gene Brown

September 12, 2012

I had the pleasure of playing on the piano with him many years ago. A class act!

erlene brown-strickland

September 11, 2012

Rest in Peace Joe. You will trully be missed. I loved your music

Raylene Hill

September 11, 2012

Always remembered-Never forgotten

September 11, 2012

walk a mile in his shoes.God rest & bless your soul.Thank You Joe.I've never forgotten your music.

Shawn

September 11, 2012

Your music was a wonderful part of my childhood. You will be missed.

September 10, 2012

He will truly be missed.

September 10, 2012

A great songwriter. Wish I could have seen him perform. His songs were writtrn for the common man. " I Knew You When" was not a hit, but, one evryone should hear. Joe, was never the same after his brothers suiside.

RIP - Joe South

Nick

Glenda Helton

September 10, 2012

To all who loved Joe,God Bless each and everyone of you. Joe wrote from the Heart, that is the reason he was and will always be One of the Greatest!

Sherry Rentz

September 10, 2012

Throughout my childhood & teen years I enjoyed so many of the artists & songs of The Lowery Group. I have such fond memories of that time. Joe penned so many of the songs I loved. Joe, Billy Joe Royal, Tommy Roe, Freddy Weller & Ray Stevens were all some of my favorites that had connections to The Lowery Group. It was such an honor that those guys were also from the great state of Georgia were I was also born & raised. As an adult, I did have the priviledge of seeing Joe perform & I'm so glad I was able to attend the ceremony when he was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. I remember Joe seeming very happy & cracking jokes the last time I saw him. He was such a talented songwriter & gutarist. His wonderful songs will live forever. He will certainly be missed. My thoughts & prayers for his family.

Vanessa

September 10, 2012

Family and friends, my condolences.
I'm not familiar with Joe's music, but I'm sure he will be missed in a big way.
Much peace and comfort to you all (Jude 2).

Mike Stephens

September 10, 2012

Goodbye old friend.. Your music, and love you had for others has been an influence in my life ever since I met you back in 1978. Long live the music of "The Reverend" Joe South.

September 10, 2012

Your music will be heard forever
Arthur

Dan

September 9, 2012

Love your music Joe.

Kathleen

September 9, 2012

What an amazing writer you were. Thank you for all the fun memories from all those wonderful songs. They live on and on for so many of us of that era. Rest in peace Joe. My condolences to your family and friends.

sharon & Walter Jones

September 9, 2012

You will be missed , Hubby and I went to Baton Rouge La Fair and you were there performing , <3 from your fans

Deborah Spoone

September 9, 2012

I grew up listening to Joe and the others that he wrote songs for. I now sing "I never promised you a Rose Garden" whenever I get a chance to sing karaoke. What a great song. May God grant the family, fans, and colleages peace in the coming days and weeks ahead.

martha smith

September 9, 2012

joe is with tommy and they are jamming -- what a grand time heaven is having!!

Brad Boda

September 9, 2012

You made this world a better place with your music Joe.
God bless you and all those in your life.

Trippin Pippin

September 9, 2012

Purple People Eater Meets the Witch Doctor was the first 45 I ever bought!

September 9, 2012

Thank you for the great songs! Rest In Peace.

Richard Murphy

September 9, 2012

Rock on, Joe...

Jeanne McCormick

September 9, 2012

Thank You for your wonderful music, Joe...My deepest condolences for the family at this difficult time.

Becca

September 9, 2012

Just to add another voice to the many praises for Joe, here. I was a Junior-high kid when "Games People Play," came out. It spoke volumes to me, along with, "Walk A Mile In My Shoes." The messages had a very positive affect on my worldview. Thanks, Joe, for creating with such vision, and joy!!

Eddie Rhoades

September 9, 2012

He was an inspiration to me as a Southern boy who succeeded in the music business. I loved his songs and perform a few of them.

Donald McClintock

September 9, 2012

What memories his songs brings to mind. I hope there are other songs he wrote, but stuck back for later. Maybe later is now. We lost a good one!

