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Joe South Obituary
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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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.
How you can show support
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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