Dennis Johnson

The Jimmy Dinkins that was mentioned in this thread was not from Atlanta. He was from Montgomery, Alabama- about 2.5 hours down the interstate from Atlanta. Jimmy was a fairly frequent consultant for our band when I was in high school and he was influential in my development as a young drummer in high school. I marched in the snare line under Tom Float in the Spirit of Atlanta in 1980 (the best year!) and Jimmy was often on the judging panel as we were on tour. (which made me a bit nervous!) We tied for high percussion at finals that year with Delucia's Bridgemen. (first ever tie in D.C.I. history). Goodhart judged us a lot too. He actually came out on the field after a show and shook our hands because of the show we drummed that night. This was at the Huntsville show close to finals that year in Birmingham. Lots of find memories. Dennis Johnson

Losing the great brass arranger & instructor Jim Ott on tour with Spirit of Atlanta during the summer of 1980. The corps had a day off (night off actually) in New Orleans and then onto our next show. Jim died in a traffic accident. Several members of the staff were riding in another vehicle.(didn't ride the bus). The next day was a sad day for all as we were told of the news. That night we went exhibition with black arm bands. One of the loudest horn lines of all time no doubt. A VERY emotional show. You should have see the crowd's eyes as the horn line opened up with Georgia and let 'em have it with Let it Be Me at the end of the show. I can still hear the last chord ringing in my ears. Dennis Johnson Spirit of Atlanta Snare line 1980

As a snare drummer with Spirit in 1980 I remember going back and forth with 27th on tour. Their line seemed to edge us out almost all summer long until the final push into finals. Blue Devils were the usual Blue Devils, although the drum line was a bit weaker than it had been in the past. The top 4 corps could have won on that night for sure. A tie for high drums with Bridgemen is something I will never forget. Dennis Johnson :)