James Dexter Weatherly (March 17, 1943 – February 3, 2021) was an American singer-songwriter who wrote mostly pop and country music. He played quarterback at the University of Mississippi while also writing music with his own bands. He subsequently chose songwriting over a football career. His notable songs include "The Need to Be" and "Midnight Train to Georgia". == Early life == Weatherly was born in Pontotoc, Mississippi, on March 17, 1943. He attended Pontotoc High School, where he was... [more on Wikipedia]