Gene F

September 9, 2012

From my teenage years,the 1960 - 1970's, he had the best understood songs. Even today, I listen to him when depressed or very happy. I was sad that he did not record more albums. I am so shocked to se his obit, God bless his family.

dennis ballard

September 9, 2012

rest in peace joe, and thank you for the music

Linda

September 9, 2012

I always enjoy the songs Joe wrote. As a young girl I liked the song Games People Play also I Never Promised You a Rose Garden. He will be missed by many. May the peace of God be with you and remember God is near the broken-hearted.

Nancy Wilt---Hay

September 9, 2012

Joe South, was an awesome writer and singer! Oh what pleasure to hear him on WQXI radio, along with Tommy Roe, Billy Joe Royal, to name a few! Thank you, fellow's, and God Bless You all! Your music goes on, and will forever.

Nancy Wilt-Hay

September 9, 2012

Joe South, was an awesome writer and singer! Oh what pleasure to hear him on WQXI radio, along with Tommy Roe, Billy Joe Royal, to name a few! Thank you, fellow's, and God Bless You all! Your music goes on, and will forever.

Maggie Blaetz

September 9, 2012

Dear Family, Friends, and Fans of Joe. He was a great singer and song writer. If we would all walk a mile in other peoples shoes this world would be a much better place. He had a voice like B.J. Thomas and was so handsome. God Bless your family and RIP Joe.

Rose

September 9, 2012

To the Joe South Family - With Thoughts and Prayers. Mr. Joe South's music was poetic, beautifully written, and meaningful. God Bless
Mr. Joe South.

Sheila Smith

September 9, 2012

Thanks for the music. Godspeed Joe.

James Brady

September 8, 2012

I,ll always remember him and the songs he wrote,God bless always Jim Brady

James "jimi" Parker

September 8, 2012

Sang his songs with the band I was in. He had a quality of thought and smoothness of delivery unique only to him in the music world.

Cp la

September 8, 2012

God Bless You Always,
I enjoyed your music as I was growing up and treasured its memories as I grew older. Thank you for sharing your music !
My prayers are with your family , friends and fans.

Kare.

September 8, 2012

Be with God now, Joe.

Patsy

September 8, 2012

When I was a teenager, a mutual friend Jo Seay gave Joe my phone #. But instead of Joe calling me, his brother Tommie called me and he and I had a date. We never dated again because I was interested in Joe. So sorry to hear of his death. He was a great singer and I will always have him in my heart.

ben robinson

September 8, 2012

My deepest regrets!! Underrated terrific songwriter. We play walk a mile in shoes at our neighborhood pickings every weekend. The entries in this guest book says it all.

pat p

September 8, 2012

i remember joe and his brother tommie when than played in a band in the late 50's downtown at atlanta on sat nights rest in peace you were the greatest

Lori Kellogg

September 8, 2012

As a child i grew up in country music, with many yrs at the Louisiana Hayride. Many many "get togethers" included his music. A great writer and composer, that placed many of the smiles on my face and family memories in my mind and heart. Until we meet again, may you rest in peace!

your fan Lillie

September 8, 2012

My heart goes out to him and his family. I remember his song purple people eater as a child. I would listen to it for hours!God bless you man!!

September 8, 2012

Sorry for your loss...May God comfort your family in thier time of need...

Peggy

September 8, 2012

I remember Joe and his ocelot roaming around the house. Joe was a good friend and loved his animal.

Martin Sullivan

September 8, 2012

"Introspect" was one of the great albums of the 60's, and that's saying a bunch. If Joe had done nothing else, his passing would have been of note to me.

September 8, 2012

Thank you for your music ~
R.I.P.

September 8, 2012

You have my deepest sympathy. May good memories provide solace for your family during this challenging time; and may God provide you with the assurance that you will see your loved one again in Paradise. John 17:3

David Powell

September 8, 2012

RIP Joe

Dan Han

September 8, 2012

Great songwriter and singer! Loved his voice and heartfelt song lyrics growing up in the '60's. Peace be with you.

Rick Price

September 8, 2012

Thanks for the great tunes Rest In Peace

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May 23, 2018

John Kenneth Plaikner posted to the memorial.

November 3, 2017

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November 3, 2017

Someone posted to the memorial.