Gene Chandler--Duke of Earl (1962)

     Gene Chandler was a member of the vocal group, "The Dukays" beginning in 1957. After a stint in the Army in 1960, he returned to the group and began professionally recording late that year. In fact, in 1961, they had a minor Billboard hit with, "She's A Devil". Later that year, they recorded "Nite Owl" and "The Duke of Earl". "Nite Owl" was slated for release, but the story of "The Duke of Earl" is a bit more complicated. The following is directly from his bio at http://www.genechandler.com.

"The Du-Kays would warm up by singing do-do-do-do- in various tones and pitches. Gene started singing duke--duke--duke and from there added fellow member "Earl" Edward’s first name to complete the phrase. He then began composing the lyrics on the spot. It worked so well and they were excited that this was a potential hit. They immediately sang the lyrics to Bernie who in turn added more lyrics. They recorded the Duke of Earl. But getting the "Duke of Earl" released however, was the hardest part. Nat Records released "Nite Owl", but was unable to get the distribution rights for "Duke of Earl".

Calvin Carter, A&R man with VeeJay Records absolutely loved the tune and especially liked Gene’s singing style. Carter was more interested in Gene alone than in the whole group sound and felt Gene could top the charts easier as a solo artist. While "Nite Owl" by the Du-Kays was shooting up the charts, VeeJay was holding back the release of the "Duke of Earl ", because Gene couldn’t decide to go solo or stay with the group that had a hit 45 on the charts. In January of 1962 Eugene Dixon became Gene Chandler, taking his last name from actor Jeff Chandler because he thought it had a romantic ring. Under Gene Chandler he released solo records while still under contract with the Du-Kays as Gene Dixon. The " Duke of Earl " was finally released and it sold a million copies in little over one month. It was a huge hit, Number 1 for three weeks in 1962. It dethroned the " Twist " from its Number 1 position"

     Although most know him only for this song, he had a string of chart hits singing the songs of a (at the time), Curtis Mayfield, which showed his abilities around slow ballads and made him a staple of Chicago soul in the mid-60s. His last big hit was in 1970 with, "Groovy Situation", he continues to tour today. 

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The Ad-Libs: He Ain't No Angel (1965)

     John T. Taylor had been playing saxophone with different big bands since the 30's. He decided by 1960 that it was time to retire from the road and to teach. During that time, he heard a group calling themselves the Creators. He began writing for them, but the couple of singles flopped on the charts. 

      In 1964 there was a reshuffling of the ranks, and a name change to the Ad-Libs. Hugh Harris, Danny Austin, Dave Watt, Norman Donegan, and female lead, Mary Ann Thomas made up the classic lineup of the reformed group. That next year they hit it big with the Taylor penned, "Boy From New York City", reaching #8 on the Billboard charts.

       This was the only hit they would ever have, although they recorded several strong singles which sank quickly. They had one more song reach the top 100 (in fact it reached #100 in 1965) which you can hear below. The group continued to make the R&B charts until 1969, but recorded and toured right up to into the late 80's.

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Johnny Angel & the Halos --(If I Had) One More Tomorrow (1962)

     In this lifelong study of all things rock, I find myself in admiration of many of these northeast groups who realize that music is a great profession even when your time on the charts has long gone away. Johnny Angel & the Halos out of the Pittsburgh area had their moment in regional popularity back in the late 50's/early 60's. I do not have their whole story, and would like to know more about them. But if you were interested you can find their webpage and phone number to book them for your meeting/wedding/reunion etc. They have day jobs, and several of them seem to be doing very well for themselves, but it's obvious the passion and love is on the weekend, when they not only relive their youth, but still touch people today with their music. And for those of us who love to perform....life doesn't get a lot better than that.

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