The seeds of what was to become The Classics IV were sown in Jacksonville, Florida in the early 1960s when a young drummer named Dennis Yost joined some high school classmates in a band called "The Echoes". By 1965, he had moved on to form a another group with James Cobb, Wally Eaton, and Joe Wilson, calling themselves "The Classics". Wilson was eventually replaced in the group by Dean Daughtry.
The group achieved their first taste of success with a local hit titled "Pollyanna" written by Joe South. The band started to attract attention, not only for their soulful sound, but Dennis was one of the few drummers to play while standing up and also singing lead. When the band learned of a New York City group that had a small amount of success with a song titled "Till Then," using the same name, they changed their handle to "The Four Classics" and eventually "The Classics IV".
By 1967, the band had moved to Atlanta, Georgia and were soon approached by Bill Lowery of The Lowery Music Group, who secured a recording contract with Capitol Records. For their first release, guitarist James Cobb and producer Buddy Buie added lyrics to an instrumental called "Spooky", a regional hit for saxophonist Mike Sharpe. After the record's release, it was picked up by a radio station in Louisville, Kentucky and began to get airplay. The song's popularity spread nationally and it climbed to number 3 on Billboard's Hot 100 in early in 1968, although it only reached number 46 in the UK.
Now in demand for TV and live appearances, the group hired drummer Kim Venable and brought Dennis Yost to the front to sing. A follow up song called "Soul Train" failed to match the success of "Spooky", but another tune written by James Cobb and Buddy Buie, "Stormy" shot up the chart to number 5 in 1969, becoming the band's second million seller. Later the same year, they scored a number 2 hit and a third gold record with "Traces Of Love", also written by Cobb and Buie. Touring with the hottest acts of the day, Dennis Yost and The Classics IV scored two more hits in late 1969, a number 12 hit called "Every Day With You Girl" and "Change Of Heart" which reached number 25.
They changed their name again, to Dennis Yost and the Classics IV, and had one last minor hit, "What Am I Crying For?" (1972, #39) on the MGM South label.
As musical tastes changed, guitarists James Cobb and Dean Daughtry, along with producer Buddy Buie left The Classics IV to team up with some former members of Roy Orbison's back up band. The result was The Atlanta Rhythm Section, who would go on to have an impressive string of hits in the 70s, including two Top 10 records, "So In To You" and "Imaginary Lover" along with their own cover version of "Spooky".
An attempt to feature Dennis Yost as a solo artist never got off the ground and he could only muster minor success with, "Midnight" and "Where Did All The Good Times Go", as he switched labels to Imperial in 1972. One last top forty entry, "What Am I Crying For?" was released on the MGM South label and a final effort, "Rosanna" stalled at number 95 in March of 1973.
Although he could no longer make a hit record, Yost never stopped touring, and continued to appear with the likes of Gary Lewis and The Playboys, Chuck Berry, The Drifters, The Coasters, The Turtles, Paul Revere and The Raiders, Eric Clapton and many others. After moving to Nashville in 1993, he added writing and record production to his list of accomplishments. He currently has twenty-seven published works to his credit and produced Barbara Lewis ("Hello Stranger," "Baby, I'm Yours," and "Make Me Your Baby") on a song called "Donor" to help the cause of organ donation awareness.
At the turn of the millennium, Dennis underwent successful throat surgery for a condition that had severely impaired his singing voice. He also won a trademark dispute which gave him exclusive rights to the name "The Classics IV" for both performing and recording purposes.
Spooky
Classics IV Lyrics
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I call you up and ask you if you like 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'
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, oh-woah alright
I said spooky,
Oh, hey yeah, I said spooky
Yeah, yeah, oh
The song "Spooky" by Classics IV is about a confusing and unpredictable relationship with a girl who has a mysterious and spooky quality about her. The lyrics begin by setting the scene, describing the cool evening when everything is groovy and the singer invites the girl to go see a movie. At first, she declines, but then hesitates and agrees. The chorus then follows, acknowledging the strange and crazy nature of love with a girl like her.
The second verse further elucidates the girl's mysterious qualities and the struggles that arise in trying to understand her. She keeps the singer guessing, never revealing what she's thinking, and flirts with other men, causing confusion and insecurity for the singer. Despite this, the girl then smiles and holds the singer's hand, perhaps indicating that there is still a connection or attraction between them.
The final verse is more of a plea to the girl, asking her to stop playing games and commit to the relationship. The singer confesses his feelings and compares her to a ghost that haunts his dreams. The song ends with a reference to Halloween, suggesting that this would be an appropriate time for the singer to propose.
Overall, the lyrics suggest a complex and difficult relationship with this spooky girl, filled with uncertainty, confusion, and perhaps even a touch of danger.
Line by Line Meaning
In the cool of the evening when ev'rything is gettin' kind of groovy
When the night is calm and enjoyable, I call you and ask if you want to watch a movie with me.
First you say no, you've got some plans for the night and then you stop, and say, 'All right'
Initially, you refuse but then you finally agree to spend time with me.
Love is kinda crazy with a spooky little girl like you
Being with you feels adventurous and exciting.
You always keep me guessin', I never seem to know what you are thinkin'
I can never be sure of what you think or feel because you are mysterious and unpredictable.
And if a fella looks at you, it's for sure your little eye will be a-winkin'
You have a way of flirting with other guys, making me feel uneasy and doubtful if you truly like me.
I get confused 'cause I don't know where I stand and then you smile, and hold my hand
Your mixed signals make me uncertain, but every time you hold my hand and smile, I forget all my doubts and feel overwhelmed with love.
If you decide someday to stop this little game that you are playin'
In case you decide to put an end to this charade we're going through.
I'm gonna tell you all what my heart's been a-dyin' to be sayin'
I will pour out everything that I have been wanting to confess.
Just like a ghost, you've been a-hauntin' my dreams
You have a mysterious and eerie presence that lingers in my mind even in my sleep.
So I'll propose on Halloween
I'll take advantage of Halloween's spooky atmosphere to propose to you, despite my doubts and fears.
Spooky
You embody an enigmatic and uncanny nature that's both alluring and unsettling.
Spooky, oh-woah alright. I said spooky, Oh, hey yeah, I said spooky, Yeah, yeah, oh
Repeatedly emphasizing your spookiness, as it is both intriguing and fascinating.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Buddy Buie, Harry Middlebrooks, James B. Cobb Jr., Mike Shapiro
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@steely_Bob
Spooky was released October 1967. Can’t believe it’s almost 55 years. Still sounds great! RIP Dennis Yost & J.R. Cobb
@Cindy-rm6ul
I was a very type of girl that I'm grown I know everything you know nothing and even at 5 years old this song it was just great you know and those days happy days it was a child you could feel The vibes just listen to the song you know
@robertvincent5487
1967 was my graduation year. Yes those were the cool yrs. In the 60’s.
@brianduncan2793
i was 17 seems not that long ago
@summergivens242
I was 10 but music was a big part of my life even then. Now I'm 66 and this still sounds as fresh as it did back then to me.
@MarkJusty777
My dad said he heard this on his way to the airbase in California before he got shipped off to Vietnam and it always stuck with him. Pretty cool song.
@NoOne-bj1ys
I remember my grandpa always used to play this song on his guitar. He passed away early this year and I've decided to learn to play it myself in honor of him. I've never really played the guitar until now, but I figure I should carry on his musical legacy. Maybe then one day when I'm old, my grandchildren will learn to play as well.
@lazarogerardoviveroschargo3292
God blesses you!
@Capcoor
Just listened to this on Halloween.
@danielrice3966
Great story as I listen on Halloween '22