The original members of Atlanta Rhythm Section came together as the house musicians at the famed Studio One in Doraville, Georgia, recording home to such country rock greats as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Dicky Betts, and 38 Special. They would play as session musicians on albums for other groups three or four nights a week and work on their own songs on their off time. From that start, they went on to record 15 albums and play to tens of thousands of fans at festivals and arenas as they earned a place as one of the top acts in country rock and carriers of the “Southern Rock” mantle.
That said, Atlanta Rhythm Section was never about a title or label. Their sound was musically diverse and they had hits that had a softer pop flavor with a sound that was uniquely their own. They were as influenced by music coming from England as from Southern rockers and shared musical stylings with The Eagles and Fleetwood Mac. They were excellent musicians who tried to stretch themselves – think Steely Dan or Little Feat.
Champagne Jam, released in 1978, was Atlanta Rhythm Section’s breakthrough album, winning both critical and popular acclaim for the band. Eight songs were showcased with the smooth pop production the group had been refining for years and continued the pattern of blending beautiful melodies with shifting tempos. The album hit the Top 10 and quickly went gold, and the title track, “I’m Not Gonna Let it Bother Me Tonight,” was a Top 20 hit. It was, however, “Imaginary Lover” that really put the band on the map, reaching Number 7 on the charts. The band rode that wave of success, producing more gold and platinum albums with more Top 40 singles, including “So Into You,” “Do It Or Die,” “Spooky,” and “Doraville.” They toured continuously and gained a reputation for incredible live performances.
Now, more than 50 years after it all began, you can call what they play Southern rock or classic rock or just great music. The name doesn’t matter, so don’t let it bother you (tonight).
