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 88) 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 a famous American singer, songwriter, and music producer. He is often called "the Duke of Earl" or just "the Duke." Gene Chandler is most famous for his hit songs "Duke of Earl" and "Groovy Situation." He also worked with groups like the Dukays and the Impressions, and with artist Curtis Mayfield.

Gene Chandler is a very respected artist. He was honored in the Grammy Hall of Fame and received a special Pioneer Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation. What's really cool is that he had hit songs across many different music styles. These include doo-wop, R&B, soul, and disco. His songs were popular on the music charts from 1961 all the way to 1986. In 2014, Gene Chandler was added to the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame. Two years later, in 2016, he was inducted again as an R&B music pioneer.

Gene Chandler's Early Life

Gene Chandler was born Eugene Drake Dixon in Chicago, Illinois, on July 6, 1937. He grew up on the South Side of the city. He went to Englewood High School. In the early 1950s, Gene started performing with a group called the Gaytones.

In 1957, he joined a group called the Dukays. He quickly became their lead singer. After serving in the U.S. Army, Gene returned to Chicago in 1960. He then rejoined the Dukays.

Gene Chandler's Music Career

The Dukays signed a record deal with Nat Records. In 1961, they released a song called "The Girl Is a Devil." Later that year, they recorded more songs, including "Nite Owl" and "Duke of Earl." "Nite Owl" became a hit on the R&B charts.

The Success of "Duke of Earl"

Nat Records then shared "Duke of Earl" with Vee-Jay Records. Vee-Jay released the song in 1962, with Eugene Dixon now known as Gene Chandler. "Duke of Earl" was a massive hit! It sold one million copies in just over a month. The song quickly earned a gold record award.

After "Duke of Earl" was number one on the Billboard charts for three weeks, Gene Chandler embraced his new nickname. He bought a cape, a monocle, a cane, and a top hat. He started calling himself "the Duke of Earl." He even appeared in the 1962 movie Don't Knock the Twist singing his hit song in costume. His concerts became very popular. For encores, he often sang "Rainbow," a song by Curtis Mayfield.

New Record Labels and More Hits

In 1963, Gene Chandler left Vee-Jay Records. He then recorded for Constellation Records, another company in Chicago. After Constellation closed in 1966, he signed with Chess and then Brunswick Records. For a while, both Chess and Brunswick released his music.

He had more Top-20 hits with Constellation. These included "Just Be True" (1964) and "Nothing Can Stop Me" (1965). Both of these songs were written by Curtis Mayfield. Other popular songs by Gene Chandler included "What Now," "Rainbow," and "I Fooled You This Time." He also had success with his version of James Brown's "There Was a Time."

Becoming a Producer and "Groovy Situation"

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

In 1969, Gene Chandler produced "Backfield in Motion" for the duo Mel and Tim. This song was released on his Bamboo Records label. It reached number three on the R&B chart. In 1970, he produced another song for them, "Good Guys Only Win in the Movies."

Later in 1970, Gene Chandler recorded an album called Gene and Jerry: One on One with fellow Chicago artist Jerry Butler. He also appeared on a live album called Curtis in Chicago (1973) with the Impressions and Curtis Mayfield.

Disco Era and Later Recognition

Gene Chandler also found success with disco music in the late 1970s. He made songs like "Get Down," "When You're #1," and "Does She Have a Friend?" He became an executive at Chi-Sound Records. During this time, there was a renewed interest in 1950s music. Famous disc jockey Wolfman Jack organized tours for older artists, and Gene Chandler was part of them.

His song "Duke of Earl" was used by the hip-hop group Cypress Hill in their 1991 song "Hand on the Pump." Another one of his songs, "Hallelujah, I Love Her So," was sampled in their 1993 album Black Sunday. In 1997, he received a Pioneer Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation.

"Duke of Earl" was featured in the 1988 movie Hairspray. "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 his hometown of Chicago was named after him. This honored his achievements in 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

Albums

Chandler in his Duke of Earl costume (1997)

Here are some of Gene Chandler's albums and collaborations:

Singles