Duke of Earl

Description

Limited 180gm vinyl LP pressing of the chart-topping Chicago Soul singer's 1961 album in stereo. Includes the US #1 hit 'Duke of Earl' and 'Nite Owl'. The singer born Eugene Dixon cut his teeth performing as a teen on Chicago's south side in the early 50s with the Gaytones vocal group before joining the R&B quintet the Dukays in 1957. With Dixon singing lead, the group recorded four sides for Nat Records in 1961 of which 'Duke of Earl' was one but the label declined to release it, opting instead for 'Nite Owl' which became a sizeable R&B hit later that year. Producers Carl Davis and Bill 'Bunky' Sheppard then shopped 'Duke' around eventually licensing the track to Vee-Jay who decided to release it by Dixon as a solo singer.