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Spooky (Classics IV song)

"Spooky" is originally an instrumental song performed by saxophonist Mike Sharpe (Shapiro), written by Shapiro and Harry Middlebrooks Jr, which first charted in 1967 hitting No. 57 on the US pop charts.[3] Its best-known version was created by James Cobb and producer Buddy Buie for the group Classics IV when they added lyrics about a "spooky little girl". The vocalist was Dennis Yost.[4] The song is noted for its eerie whistling sound effect depicting the spooky woman. It has become a Halloween favorite.[5] In 1968, the vocal version reached No. 3 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100[6] and No. 46 in the UK.[7]

"Spooky"

"Poor People"

October 1967

late summer/early fall 1967

2:50

Imperial

Mike Shapiro, Harry Middlebrooks Jr., James Cobb, Buddy Buie

Buddy Buie

"It's Only Music"

August 1979

Soft rock

Polydor

A version of "Spooky" was recorded by in 1968, released as a single worldwide except in the US. This gender-flipped version was featured prominently in the Guy Ritchie film Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. Springfield's version was certified silver by BPI in 2022.[17]

Dusty Springfield

Another gender-flipped version was recorded by and released on the album In the Midnight Hour in 1986. In this version, the line "spooky little girl like you" is changed to "spooky old lady like me".

Martha Reeves

on YouTube

Classics IV - Spooky

on YouTube

Atlanta Rhythm Section - Spooky