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Spooky (Classics IV song)
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Wikipedia article
"'Spooky'" was originally an instrumental song performed by saxophonist Mike Sharpe (Shapiro), written by Shapiro and Harry Middlebrooks Jr, which first charted in 1967 hitting No. 57 on the US pop charts. Its best-known version was created by James Cobb and producer Buddy Buie for the group Classics IV when they added lyrics about a "spooky little girl". The vocalist was Dennis Yost. The song is noted for its eerie whistling sound effect depicting the spooky little girl. It has become a Halloween favorite. In 1968, the vocal version reached No. 3 on the U.S. 'Billboard' Hot 100'Joel Whitburn's Top Pop Singles 19551990' and No. 46 in the UK.
Charts
Weekly charts
Year-end charts
Atlanta Rhythm Section version
J.R. Cobb and bandmate Dean Daughtry later became part of the Atlanta Rhythm Section and re-recorded "Spooky" in 1979, also produced by Buie. It was the second of two singles released from their 'Underdog' LP.
ARS's version hit No. 17 in the US on 'Billboard' and No. 15 on 'Cash Box.' It also charted minorly internationally.
Charts
Other versions
"Spooky" has also been recorded by a number of artists including Dusty Springfield, whose gender-flipped version was featured prominently in the Guy Ritchie film 'Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels'. Springfield's version was certified silver by BPI in 2022. Other artists who have recorded "Spooky" include Percy Sledge, Martha Reeves, Michel Pagliaro (in French), Velvet Monkeys, The Jazz Butcher, R.E.M., Imogen Heap, Kid Montana (who issued the song as a single on Les Disques du Crepuscule in 1986), David Sanborn, The Golden Cups, and Marc Antoine.
The song's main riff is sampled in the song "Why's Everybody Always Pickin' on Me?" by Bloodhound Gang, released in 1996, as well as "Something Wicked This Way Comes", by Barry Adamson, from the 'Lost Highway' soundtrack, released in 1997.
Additional versions
* Andy Williams 1968* Al De Lory 1968
* Stanley Turrentine (instrumental) 1968
* Oliver Nelson/Steve Allen 1968
* Gary Walker And The Rain 1968
* Lawrence Welk 1968
* The Lettermen 1968
* Year 2000 1969
* Cal Tjader (instrumental) 1969
* Dusty Springfield 1970
* The Boris Gardiner Happening Leal UK
* Martha Reeves - recording date unknown
*Atlanta Rhythm Section - 1979
*Shakin' Stevens 1979
* Lydia Lunch 1980
* Vicious Pink 1985
* The Jazz Butcher 1988
* Money Mark (instrumental) 1995
* David Sanborn (instrumental) 1996
* Joan Osborne 1998
* Element of Crime 1999
* Popa Chubby 2001
* Daniel Ash 2002
* David Cassidy - 2003
* Imogen Heap - 2003
* Marc Antoine (instrumental) 2007
* Shock of Pleasure 2008
* Kelli O'Hara - 2008
* Poppy - 2012
* Skinny Girl Diet 2013
* Pizza Delivery Boys 2015
* Deana Martin 2016
* Ashleigh Murray 2018
* Maribou State 2019
References
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