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'Rest peacefully, Ox!': Tributes pour in as Atlanta Rhythm Section co-founder Dean Daughtry dies at 76

Dean Daughtry formed Atlanta Rhythm Section with Rodney Justo and Robert Nix, Barry Bailey, JR Cobb, and Paul Goddard in 1970

HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA: Dean Daughtry, a keyboardist, and the co-founder of Atlanta Rhythm Section (ARS) recently died at the age of 76. Steve Stone, one of the members of ARS, confirmed the death of the musician on Thursday, January 26, 2023. Dean was a consistent member of the band from 1971 until his retirement in 2020.

The official Facebook page of The Atlanta Rhythm Section announced, "We’re sad today to announce the passing of our long time and original member Dean “OX” Daughtry. Dean was also a member of The Candymen, which was at one time the touring band for Roy Orbison. At 20 years of age, he went from being in a local band in Alabama, to playing in Australia and Europe."

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The post further read, "After a short stop in The Classics IV, he decided to throw his future into a band being formed by Buddy Buie that was going to be named The Atlanta Rhythm Section. While ARS is known to be a guitar-centric band, just listen to the recordings and you’ll realize the contribution that Dean brought to the band. From the first chord of So Into You, and the introduction to Imaginary Lover (both co-written by Dean by the way) he left his imprint on the band's recordings."

The band further added, "For 49 years he never missed a gig, until his health forced him to retire a couple of years ago, cutting short his goal of 50 years. He was like a Bulldog, but his friends knew him as “OX” Our hearts go out to his wife Donna, and his family. We’re gonna miss you, Ol’ Buddy !." 

Who was Dean Daughtry?

Apart from ARS, Daughtry was also an essential member of bands such as Classics IV and The Candymen. Meanwhile, he also played keyboards in the backing band for Roy Orbison. Daughtry formed Atlanta Rhythm Section with two other former Candymen, Rodney Justo and Robert Nix, along with Barry Bailey, JR Cobb, and Paul Goddard in 1970. Further, the group signed with Decca Records and released their self-titled debut in 1972. Later, in 1976, ARS’ most successful album ' A Rock And Roll Alternative' was released, which featured hit songs such as 'So Into You' and 'Imaginary Lover'. 

'They are all gone now'

The Internet quickly reacted to the death of the iconic musician. Steve Stone, one of the former members of ARS, wrote on Facebook, "In the mid 80’s my friend Jeff Sisk introduced me to and got me working with my Ol’ Buddy Dean “the Ox” Daughtry. Pretty soon he got me a place in his band and totally changed my life. We’ve had many an adventure together over the years and happily I will have those memories to smile and laugh about. Gonna miss you. I’m sure about now you’re looking for your Per Diem, the Deli Tray and a Diet Coke. Hey they might even have a TAB!"

John L Wilson, the former guitarist of Wilson Chestnutt Band, noted on Facebook, "As soon as I learned of Dean Daughtry's passing, I immediately started playing my Atlanta Rhythm Section playlist on my i-pod. It's amazing the amount of really great songs this group of men created along with their manager, band founder and songwriter Buddy Buie."

Wilson further added, "They are all gone now. While it is sad to think about, I also feel a great deal of thankfulness and blessed to be a fan of their music. I am blessed and thankful to the current lineup of the band that includes original ARS vocalist Rodney Justo as well as longtime guitarist Steve Stone who is now the longest serving living member of the group. What a legacy to carry on. God bless all the members of Atlanta Rhythm Section as well as producer Rodney Mills - Mary Mills - who had as much to do with the music as anybody. As long as I am alive, I will always promote your collective greatness every chance I get. Y'all be blessed, not depressed." 

Guitarist Tom Moody wrote, "I’ve been a big Atlanta Rhythm Section fan since the mid 70’s ….have seen ARS more than a dozen times & befriended some of the members over the years …was fortunate to meet & hang out with Dean Daughtry original member & keyboard player a few times …. have heard great stories from when he played with the Candymen & Roy Orbison ….. so now I’ll share a story ….me & my wife @ Jodie Cowman Moody were asked to give him & my friend Steve Stone a ride from the hotel to & from a gig in Villa Rica a few years ago ….Jodie was our chauffeur with Dean in passenger seat with me & Steve in the back listening to tales of the road! Thanks for the memories R. I.P. Dean !!"

A user wrote on Twitter, " Very sad news. Dean Daughtry was a wonderful player and Atlanta Rhythm Section was a stellar band with a longtime loyal fan base. Dean was highly regarded among many fellow musicians. Prayers for his loved ones. All of the members of ARS have now passed. Appreciate our musicians."

Another added, "Dean Daughtry passed away today. Another part of my younger years is gone. Dean was a good guy. Great piano player. And a great writer."

One social media user said, "Just learned from a friend of the passing of another dear friend. Dean Daughtry, founding member of the Atlanta Rhythm Section, has passed away. What a great pianist and keyboard player, but more importantly, a sweetheart of a man. Rest peacefully, Ox."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.