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.