The angels are singing: #7 "Earth Angel" The Penquins (1954)

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Everyone has heard this doo wop classic that ranks among the biggest selling singles of all time. An estimated 20 million copies sold and possibly more since 1950s stats are not wholly accurate. There have been many covers of “Earth Angel” but the classic version is the original by the Penguins. That is the single you hear on oldies but goodies radio and countless movie soundtracks. The Penguins were formed in 1953 by high school friends lead singer Cleveland Duncan, Curtis Williams, Dexter Tisby and Bruce Tate. Written by Williams, Jesse Belvin and Gaynel Hodge, “Earth Angel” began as a garage demo turned local hit that went national. The gold single reached Billboard #8 and r&b #1 and immortality. In the 1950s, there was the unfortunate practice of white artists covering black hits to greater sales. The most infamous example was Pat Boone’s #1 recording of Fats Domino’s “Ain’t That a Shame.” The Crew Cuts were just that. White boys with crew cuts. Their bland soulless cover of “Earth Angel” went to #1.