Gene Chandler, born Eugene Dixon, is an American singer known for his success in the 1960s and 1970s, particularly in the genres of soul and R&B. He is best known for his hit song “Duke of Earl,” which topped the charts in 1962 and became his signature song. Chandler’s smooth vocals and charismatic stage presence made him a popular performer during the heyday of soul music. He continued to record and perform throughout the decades, earning a reputation as a dynamic and versatile artist.
1. Duke of Earl
“Duke of Earl” is a song by Gene Chandler, released in 1962. It was Chandler’s debut single and became a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song is known for its doo-wop style and catchy melody, as well as Chandler’s smooth, soulful vocals. “Duke of Earl” is considered a classic of 1960s R&B and has been covered by numerous artists over the years. The song’s success helped establish Chandler as a prominent figure in the music industry, earning him the nickname “The Duke of Earl.”
2. Groovy Situation
“Groovy Situation” is a song by Gene Chandler, released in 1970. It was written by Leon Huff and Kenny Gamble and produced by Gamble & Huff. The song has a catchy, upbeat melody with a soulful groove, typical of Gamble & Huff’s production style. “Groovy Situation” was a hit for Chandler, reaching number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 8 on the R&B chart. The song’s infectious rhythm and Chandler’s smooth vocals helped make it one of his most enduring hits.
3. Rainbow ’80
“Rainbow ’80” is a song by American singer Gene Chandler, released in 1980. It was written by Chandler himself along with William Jones and Gary Johnson.
“Rainbow ’80” is a disco and soul-infused track that showcases Chandler’s smooth vocals and the upbeat, danceable rhythms typical of the era. The song’s lyrics convey themes of hope, love, and optimism, with Chandler singing about finding happiness and fulfillment in life.
While “Rainbow ’80” didn’t achieve the same level of commercial success as some of Chandler’s earlier hits, it remains a favorite among fans of disco and soul music from the 1980s. The song’s infectious groove and positive message continue to resonate with listeners, making it a standout in Chandler’s discography.
4. Nothing Can Stop Me
“Nothing Can Stop Me” is a song by Gene Chandler, released in 1965. It was written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King and produced by Carl Davis. The song has a lively, upbeat rhythm and features Chandler’s powerful vocals. “Nothing Can Stop Me” was a moderate hit for Chandler, reaching number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 3 on the R&B chart. The song has since become a classic of 1960s soul music, known for its energetic vibe and catchy melody.
5. Just Be True
“Just Be True” is a song originally recorded by American soul singer Gene Chandler, released in 1964. The song was written by Curtis Mayfield, Billy Butler, and Major Lance.
“Just Be True” is a soul ballad that showcases Chandler’s emotive vocals and heartfelt delivery. The lyrics convey a message of honesty and sincerity in love, with Chandler urging his partner to be true to their feelings and to stay faithful in the relationship. The song’s lush orchestration and melodic arrangement complement Chandler’s smooth vocal performance.
While “Just Be True” didn’t achieve the same level of commercial success as some of Chandler’s other hits, it remains a beloved classic in the soul music genre. The song has been covered by various artists over the years and continues to be celebrated for its timeless appeal and universal message of love and fidelity.
6. Man’s Temptation
“Man’s Temptation” is a song by Gene Chandler, released in 1969. It was written by Curtis Mayfield and produced by Carl Davis. The song is a soulful ballad that showcases Chandler’s emotive vocals. “Man’s Temptation” deals with themes of love, temptation, and personal struggle, reflecting Mayfield’s introspective songwriting style. While not as commercially successful as some of Chandler’s other songs, “Man’s Temptation” is highly regarded by fans and critics for its powerful lyrics and Chandler’s soulful delivery.
7. Bet You Never Thought
“Bet You Never Thought” is a song by American R&B and soul singer-songwriter Bobby Caldwell. It was released in 1983 as a single from his album “August Moon.”
“Bet You Never Thought” is a smooth and soulful R&B ballad that showcases Caldwell’s distinctive voice and emotive delivery. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a person who is surprised to find themselves falling in love unexpectedly. Despite their initial reservations, they realize that they have found someone special and are willing to take a chance on love.
With its infectious melody and heartfelt lyrics, “Bet You Never Thought” became a fan favorite and received positive reviews from critics. While it didn’t achieve the same level of commercial success as some of Caldwell’s other hits, the song remains a standout in his discography and is often cited as one of his underrated gems.
8. The Girl Don’t Care
“The Girl Don’t Care” is a song by Gene Chandler, released in 1964. It was written by Curtis Mayfield and produced by Carl Davis. The song features Chandler’s smooth vocals and a catchy, upbeat melody typical of the early 1960s soul music style. “The Girl Don’t Care” was a moderate hit for Chandler, reaching number 39 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 5 on the R&B chart. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a girl who is indifferent to the singer’s feelings, showcasing Chandler’s ability to convey emotion through his music.
9. You Can’t Hurt Me No More
“You Can’t Hurt Me No More” is a song by American soul singer Gene Chandler, released in 1970. It was written by Chandler along with Carl Davis and William Jones.
“You Can’t Hurt Me No More” is a soulful ballad that showcases Chandler’s emotive vocals and passionate delivery. The song’s lyrics convey a message of resilience and empowerment, with Chandler declaring his independence from a past relationship and asserting his strength in the face of heartbreak. The song’s lush orchestration and melodic arrangement complement Chandler’s soulful voice, creating a powerful and heartfelt ballad.
While “You Can’t Hurt Me No More” may not be as well-known as some of Chandler’s other hits, it remains a favorite among fans of soul music from the era. The song’s timeless message of overcoming adversity and finding inner strength continues to resonate with listeners, making it a standout in Chandler’s discography.
10. Daddy’s Home
“Daddy’s Home” is a song originally recorded by Shep and the Limelites in 1961. Gene Chandler later covered the song, and his version was released in 1965. Chandler’s rendition of “Daddy’s Home” became a hit, reaching number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 5 on the R&B chart. The song is a soulful ballad that tells the story of a man returning home to his loved one after being away. Chandler’s smooth vocals and heartfelt delivery helped make “Daddy’s Home” one of his most popular songs.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
