Sky High

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Sky High" by Atlanta Rhythm Section, a track from their 1976 album A Rock and Roll Alternative, and the Zoo Freaks are loving this Southern rock gem. This song, penned by Buddy Buie, Dean Daughtry, Ronnie Hammond, and Robert Nix, kicks off the album with a bold declaration: "Music is a high to me, be a symphony or a three chord rocker, I love music—any kind of music." It’s a high-energy anthem that blends Southern rock grit with a smooth, melodic edge, showcasing the band’s versatility. One intriguing piece of trivia comes from the song’s guitar work—Barry Bailey’s virtuosic lead lines give it a raw, electrifying feel that fans often compare to Lynyrd Skynyrd’s intensity, yet it retains a polished, radio-friendly vibe. The track’s placement as the album opener was deliberate, setting the stage for the diverse sounds that follow, from the funky "So Into You" to the bluesy "Outside Woman Blues." While "Sky High" didn’t chart as high as some of the band’s bigger hits, it’s a fan favorite, often cited on platforms like ClassicRockHistory.com for its killer guitar solo and hard-rocking spirit.

Another tidbit about "Sky High" surfaced in fan discussions on Songfacts.com, where listeners noted its role in the band’s live performances during their late-’70s peak. The song was a staple at massive shows like the 1977 Dog Day Rockfest at Georgia Tech, where Atlanta Rhythm Section co-headlined with Bob Seger before 80,000 fans. The track’s lyrics, celebrating music’s transcendent power, resonated with audiences, and its driving rhythm made it a perfect set-opener. Fans on Atlanta Rhythm Section’s Facebook page have shared memories of hearing "Sky High" live, with one user recalling how the band’s tight musicianship turned it into a “mind-bending” experience. The song’s raw energy also sparked online debates about its Southern rock roots, with some X posts comparing its slide guitar to Allman Brothers’ classics, while others argue its polished production leans closer to yacht rock.

Atlanta Rhythm Section began in 1970 in Doraville, Georgia, as a group of seasoned session musicians assembled by producer and songwriter Buddy Buie. The original lineup—Rodney Justo (vocals), Barry Bailey (guitar), Paul Goddard (bass), Dean Daughtry (keyboards), Robert Nix (drums), and J.R. Cobb (guitar)—had deep roots in the Southern music scene. Daughtry, Nix, and Cobb were former members of Classics IV, known for the 1968 hit "Spooky," while Bailey and Goddard had backed Roy Orbison. They started as the house band for Studio One, a new recording studio in Doraville, working on sessions for other artists before forming their own band. Buie, who co-owned Studio One, named the group and signed them to Decca Records for their 1972 debut album, Atlanta Rhythm Section. Though early albums like Dog Days and Red Tape built a cult following, commercial success eluded them until A Rock and Roll Alternative went gold in 1977, driven by "So Into You" and tracks like "Sky High."

The band’s breakthrough came through relentless touring and a knack for blending Southern rock with pop and country influences, earning them a loyal fanbase. Their 1978 album Champagne Jam went platinum, cementing their status with hits like "Imaginary Lover." Despite lineup changes—Justo left in 1972, replaced by Ronnie Hammond, who returned in 1988—and tragedies, including the deaths of Hammond (2011), Nix (2012), Goddard (2014), and Buie (2015), the band persists. Today, Rodney Justo and Dean Daughtry (the last original member) lead a lineup with David Anderson, Steve Stone, Lee Shealy, Justin Senker, and Rodger Stephan, still playing festivals and nostalgia concerts. Fans can connect with the band on their official website, Facebook, and X. While their Instagram is less active, it shares occasional throwback photos. Dedicated fans gather on sites like Rate Your Music and the Atlanta Rhythm Section Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks can join discussions about "Sky High" and the band’s enduring legacy.