The Classics IV

Classics IV
Classics IV, 1968.
Background information
Origin	Jacksonville, Florida, U.S.
Genres	rock, jazz fusion
Years active	1965–present
Labels	Imperial Records
Associated acts	Atlanta Rhythm Section
Website	www.theclassicsiv.com

The Classics IV is a band formed in Jacksonville, Florida, United States, in 1965. The band is often credited for establishing the "soft southern rock" sound. The band, led by singer Dennis Yost, is known mainly for the hits "Spooky", "Stormy" and "Traces", released 1967 to 1969, which have become cover standards.

The group began as a Jacksonville cover band consisting of guitarists J. R. Cobb, Walter Eaton, keyboardist Joe Wilson, and singer Dennis Yost. Cobb and producer-manager Buddy Buie would later form the Atlanta Rhythm Section with the Candymen drummer Robert Nix, also from Jacksonville, and keyboardist Dean Daughtry in 1971. Yost had previously been a member of the Echoes. The name "the Classics" came from the Classic drum set Yost owned. He was known in the Georgia/Florida area as the "stand-up drummer" because he played standing up. The Classics played Ventures covers, instrumental versions of "Misty" and "Summertime". People started requesting vocals, so Dennis would say "I can sing that," and that was the beginning of the group's new direction. The group began performing vocal hits such as "Sherry" by the Four Seasons.