More than five decades after helping found the Atlanta Rhythm Section, Rodney Justo still watches audiences light up when songs like “So Into You,” “Imaginary Lover” or “Spooky” fill the room.

For the 81-year-old singer, that reaction never gets old.

“It’s still so gratifying after all these years,” Justo said. “I love the way music brings people together.”

Formed in 1970, Atlanta Rhythm Section has earned its place among Southern rock’s most enduring acts. While many bands of the era leaned heavily into hard-driving guitar riffs, Atlanta Rhythm Section carved out its own identity with a polished blend of Southern rock, soul, blues, jazz and pop. Their smooth harmonies, memorable melodies and understated musicianship helped produce a string of radio staples throughout the 1970s, including “So Into You,” “Imaginary Lover,” “I’m Not Gonna Let It Bother Me Tonight” and the band’s signature rendition of “Spooky” by Classics IV. 

Justo was there at the beginning, singing lead on the band’s debut album before stepping away in 1971. Ronnie Hammond took over beginning with the group’s second album and fronted the band’s most commercially successful years. Justo returned briefly in the 1980s before leaving again, spending more than a decade away from the group while building an entirely different career in wholesale alcoholic beverage distribution, where he worked for 21 years.

Despite the departures, there was never bad blood.

“We’ve always been pals,” Justo said. “I left on the best of terms.”

The original lineup featured several accomplished musicians. Guitarist Barry Bailey, bassist Paul Goddard, keyboardist Dean Daughtry and drummer Robert Nix all had ties to The Candymen, the band that famously backed Roy Orbison during the 1960s. Guitarist J.R. Cobb played with Classics IV, further cementing the band’s deep musical roots.

Today, Justo is the lone surviving original member, performing alongside a new generation of musicians committed to faithfully recreating the band’s signature sound.

His new bandmates include Steve Stone on the guitar, David Anderson on guitar and vocals, Justin Sneaker on the bass, Lee Shealy on the keyboards and Rodger Stephan on the drums.

Some longtime fans question whether a band can continue after losing so many original members. Justo understands the sentiment but offers a perspective that usually resonates.

“I went to see the Yankees a while back,” he said. “It’s still entertaining even though Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle aren’t playing anymore… The show must go on.”

That philosophy has kept Atlanta Rhythm Section on the road. While the band typically performs between 35 and 50 concerts each year, 2026 has become one of its busiest schedules in recent memory, with approximately 70 performances booked. Many of those dates pair the band with fellow classic rock legends Jefferson Starship, Firefall, Orleans and Pure Prairie League on multi-band tours across the country, including several stops throughout the Northeast this summer. 

One song that remains especially meaningful to Justo is “Doraville.” Beyond its infectious groove, the tune pays tribute to Doraville, Georgia, where the band’s recording studio was located during its early years.

“It’s who we were,” he said.

Ironically, one of the band’s defining moments came just as its future appeared uncertain. Facing the possibility of being dropped by its record label, Atlanta Rhythm Section released “So Into You.” The gamble paid off. The single climbed to No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1977, launching the band into mainstream success and helping establish Rock and Roll Alternative as one of its landmark albums. 

For Justo, however, the greatest reward has never been chart positions.

Following most shows, someone approaches him with a similar thankfulness.

“Thank you so much,” they tell him. “I just re-lived my high school or college experience at this show.”

“These songs connect people to their past, for better or worse,” Justo said.

The only downside to touring after all these years, he joked, isn’t performing, but traveling.

“No matter where I’m going,” he laughed, “I always get set up with the furthest possible gate, and the furthest possible hotel room.”

When asked what advice he would give aspiring musicians, Justo’s answer came without hesitation.

“Go to school,” he said. “It is extremely hard to make a career in music. There are no shortcuts. You need to practice. When your fingers hurt from the guitar strings, keep practicing. When you are tired and feel like you want to give up, keep practicing.”

His final piece of advice reflects the mindset that has sustained a career spanning more than half a century.

“Never pass up the opportunity to play with someone better than you,” Justo said. “Then you work your way up to their level and then find someone else who’s better than that.”

Justo looks forward to continuing his tour and encourages people to both listen to their music and make their own.

“That’s what it’s all about!” Justo said.

Pure Prairie League, Atlanta Rhythm Section, Orleans, and Firefall will play at Indian Ranch on Sunday, August 23. Gates open at 11:30 a.m., show at 1 p.m.