I dated Joe South in the 60's. He even came to my High School graduation at the Fox Theater in 1966. He came down to Panama City Beach, Florida many times. He even took me to a Charlie Rich concert down there. He will always have a place in my heart. She sister-in-law, Barbara, was a good friend of mine too. When Joe's Brother, Tommy, committed suicide it crushed Joe. They were very close. Joe's band, The Believers, was named one night as we went out to eat at an Italian restaurant. The garlic bread was so garlicky that Joe said. "You have to be a believer to eat this." that's how they got the name.
Having experienced the same thing, when you lose a loved one to suicide, it is like a massive body blow and difficult to understand and deal with. We were so fortunate to Joe south touch our lives though!
I just found out about him as I was homesick. Thank you for sharing your memories. My cousin committed suicide a while back. It devastates whoever's left behind who loved them. It is hard to see those that were closest to them suffer,and know you cannot do much to help.☹️🥺
After a show in Mullens, West Virginia, I asked David Bellamy of the Bellamy Brothers to say something about a guy who had died the past year, almost never gets played and never even mntioned for the Rock Hall of Fame--Joe South. David Bellamy's reply, "Joe South was my idol, one of the greatest songwriters ever." By my reckoning an understatement, but close enough. Jeff Maynor
I was friends with Joe for many years. he was a very warm funny gentle giving person. not to mention his musical talents and abilities. he took time to teach me how to play some guitar, wrote some songs together. the world has lost a great soul and musician....
Jason King Thanx JK:South's contributions to the careers of so many artists and the music community and Recording & Publishing Industry as a whole, would require an entire volume.Like Tony Joe White, Glen Campbell. Johnny Rivers (to mention a few) Joe South will never be a mere foot note in the legitimate Anthology of American Music Heritage.P.S. I'd love the chance to hear your collaborative works. Sunny, AARC, Greenville NC
Are you from Atlanta too? I use to see Joe perform in clubs around Atlanta up till he got famous. We girls thought he was so good looking. Always liked his and Billy Joe Royal songs. Billy was more personal and loner than Joe was.
My Dad used to work across the street from Lowery Music in Brookhaven, Ga. ...knew Joe from when he was a kid. He used to bring me autographed records from some of the artists working there at the time...the Tams, the Classics IV...but my best of all is my 45 RPM copy of "Birds of a Feather" signed "Sandy-Best Wishes-Joe South".
I can't thank you enough for posting this!! Only last year someone asked me where Joe is buried and I had no idea. It's beyond disgusting that Joe isn't in either The Songwriter's Hall of Fame nor The R&R Hall of Fame either!
I love love love Joe's music, from "These are not my people" to "Hush" and on to the most touching "Dont it Make you want to go Home". As a man Georgia born and raised, that song touched my heart so much when I was away from home in the service. It caused a physical ache inside, I was so homesick. Thank you Joe, for being a part of my life. I will always miss you buddy.
Joe was also very much in demand as a session player at Fame Recording Studios in Muscle Shoals. His "rainmaking" guitar licks on many of The Tams' sessions were recorded there!
For those interested this grave site is at Mount Harmony Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Mableton, GA. It is just outside Atlanta near a Six Flags Amusement Park.
I loved the songs he wrote, his voice, his musicianship. Wish I had seen him perform in person. He was a deeply spiritual person, at least I got that from his lyrics. He was also very good looking from the first time I saw him and as he got older too. A very underrated artist. "Don't It Make You Want to Go Home" is my favorite. He's home now.
"Spiritual person" is too broad of a brushstroke. As he said in "Home and Homesick", "If Jesus ain't the way then I have been deceived". Joe was a Christian. Look at his tombstone, again.
I just honored Joe on our site RockandRollHeaven.net yesterday and what was his birthday. I enjoyed his wonderful talent. Through his music he still lives on.
winter of 69,two crazy 17 year old canadians running away to florida and ending up in manning south Carolina eating grits in a jail cell and the most remembered is the airplay through the south of 'games people play'
listen to his song ,,,children his best and my favorite,,i will make u cry !!!! r.i.p. mr.south ,,,,rest now and make heavenly music,,thank you for ur earth music when u was here god bless you
His music like his life was as much a part of our growing up' we listened to him and memorized the words he sang so elegantly in his songs - the band class I played in focused on his music as it was so beautiful. Rest in Peace Joe - forever and always
wow... when I saw this i couldn't believe it...... man he was such a great artist songwriter.... and human being.... he will be missed.... God rest your soul Joe...
