Joe South, singer and songwriter who delivered the hit song "Walk a mile in my shoes," in the 1970s died on Wednesday in his home in Buford, Ga. South was 72.
Joseph Souter, which was the songwriter's real name, died of a heart attack in his home according to Marion Merck of the Hall County Coroner's office.
South gained popularity with songs in the 1970s such as "Games people play," "Walk a mile in my shoes," "down in the boondocks." South also collaborated with many well-known artists such as Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan and Simon & Garfunkel.
In 1969 his hit single "Games People Play" won him two Grammys for Best Contemporary Song and Song of the Year. The song also made it to Billboard Charts, ranking at mo.12. He also penned Lynn Anderson's Grammy nominated song, "I never promised you a rose garden."
Butch Lowery, president of the Lowery Group, which published South's music, "He's one of the greatest songwriters of all time...His songs have touched so many lives. He's such a wonderful guy and loved by many," as reported by the Associated Press.
South made his debut in the music world in 1958 with his single called "The Purple People Eater Meets the Witch Doctor." He was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and Georgia Music Hall of Fame.
Watch Video of his hit song "Games People Play" here.
