Gene Chandler facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Gene Chandler
Background information
Birth name	Eugene Drake Dixon
Also known as	The Duke of Earl, the Duke
Born	(1937-07-06) July 6, 1937 (age 87) Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Genres	R&B soul disco
Occupation(s)	Singer-songwriter record producer record company executive music publisher
Associated acts	Barbara Acklin, the Dukays, Jerry Butler, Curtis Mayfield, the Impressions

Gene Chandler (born Eugene Drake Dixon on July 6, 1937) is an American singer, songwriter, and music producer. He is also a record company boss. People often call him "the Duke of Earl" or just "the Duke."

Gene Chandler is famous for his hit songs "Duke of Earl" and "Groovy Situation". He also worked with groups like the Dukays and the Impressions, and with singer Curtis Mayfield.

Chandler has received many honors for his music. He is in the Grammy Hall of Fame. He also won the Pioneer Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation. He is special because he had hit songs in many different music styles. These include doo-wop, rhythm and blues, soul, and disco. His songs were popular on the music charts from 1961 to 1986. In 2014, Gene Chandler joined the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame. In 2016, he was honored again as an R&B music pioneer.

Early Life and Music Beginnings

Gene Chandler was born Eugene Drake Dixon in Chicago, Illinois. This was on July 6, 1937. He went to Englewood High School in Chicago.

In the early 1950s, Chandler started singing with a group called the Gaytones. In 1957, he joined a group called the Dukays. He soon became their lead singer. After serving in the U.S. Army, Chandler came back to Chicago in 1960. He then rejoined the Dukays.

Music Career Highlights

The Dukays signed a deal with Nat Records. In 1961, they recorded a song called "The Girl Is a Devil." Later that year, they recorded "Nite Owl" and "Duke of Earl." "Nite Owl" became a hit song in R&B music.

Then, "Duke of Earl" was released by Vee-Jay Records in 1962. It was sung by Dixon, who was now known as Gene Chandler. "Duke of Earl" sold a million copies in just over a month. It earned a gold disc award. The song was number one on the Billboard charts for three weeks. After this, Chandler started dressing up as the Duke of Earl. He wore a cape, a monocle, a cane, and a top hat. He even sang "Duke of Earl" in a movie called Don't Knock the Twist in 1962. His concerts were very popular. He often sang "Rainbow" by Curtis Mayfield as an extra song.

In 1963, Chandler left Vee-Jay Records. He then recorded for other Chicago labels like Constellation Records. He had more hit songs with Constellation. These included "Just Be True" (1964) and "Nothing Can Stop Me" (1965). Both were written by Curtis Mayfield.

Other popular songs by Chandler were "What Now" and "Rainbow." He also had success with his version of James Brown's "There Was a Time."

After many years of performing, Chandler wanted to do more behind the scenes. He started his own production company. He also created two record labels: Bamboo and Mister Chand. In 1970, he produced his own hit song, "Groovy Situation." This song reached number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It was his second biggest hit after "Duke of Earl." "Groovy Situation" also sold over a million copies and earned a gold disc.

Chandler also produced hit songs for other artists. In 1969, he produced "Backfield in Motion" for the group Mel and Tim. This song was a top 10 hit.

Later, Chandler recorded an album called Gene and Jerry: One on One with Jerry Butler. He also sang on an album with Eric Clapton in 1974.

In the late 1970s, Chandler had success with disco music. He made songs like "Get Down" and "When You're #1." He also became a top executive at Chi-Sound Records.

His song "Duke of Earl" was used in the movie Hairspray (1988). "Groovy Situation" was in the movie Anchorman: Music from the Motion Picture (2004). In 2002, "Duke of Earl" was added to the Grammy Hall of Fame. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame also chose "Duke of Earl" as one of its "500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll." In 2016, a street in Chicago was named after him. This was to honor his music and his work for the city.

Gene Chandler's son, Defrantz Forest, is also a singer. He sings with the Motown group The Originals.

Discography

Chandler in his Duke of Earl costume (1997)

Here are some of Gene Chandler's albums and singles.

Albums

These are the albums Gene Chandler released by himself or with other artists:

Singles

These are the single songs Gene Chandler released: