About the song
“Earth Angel,” sometimes known as “Earth Angel (Will You Be Mine),” is a quintessential track from the golden era of doo-wop, performed by the American vocal group The Penguins. Released as their debut single in October 1954 on Dootone Records, the song emerged from an unlikely setting—a garage recording session in South Central Los Angeles. The Penguins, who had formed just the previous year, recorded the track as a demo, which unexpectedly became a massive hit despite its initial intent to be overdubbed with additional instrumentation.
The origins of “Earth Angel” are rich and complex, drawing influences from a range of sources, including the works of Jesse Belvin, Patti Page, and the Hollywood Flames. The song’s authorship led to a protracted legal battle, underscoring its significance and the controversies surrounding its creation. Despite these challenges, the song’s innate charm and emotional resonance propelled it to the forefront of popular music.
The Penguins, consisting of lead vocalist Cleveland Duncan, bass Curtis Williams, tenor Dexter Tisby, and baritone Bruce Tate, were high school students from Los Angeles who named themselves after the Kool cigarette mascot. Their impromptu recording session in a home garage, using minimal equipment and facing interruptions from a neighbor’s barking dog, resulted in an iconic track that captured the essence of teenage romance and longing. The original version of “Earth Angel” quickly overshadowed its intended A-side, becoming a monumental success.
As the first independent label release to make Billboard’s national pop charts, “Earth Angel” achieved significant milestones, reaching the top 10 and topping the R&B charts for several weeks. Its success led to numerous cover versions, including a notable one by the Crew-Cuts, which also enjoyed high chart positions. The song’s enduring popularity has been reflected in its continued sales and presence in popular culture, from its inclusion in films like “Back to the Future” to its recognition by the Library of Congress in 2005 for its cultural and historical importance.
Despite being The Penguins’ only major hit, “Earth Angel” remains a defining example of doo-wop music and continues to be celebrated for its melodic beauty and emotional depth. Its influence can be seen in countless covers and its persistent presence on oldies radio, a testament to its timeless appeal and the profound impact it has had on the landscape of American music.
Video
Lyrics
Earth angel, earth angel
Will you be mine?
My darling dear
Love you all the time
I’m just a fool
A fool in love with you
Earth angel, earth angel
The one I adore
Love you forever and ever more
I’m just a fool
A fool in love with you
I fell for you and I knew
The vision of your love, loveliness
I hope and I pray that someday
I’ll be the vision of your hap-happiness, oh, oh
Earth angel, earth angel
Please, be mine
My darling dear
Love you all the time
I’m just a fool
A fool in love with you
I fell for you and I knew
The vision of your loveliness
I hope and pray that someday
That I’ll be the vision of your happiness, oh
Earth angel, earth angel
Please, be mine
My darling dear
Love you all the time
I’m just a fool
A fool in love with you (you, you, you)
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