The lyrics of "Southern Nights" were inspired by childhood memories Allen Toussaint had of visiting relatives in the Louisiana backwoods, which often entailed storytelling under star-filled nighttime skies.
[3] When Campbell heard Toussaint's version, he immediately identified with the lyrics which reminded him of his own youth growing up on an Arkansas farm.
[4] Released as a single by Campbell in January 1977, "Southern Nights" immediately caught on with both country and pop audiences.
The song featured a unique guitar lick that Campbell had learned from friend Jerry Reed.
1 on the Billboard magazine Hot Country Singles chart marking it Campbell's fifth and final No.