Just found this Memorial of Joe South doe's not say when he died Loved him and his music and thought he was still with us RIP JOE and Heart felt Sympathy to family. need time to get my self together.
JOE gave us many songs he sang and many many by other artist. a week before he died I was on youtube listening to all of his songs such talent I'm 57 years old and grew up listening to his songs and thankyou JOE for giviving my era these wonderful songs. Sad to hear your gone but maybe we will met someday. R.I.P.
I've been a Joe fan forever. I always meant to send him a letter telling him so but never got to it. Don't be like me, if you're really touched by someone's music let them know. RIP Joe.
Thank you rolltide33ful for your wonderful comments. Anyone reading this post should know that "rolltide33ful" could sing Joe South songs with the best...Joe and Billy Joe would have loved that night that he performed for us in '68 for a group of California surfers and hippies at the beach. He mesmerized us and we made him play "The Greatest Love" 50 times. It was one of the best nights of our lives. "Rolltide" is Thomas Aiken, from Georgia, and he would have made Joe South very proud!!!
I absolutely love Joe South and his music. I had and STILL have several of his LPs and a few CDs too. I was so sorry to hear of his troubles after the passing of his brother. He definitely was a one of a kind singer and songwriter. I listen to his music even today. Always prayed for the best for him. So sorry to hear of his passing. May his family find solace knowing that he is now with the Creator and his late brother. RIP Joe...
Just wanted to add another tidbit that demonstrates the awesome influence Joe had on the music world. Mac Davis had written most of the lyrics to "In The Ghetto" earlier but had never finished the song. A friend of his stopped by for a visit and said "Let me play for you this great guitar lick Joe South showed me". Mac was so impressed he immediately thought it was perfect for the intro of "In The Ghetto" and it inspired him to finish the song. When that guitar lick is played right at the beginning of the song you immediately recognize "In The Ghetto".
There`s nothing good about death as such, but it`s through Joe South`s death that I found him.What a wonderful singer and man and I definitly will be buying an album of his great music, I wish I lived nearer to where Joe South is buried, but across the pond. But you never know ! R.I.P Joe xx
What a shock, never heard he had passed. Like so many greats I grew up listening to, you just always assume he's out there somewhere. And I guess he is. RIP Joe.
Yes, many thanks. I went to the Cemetery, days later and all the flowers were gone. This was Beautiful, very moving. Everything Trojangoddess wrote, Amen to that. Rest In Peace, Our Dearest Georgia Son.
He had congestive heart failure, but some articles say he had a heart attack at his home. I guess his great big wonderful heart just gave out💔😢😪. He was a wonderful talented man.
I dated Joe South in the 60's. He even came to my High School graduation at the Fox Theater in 1966. He came down to Panama City Beach, Florida many times. He even took me to a Charlie Rich concert down there. He will always have a place in my heart. She sister-in-law, Barbara, was a good friend of mine too. When Joe's Brother, Tommy, committed suicide it crushed Joe. They were very close. Joe's band, The Believers, was named one night as we went out to eat at an Italian restaurant. The garlic bread was so garlicky that Joe said. "You have to be a believer to eat this." that's how they got the name.
Having experienced the same thing, when you lose a loved one to suicide, it is like a massive body blow and difficult to understand and deal with. We were so fortunate to Joe south touch our lives though!
He was so talented, and also handsome!
I just found out about him as I was homesick. Thank you for sharing your memories. My cousin committed suicide a while back. It devastates whoever's left behind who loved them. It is hard to see those that were closest to them suffer,and know you cannot do much to help.☹️🥺
He deserves all flowers all memories what a great singer songwriter..congrats to a life well lived
Makes me want to cry when I hear of the singers back in the sixties dying I grew up listening to. RIP Joe
I dated Joe South for several years in the 60's. He was a wonderful man, and I miss him very much.
After a show in Mullens, West Virginia, I asked David Bellamy of the Bellamy Brothers to say something about a guy who had died the past year, almost never gets played and never even mntioned for the Rock Hall of Fame--Joe South. David Bellamy's reply, "Joe South was my idol, one of the greatest songwriters ever." By my reckoning an understatement, but close enough. Jeff Maynor
I dated Joe in the 60's. He was a wonderful man!
I was friends with Joe for many years. he was a very warm funny gentle giving person. not to mention his musical talents and abilities. he took time to teach me how to play some guitar, wrote some songs together. the world has lost a great soul and musician....
Jason King Thanx JK:South's contributions to the careers of so many artists and the music community and Recording & Publishing Industry as a whole, would require an entire volume.Like Tony Joe White, Glen Campbell. Johnny Rivers (to mention a few) Joe South will never be a mere foot note in the legitimate Anthology of American Music Heritage.P.S. I'd love the chance to hear your collaborative works. Sunny, AARC, Greenville NC
My spirit says he knew JESUS, and was Born again?? am I right???
everyone runs to the pleasure fear of god jesus devil and from the truth of actuality (":
Are you from Atlanta too? I use to see Joe perform in clubs around Atlanta up till he got famous. We girls thought he was so good looking. Always liked his and Billy Joe Royal songs. Billy was more personal and loner than Joe was.
My Dad used to work across the street from Lowery Music in Brookhaven, Ga. ...knew Joe from when he was a kid. He used to bring me autographed records from some of the artists working there at the time...the Tams, the Classics IV...but my best of all is my 45 RPM copy of "Birds of a Feather" signed "Sandy-Best Wishes-Joe South".
He was one of my favorites too!
I can't thank you enough for posting this!!
Only last year someone asked me where Joe is buried and I had no idea.
It's beyond disgusting that Joe isn't in either The Songwriter's Hall of Fame nor The R&R Hall of Fame either!
I love love love Joe's music, from "These are not my people" to "Hush" and on to the most touching "Dont it Make you want to go Home". As a man Georgia born and raised, that song touched my heart so much when I was away from home in the service. It caused a physical ache inside, I was so homesick. Thank you Joe, for being a part of my life. I will always miss you buddy.
Joe never got over the loss of his brother some years back. At least now they are together again.
Joe was the genuine article. His songs were honest and heartfelt and are played often at our place still. Thanks for posting. Markus. Australia.
Mount Harmony Memorial Gardens
581 Veterans Memorial Highway
P. O. Box 885
Mableton, GA 30126
He sang from his heart. So many beautiful songs. "Don't it make you want to go home," my favorite.
Joe was also very much in demand as a session player at Fame Recording Studios in Muscle Shoals. His "rainmaking" guitar licks on many of The Tams' sessions were recorded there!
For those interested this grave site is at Mount Harmony Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Mableton, GA. It is just outside Atlanta near a Six Flags Amusement Park.
Thank you for this I will be visiting his grave very soon. I miss him terribly. Such a wonderful talented man.
I loved the songs he wrote, his voice, his musicianship. Wish I had seen him perform in person. He was a deeply spiritual person, at least I got that from his lyrics. He was also very good looking from the first time I saw him and as he got older too. A very underrated artist. "Don't It Make You Want to Go Home" is my favorite. He's home now.
"Spiritual person" is too broad of a brushstroke. As he said in "Home and Homesick", "If Jesus ain't the way then I have been deceived". Joe was a Christian. Look at his tombstone, again.
I just honored Joe on our site RockandRollHeaven.net yesterday and what was his birthday. I enjoyed his wonderful talent. Through his music he still lives on.
winter of 69,two crazy 17 year old canadians running away to florida and ending up in manning south Carolina eating grits in a jail cell and the most remembered is the airplay through the south of 'games people play'
Joe was a southerner and he knew ' grits ' were groceries. I saw Joe several times in Atlanta as a teen. Billy Joe Royal too. Two greats.
listen to his song ,,,children his best and my favorite,,i will make u cry !!!! r.i.p. mr.south ,,,,rest now and make heavenly music,,thank you for ur earth music when u was here god bless you
fullerbrush1 u have to leave a comment
Eriberto Nunez
There lies the man who wrote the biggest country crossover hit of all time .... "(I Never Promised You a) Rose Garden." RIP
His music like his life was as much a part of our growing up' we listened to him and memorized the words he sang so elegantly in his songs - the band class I played in focused on his music as it was so beautiful. Rest in Peace Joe - forever and always
I wish someone would post some interviews with Joe . R I P Mr Joe South . This Memphis boy loves your music .God Bless You !!!
wow... when I saw this i couldn't believe it...... man he was such a great artist songwriter.... and human being.... he will be missed.... God rest your soul Joe...
Walk A Mile In My Shoes has always been one of my favorites.
a GREAT Artist....never got his just due.....
Just found this Memorial of Joe South doe's not say when he died Loved him and his music and thought he was still with us RIP JOE and Heart felt Sympathy to family. need time to get my self together.
Joe finally got to go home, RIP Joe.
