Paul Goddard, an original member of the Atlanta Rhythm Section, has died after a brief illness at the age of 68.
The band announced Goddard’s passing on their Facebook page:
We are saddened by the passing of our bass player and dear friend the legendary Paul Goddard…Rest in peace P.G.
Goddard was a founding member and bass player of the group Atlanta Rhythm Section when they were the house band at Doraville, Georgia’s Studio One recording studio. Producer, singer and songwriter Buddy Buie, who had previously been a member of the Classics IV, lead the new group into the studio to record their first album while, at the same time, they were playing on tracks for many others.
Their debut album, Atlanta Rhythm Section, was released in 1972 and was followed the next year by Back Up Against the Wall. It was their third album, 1974’s Third Annual Pipe Dream, that finally put them on the map with the single Doraville (1974 / #35).
Through continued releases and regular touring, the band built a strong following which eventually brought them their first top ten hit, 1977’s So Into You (#7 Pop / #11 Adult Contemporary). A year later, they did it again with Imaginary Lover (1978 / #7 Pop / #20 Adult Contemporary).
Goddard was with the band until 1983 when he retired from touring and concentrated on studio work, but he returned as part of the group in 2011.
Among Goddard’s honours is Rolling Stone naming his bass playing on the Atlanta Rhythm Section track Another Man’s Woman (from Are You Ready) as one of the five greatest bass solos of all time.
Listen to Atlanta Rhythm Section radio on iHeartRadio
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