'The Songs Live On': Atlanta Rhythm Section's Rodney Justo Returns To LI Saturday

EAST MEADOW, NY — More than five decades after Atlanta Rhythm Section first formed, lead singer Rodney Justo is still taking the stage at 81 years old — and he hopes Long Islanders will join him this weekend for a night of classic rock.

Atlanta Rhythm Section will perform Saturday, July 25, at Eisenhower Park's Lakeside Theatre in East Meadow alongside bands Orleans and Firefall.

Known for hits including So Into You, Imaginary Lover, Champagne Jam, Spooky and I'm Not Gonna Let It Bother Me Tonight, the band reached the height of its success during the 1970s. Decades later, its music continues to resonate with listeners, drawing more than 1 million listeners monthly on Spotify.

Justo, who said he is the band's only surviving original member, is grateful the music has stood the test of time.

Although the lineup has changed over the years, Justo said the band's mission has remained the same. They originally hoped Atlanta Rhythm Section would still be performing 50 years later — a milestone they surpassed as the group celebrates 57 years together this month.

"The songs live on," Justo said.

When asked how he would describe the band's sound, Justo said there are many ways.

"That's the unanswerable question," he said, noting the group has often been categorized as Southern rock.

For Justo, however, the music has always been about the people.

Connecting with fans remains one of the most rewarding parts of performing. He recalled meeting one fan who drove six hours just to attend a concert.

"That's what it's all about: the people we meet," he said. "The very loyal fans."

Justo's music career began before Atlanta Rhythm Section formed. He said he started performing original songs at 14 years old and knew from an early age that singing was what he wanted to do.

"I knew I was going to be a singer," he said. "Maybe that's why I was such a bad student."

At 18, Justo was working with Roy Orbison, who produced one of his solo records. Justo and two future Atlanta Rhythm Section bandmates also worked with Orbison during the 1960s.

He traveled throughout the world to perform, including in England during the height of Beatlemania.

"Traveling was my college," he said.

Justo briefly left Atlanta Rhythm Section before returning in 1983 at the request of the band's original bass player. Looking back over decades with the group, he said one thing stands out about his band that many bands can't say the same about:

"There's never been one bad guy."

While music was the center of his life when he was younger, Justo said his priorities have shifted over time.

"I had an overwhelming love for my wife and for my son," he said. "I've managed to have a good life."

Even at 81, he has no plans to step away from performing.

"I will only stop singing when I don't sing well, or when people stop showing up," he said. "I don't do it for money. I do it to enjoy myself and hang out with the guys. It's rewarding."

For fans attending Saturday's show, Justo hopes the music transports them back to some of the happiest moments of their lives.

"People have told me, 'I just lived my college experience again,'" he said. "That's what it's all about. I can make them remember the good things. We bring that to people."

Fans can visit the band's Facebook page or website for more information, as well as listen to a live rendition of the hit classic Spooky on YouTube.