Spooky – Classics IV | Top 40 Chart Performance, Story and Song Meaning
Chart Performance: Pop (#3); 1968
Story Behind The Song By Ed Osborne
For Jacksonville, Florida’s Classics IV, Spooky was a 180 degree turnaround from the sound of the previous year’s Pollyanna, on which the group – then billed as The Classics – turned in a spot-on imitation of Frankie Valli and the 4 Seasons.
However, the 4 Seasons weren’t all that happy with the musical copy catters, nor were New York’s Classics, of Till Then fame. So, the Florida gang added an “IV” to their name, moved to Atlanta, and changed labels. In addition, drummer Dennis Yost – whose kit brand had given the group its original name – moved from behind the skins to the lead microphone.
The instrumental tracks were provided by a crack team of Atlanta session players. The haunting single debuted not at Halloween, but at Christmas of 1967, and by Valentine’s Day 1968 was the #3 record in America.
Its success ensured that Dennis’ days as a movie theater usher (his job when the other Classics asked him to join them back in ’65) were gone for good.
This content and all Song Meaning articles were created and written by Top 40 Contributing Editor Ed Osborne. © 2024 Ed Osborne. All Rights Reserved. In addition to these song meaning articles, Ed has written our “Year in Music 1960s-1990s” articles.
Produced by:
- Buddy Buie
Lyrics Written by:
- Mike Shapiro
- Harry Middlebrooks Jr.
- James Cobb
- Buddy Buie
Ed Osborne
Hi. I got my first record at age two and never looked back, spending a decades-long career in radio and the music business. Even after years of reading about and listening to all types of music, I am still fascinated by it. Apart from that, I’m endlessly intrigued by art, nature, and the inner lives of people (and dogs).