Spotify
Apple Podcasts
Amazon Music
CastBox
PocketCasts
RSS
YouTubeWho Is Rodney Justo? The Voice Behind Atlanta Rhythm Section
If you’ve ever tuned into a classic rock radio station and felt the electric hum of Southern rock filling your soul, chances are you’ve brushed shoulders—musically speaking—with Rodney Justo. Best known as the original lead singer of the legendary Atlanta Rhythm Section, Rodney’s voice is more than just a sonic signature of the American South—it’s the soundtrack to a generation. But to understand the full breadth of his musical journey, you’ve got to go back to Tampa, Florida, where the boy who would become a Southern rock icon first discovered his voice.
Born to Sing: Rodney Justo’s Early Life and Musical Roots in Tampa
Rodney Justo was born with rhythm in his veins and a voice that could stop you in your tracks. His father was a musician and Tampa in the ’50s and early ’60s had a burgeoning music scene—a melting pot of Latin, R&B, rock and roll, and soul. By the time he was a teenager, Rodney Justo was performing professionally, fronting bands and making a name for himself.
The Candymen Years: Backing Roy Orbison and Breaking Into the Industry
In the mid-1960s, Rodney Justo’s voice caught the ear of Roy Orbison’s backing band, The Candymen—a group with serious talent and growing ambitions. Justo joined as lead vocalist, and it wasn’t long before they began carving out their own identity, stepping out from behind Orbison’s considerable shadow. The Candymen became a standalone act and a springboard for what was to come.
Their blend of soulful pop-rock with Southern flair gave Rodney a platform to showcase his versatility. Touring constantly, performing alongside major acts, and refining their sound in the studio, The Candymen were crucial in shaping Rod’s future. It was during this period that he crossed paths with J.R. Cobb, Dean Daughtry, and other soon-to-be members of the Atlanta Rhythm Section—a meeting of musical minds that would change Southern rock forever.
Studio One & Southern Rock: Founding the Atlanta Rhythm Section
In the early 1970s, Rodney Justo and his bandmates—many of whom were former studio musicians at Studio One in Doraville, Georgia—decided it was time to forge their own path. Thus, the Atlanta Rhythm Section was born. More than just a band, ARS was a musical collective, fusing rock, jazz, R&B, and pop into a smooth, sophisticated Southern sound that defied categorization.
Leaving ARS, Coming Back, and Finding His Own Voice
Rodney Justo was the voice on their self-titled 1972 debut album, bringing a soulful swagger and emotional weight to tracks like “Love Me Just a Little (Sometime).” Though he left the band shortly after that first album—citing creative differences and a desire to focus on family—Rod’s influence never faded.
Collaborations, Covers, and the Many Sides of Rodney Justo
After stepping away from ARS, Rodney Justo didn’t slow down—far from it. He became an in-demand session vocalist and performer, lending his golden pipes to countless recording projects throughout the ‘70s and ‘80s. His ability to shift between genres—from blue-eyed soul to polished pop to hard-edged rock—made him a go-to voice in studios from Florida to L.A.
In the mid-90s, Rodney Justo returned to the Atlanta Rhythm Section. He stepped back into the spotlight performing hits like “So Into You,” “Imaginary Lover,” and “Spooky” live on stage, Rodney brought new energy to the ARS catalogue—even if he hadn’t originally recorded those songs.
Rodney Justo is so much more than just a rock vocalist. He’s a storyteller. He’s got tales from the road with Roy Orbison, recording sessions with legends, and enough stories about Southern rock’s golden era to fill a memoir.
Still Rockin’: Rodney Justo’s Life Onstage Today
Even now, well into the 2020s, Rodney Justo remains an active force in music. Touring with Atlanta Rhythm Section, his voice, remarkably, hasn’t lost its magic. There’s still that same smooth phrasing, that soul-deep delivery, and that sly smile you can hear even when he’s singing through the speakers.
Why Rodney Justo Is a Southern Rock Icon
Rodney Justo may not be a household name in the same way as some of his peers, but among musicians, he’s a legend. Rodney’s journey is one of persistence, evolution, and soulful resilience. He has remained a voice worth listening to—a true original in the ever-changing world of American rock music.
This Post Has One Comment
Great interview xx so informative