JOE gave us many songs he sang and many many by other artist. a week before he died I was on youtube listening to all of his songs such talent I'm 57 years old and grew up listening to his songs and thankyou JOE for giviving my era these wonderful songs. Sad to hear your gone but maybe we will met someday. R.I.P.
he was just setting up a new tour when he died Damn I am gonna miss him!
I've been a Joe fan forever. I always meant to send him a letter telling him so but never got to it. Don't be like me, if you're really touched by someone's music let them know. RIP Joe.
Thank you for the music Joe may you rest in peace
Thank you rolltide33ful for your wonderful comments. Anyone reading this post should know that "rolltide33ful" could sing Joe South songs with the best...Joe and Billy Joe would have loved that night that he performed for us in '68 for a group of California surfers and hippies at the beach. He mesmerized us and we made him play "The Greatest Love" 50 times. It was one of the best nights of our lives. "Rolltide" is Thomas Aiken, from Georgia, and he would have made Joe South very proud!!!
I absolutely love Joe South and his music. I had and STILL have several of his LPs and a few CDs too. I was so sorry to hear of his troubles after the passing of his brother. He definitely was a one of a kind singer and songwriter. I listen to his music even today. Always prayed for the best for him. So sorry to hear of his passing. May his family find solace knowing that he is now with the Creator and his late brother. RIP Joe...
Joe left his music for the world to listen to anytime
Just wanted to add another tidbit that demonstrates the awesome influence Joe had on the music world. Mac Davis had written most of the lyrics to "In The Ghetto" earlier but had never finished the song. A friend of his stopped by for a visit and said "Let me play for you this great guitar lick Joe South showed me". Mac was so impressed he immediately thought it was perfect for the intro of "In The Ghetto" and it inspired him to finish the song. When that guitar lick is played right at the beginning of the song you immediately recognize "In The Ghetto".
Great story
Just Beautiful for a beautiful man , such a talented man and an unselfish man.
There`s nothing good about death as such, but it`s through Joe South`s death that I found him.What a wonderful singer and man and I definitly will be buying an album of his great music, I wish I lived nearer to where Joe South is buried, but across the pond. But you never know ! R.I.P Joe xx
JOE YOU WENT"HOME" TO BE WITH JESUS.....AND NOW YOU ARE SINGING THOSE GORGEOUS SONGS TO THE LORD
Joe touched everyone with his music & will be missed by many people. R.I.P. Joe! God Bless All Family and Friend's🕊
Still listening Joe all the time Clock up on the wall since 1970
WE MISS YOU JOE
Some of the greatest music ever written and sung
R.I.P. Joe in JESUS LOVING ARMS. Rest In Peace my Brother.
Same here, i never knew he passed. You hear about all the other so called stars but never heard about Joe passing, he truly is home now!! RIP JOE!!!
What a shock, never heard he had passed. Like so many greats I grew up listening to, you just always assume he's out there somewhere. And I guess he is. RIP Joe.
Sad he was so overlooked. He was great. We miss you.
as someone said recently--there are no words..thx for posting this tribute-melb aust
Don’t it make you wanna go home 🙏🙏👍
What a positively brilliant talent whose songs touched us and resonate in our hearts today. Thank you for the beautiful memories, RIP.
God Bless Joe South.
Yes, many thanks. I went to the Cemetery, days later and all the flowers were gone. This was Beautiful, very moving. Everything Trojangoddess wrote, Amen to that. Rest In Peace, Our Dearest Georgia Son.
Joe had the most amazing songs :-(
His songs were a part of my growing up. They touch my emotions
A beautiful video tribute ,thank you.
RESPECT R.I.P.
Check out Chuck Benjamin's upload "Medley of Hits" here on YT. It has Joe, Billie Joe Royal, and Tommy Roe performing together.
One of my favorite musicians, his music was awesome.
In memory of this great I posted a video of him for everyone to enjoy
What an incredible talent he was.
Thanks. Nicely done.
Sleep softly...
...thank you for Joe South
is that his wife beside him ? i heard " games people play " on the radio, thats why im here .
+Alwyn Dellow Yes that is Joe's wife.
Rest in peace.....
Me and my wife stood on a hill approx. 75 yards away as not to interfere when they laid Joe to rest.
how did joe south die ?
He had congestive heart failure, but some articles say he had a heart attack at his home. I guess his great big wonderful heart just gave out💔😢😪. He was a wonderful talented man.
lovely
Guess he did