About the song
Background and writing
“Earth Angel” is a song written by Jesse Belvin and originally recorded by The Penguins, a doo-wop group from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It was released in 1954 as a single on the Mercury Records label.
The song is a beautiful and haunting ballad about a young man’s love for a woman he considers to be his “earth angel.” The lyrics are simple but effective, and they perfectly capture the feeling of being in love. The song’s slow tempo and lush harmonies create a dreamlike atmosphere that perfectly complements the lyrics.
Recording and production
“Earth Angel” was recorded in 1954 at the Pythian Temple in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The song was produced by George “Bumps” Blackwell. Blackwell was a successful record producer who worked with some of the biggest names in doo-wop, including The Orioles, The Clovers, and The Five Keys.
Release and commercial performance
“Earth Angel” was released in 1954 as a single. The song was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. The song was also a hit in other countries, reaching the top ten charts in many countries around the world.
Impact and legacy
“Earth Angel” is considered to be one of the greatest doo-wop songs of all time. The song has been covered by many artists over the years, including The Beach Boys, The Rolling Stones, and Elton John. The song has also been used in several films and television shows, including “The Big Lebowski” and “The Sopranos.”
The Penguins
The Penguins were an American doo-wop group that was one of the most successful and influential groups of the 1950s. The group was formed in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1953 and consisted of lead singer Curtis Williams, first tenor Cleveland Stillman, second tenor Dexter Tisby, baritone J.C. Heard, and bass bass Arthur “Bud” Wilson.
The Penguins had a string of hit singles in the 1950s, including “Earth Angel”, “Hey Senorita”, and “Seven Days”. The group was also successful on the album charts, releasing two top ten albums in the United States.
The Penguins disbanded in the early 1960s, but they have reunited for several special projects since then. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.
Conclusion
“Earth Angel” is a classic doo-wop song that has stood the test of time. It is a beautiful and haunting ballad about a young man’s love for a woman he considers to be his “earth angel.” The Penguins’ version is the definitive version of the song, and it is considered to be one of the greatest doo-wop songs of all time.
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