Atlanta was formed in 1982 by Brad Griffis (vocals), Bill Davidson (vocals, rhythm guitar), Tony Ingram (vocals, fiddle), Alan David (lead guitar), Allen Collay (keyboards), Bill Packard (keyboards), Jeff Baker (harmonica), Dick Stevens (bass guitar) and John Holder (drums). Prior to the foundation, Ingram had recorded on Epic Records in the band Spurzz, and Stevens, Davidson, Griffis and David had previously toured as a re-establishment of The Vogues. The group was founded through the assistance of record producer Larry McBride, who had also launched the career of Alabama. With nine members, Atlanta was the largest country music band at the time. "Atlanta Burned Again Last Night" was the band's debut single, released in 1983 on the independent MDJ record label, which McBride owned. This recording spent seventeen weeks on the Billboard country singles charts, peaking at number 9.This single was one of the highest-charting debut singles by an independently-signed country music act.

After it came the number 11 "Dixie Dreaming", the band's second and final MDJ release. By early 1984, MCA Records assumed promotion of the band's singles and albums, releasing "Sweet Country Music" early in the year. This became the band's highest-charting hit, reaching number 5 on the Billboard country charts. MCA released the band's debut album Pictures in 1984. MCA also released the singles "Pictures" and "Wishful Drinkin'," the latter of which was included in the film Ellie. Atlanta released its self-titled second album for MCA in 1985. It included the singles "My Sweet-Eyed Georgia Girl" and "Why Not Tonight," both of which peaked outside the country Top 40. The band later moved to the Southern Tracks label, releasing "We Always Agree on Love" and "Sad Clichés.

1984