"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 and No. 55 on the Canadian charts.[3][4] 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.[5] The song is noted for its eerie whistling sound effect depicting the spooky woman. It has become a Halloween favorite.[6] In 1968, the vocal version reached No. 3 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100,[7] No. 1 in Canada,[8] and No. 46 in the UK.[9]
J.R. Cobb and bandmate Dean Daughtry later became part of the Atlanta Rhythm Section and re-recorded "Spooky" in 1979, also produced by Buie. It was the second of two singles released from their Underdog LP.
ARS's version hit No. 17 in the US on Billboard and No. 15 on Cash Box.[15] It also charted minorly internationally.[16]
A version of "Spooky" was recorded by Dusty Springfield 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 gold by BPI in 2024.[19]
Lydia Lunch released her version of the song on her 1980 album Queen of Siam. The lyrics are addressed to "a spooky little boy".
Another gender-flipped version was recorded by Martha Reeves 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".[citation needed]
