"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 theCanadian charts.[4][5] Its best-known version was created by James Cobb and producerBuddy Buie for the groupClassics IV when they added lyrics about a "spooky little girl". The vocalist wasDennis Yost.[6] The song is noted for its eerie whistling sound effect depicting the spooky woman. It has become aHalloween favorite.[7][unreliable source?] In 1968, the vocal version reached No. 3 on the U.S.Billboard Hot 100,[8] No. 1 in Canada,[9] and No. 46 in the UK.[10]
J.R. Cobb and bandmateDean Daughtry later became part ofAtlanta Rhythm Section and re-recorded "Spooky" in 1979, also produced by Buie. It was the second of two singles released from theirUnderdog LP.
ARS's version hit No. 17 in the US onBillboard and No. 15 onCash Box.[16] It also charted minorly internationally.[17]
A version of "Spooky" was recorded byDusty Springfield in 1968, released as a single worldwide except in the US. This gender-flipped version was featured prominently in theGuy Ritchie filmLock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. Springfield's version was certified gold byBPI in 2024.[20]
Lydia Lunch released her version of the song on her 1980 albumQueen of Siam. The lyrics are addressed to "a spooky little boy".
Another gender-flipped version was recorded byMartha Reeves and released on the albumIn 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]
A big band Latin Jazz version of the song appears on the 2024 Grammy nominated double CD, "Vox Humana," recorded live at Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola in NYC by the Bobby Sanabria Multiverse Big Band. It features Janis Siegel on vocals highlighting the genre switch in its interpretation along with Peter Brainin on tenor saxophone over authentic Cuban cha-cha, son montuno rhythm with a jazz oriented arrangement by Jeremy Fletcher.
