Earl Nelson (singer) facts for kids

Earl Lee Nelson (born September 8, 1928 – died July 12, 2008) was an American soul singer and songwriter. He was also known by his stage name Jackie Lee. Earl Nelson began his music journey in the 1950s with a doo-wop group called the Hollywood Flames. Later, he helped create the R&B duo Bob & Earl. As Jackie Lee, he became famous for his hit song "The Duck." This song reached #14 on the Pop music charts and #4 on the R&B charts.

Who Was Earl Nelson?

Earl Lee Nelson was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana, on September 8, 1928. When he was young, he sang in his church's gospel choir. In 1937, his family moved to Los Angeles. At 17, Nelson joined the U.S. Army. He worked on building the Panama Canal.

His Start in Music

In the 1950s, Earl Nelson started singing doo-wop music. This style of music uses vocal harmonies without many instruments. He joined a group called the Hollywood Flames. In 1957, he was the lead singer on their song "Buzz Buzz Buzz." This song became a big hit. It reached #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also hit #5 on the R&B chart.

Bob & Earl and "Harlem Shuffle"

Earl Nelson teamed up with Bobby Byrd (not the Bobby Byrd from the Famous Flames). They formed a duo called Bob & Earl. Their first song together was "You Made a Boo-Boo" in 1957. In 1958, Nelson sang background vocals on Bobby Day's famous song "Rockin' Robin." After a few years, Bobby Byrd left the duo to sing on his own.

Another singer named Bob Relf joined Earl Nelson. They kept the name Bob & Earl. In 1963, they released a song called "Harlem Shuffle." This song became very popular. It reached the Top 50 in the U.S. and later the Top 10 in the UK.

Becoming Jackie Lee and "The Duck"

In 1965, Earl Nelson started a solo career. He used the name Earl Cosby for a short time. Later that year, he began recording as Jackie Lee. He chose this name using his wife's first name, Jackie, and his own middle name, Lee.

In November 1965, Jackie Lee released his biggest hit, "The Duck." By January, it was a huge success. It reached #14 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also hit #4 on the R&B chart. In 1966, he released his only album, also called The Duck. This album reached #85 on the Billboard Top Lp's chart and #8 on the R&B chart.

Later Career and Legacy

Even though "The Duck" was his biggest hit, Jackie Lee's other songs are still loved today. Many of his later songs are popular in Northern soul music. This is a type of soul music that became popular in the UK. Nelson continued to make music for different record labels. In 1974, a famous producer named Barry White produced his song "Strange Funky Games and Things." For this song, Nelson used the name Jay Dee.

Earl Nelson kept performing in Los Angeles. Later in his life, he faced health challenges. He passed away in Los Angeles on July 12, 2008, at the age of 79. He was a father to several children.

Earl Nelson's Music

Here are some of the albums and singles Earl Nelson released throughout his career.

Albums

• 1966: The Duck (Mirwood Records) – This album reached #85 on the Pop charts and #8 on the R&B charts.

Singles

Earl Nelson and The Pelicans

• 1957: "Oh Gee Oh Golly" / "I Bow To You" (Class 209)

Earl Nelson

• 1959: "No Time To Cry" / "Come On" (Ebb 164)

Chip Nelson

• 1960: "Honey For Sale" / "Quiet As It's Kept" (Edsel 783)

Earl Cosby

• 1965: "Ooh Honey Baby" / "I'll Be There" (Mira 204)
• 1966: "Land Of A 1,000 Dances" / "Ooh Honey Baby (Mirwood 5515)

Jackie Lee

• 1965: "The Duck" / "Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide" (Mirwood 5502) – This song reached #14 on the Pop charts and #4 on the R&B charts.
• 1966: "Your P-E-R-S-O-N-A-L-I-T-Y" / "Try My Method" (Mirwood 5509)
• 1966: "The Shotgun And The Duck" / "Do The Temptation Walk" (Mirwood 5510)
• 1966: "Would You Believe" / "You're Everything" (Mirwood 5519)
• 1966: "Oh, My Darlin'" / "Don't Be Ashamed" (Mirwood 5527)
• 1967: "Glory Of Love" / "Bring It Home" (Keymen 109)
• 1968: "African Boo-Ga-Loo" / "Bring It Home" (Keymen 114) – This song reached #4 on the R&B charts.
• 1968: "Darkest Days" / "One For The Road" (ABC 11146)
• 1970: "The Chicken" / "I Love You" (Uni 55206) – This song reached #47 on the R&B charts.
• 1970: "Your Sweetness Is My Weakness" / "You Were Searching For A Love" (Uni 55259)
• 1971: "Pershing Square" / "Twenty-Five Miles To Louisiana" (Capitol 3145)

Jackie Lee and Delores Hall

• 1966: "Whether It's Right Or Wrong" / "Baby I'm Satisfied" (Mirwood 5528)

Jay Dee

• 1974: "Strange Funky Games And Things" / "Strange Funky Games And Things (Instrumental)" (Warner Bros. 7798) – This song reached #88 on the R&B charts.