Dec 08 2008
Dennis Yost (Classic IV) 1943-2008
The man you see on your left isn’t just an old guy in a hospital room: It’s Dennis Yost, leader of the legendary Classics IV (who gave us Spooky, Stormy, Everyday With You Girl and others).
After suffering a major illness that left him hospitalized in 2005, he was finally released to recuperate at his home when, a year later, he fell down two flights of stairs, suffered serious brain trauma and stayed in a coma for two months. This pic was taken last year, while he seemed to, finally, be recovering.
Sadly, however, his recovery was short-lived. Dennis died Sunday (7 Dec) in a Cincinnati hospital, not far from where he resided. At present, funeral plans are incomplete.
Originally a drummer, he had a Florida band called The Echoes that eventually led into the creation of the Classics IV. After moving to Atlanta from Jacksonville, the band charted big time with their #1 hit, Spooky (like Skynyrd’s Sweet Home Alabama, it was covered by many bands on the basis of its rhythm pattern).
After that 1967-68 hit, the band changed its name to Classics IV featuring Dennis Yost and hit the charts three more times (including Stormy, Traces and Everyday With You, Girl — all with that same signature rhythm pattern, which was originally copied from a Jacksonville, Fla. instrumental.)
In 1974, Dennis went his own way as a solo artist, and the other members formed Atlanta Rhythm Section. He kept performing until the illness of 2005.
A benefit concert was held last year to help defray his medical expenses.
His wonderful talent and persona will be seriously missed — but, thankfully, he left us a wonderful legacy of music to remember him by. RIP, Dennis.
See ya on the flip side …
Remember this day in history, 28 years ago. John, we still miss ya … and, with the new election, hope we’ll finally “Give Peace A Chance” …
