Buddy Buie, writer-producer behind Atlanta Rhythm Section, dies

Buddy Buie, seen here in a 1996 file photo, died Saturday in Alabama. (Credit: Chris Rank)

Buddy Buie, seen here in a 1996 file photo, died Saturday in Alabama. (Credit: Chris Rank)

Atlanta Rhythm Section, a Southern rock band formed in Doraville in the 1970s, announced Buie’s death on its Facebook page.

"…For those of you that don’t know, Buddy was the force that produced, wrote for, managed, and led the way for us to become The Atlanta Rhythm Section," the group wrote. "No Buddy….no ARS."

The post continued:

"Just last week Buddy shared his enthusiasm, and support, for the band, saying he wanted to come hear the new songs we added to the show."

The Dothan, Ala., Eagle reported that Buie, a Dothan native, died at Southeast Alabama Medical Center. It was unclear what the cause is.

Buie was a member of the Georgia and Alabama music hall of fames and has 340 songs registered in the Broadcast Music Incorporated catalogue. Buie also worked extensively with acts like Roy Orbison and Classics IV.

“We will miss Buddy’s contributions, musically, professionally, and most of all personally,” Atlanta Rhythm Section wrote on Facebook.