Gene Chandler - Duke Of Earl: The Gene Chandler Story 1961-62 (2016)

Perhaps the last truly great, quintessential Doo Wop record, 'Duke Of Earl' was recorded by Chicago vocal quintet The Dukays, although due to record company, music publisher and contractual complications, it served to launch lead singer Eugene Dixon on his solo career as Gene Chandler. This compilation features everything that Chandler sang on during 1961-62, including both group and solo recordings. Includes The Dukays hits "The Girl's A Devil" and "Nite Owl", Alongside his own subsequent solo successes "Duke Of Earl" (a multi-million selling, worldwide hit), "Walk On With The Duke", "Tear For Tear" and his early crossover Chicago Soul hits "You Threw A Lucky Punch" and "Rainbow". Also included, by way of 'bonus tracks' are The Pearlettes 'answer disc' "Duchess Of Earl" and a handful of ultra-rare Dukays sides featuring Charles Davis (who tool over from Chandler) on lead vocals. Gene's LP 'The Duke Of Earl' is virtually impossible to find on CD in stereo, the albums tracks appear here in true stereo. Seven of the sides featured herein are genuine collectors' rarities and have never previously appeared on CD. Chandler, who still lives in Chicago, still performs regularly in the United States and occasionally visits Europe.