Tag: Bernice Williams

Well we might as well close out July with this classic.

When I hear this song I automatically think of the 1950s. One problem with that thought…it was released in late 1961 but it doesn’t matter…it’s pretty damn awesome. This is one of the songs that I missed on my Max’s Picks. The song has a magical quality about it…I have to smile when I hear it.

The song originated from warm-up exercises by the doo-wop group The Dukays. The group’s members would sing “doo doo doo” to prepare their voices, which evolved into “duke duke duke.” The song was written by Gene Chandler, Earl Edwards, and Bernice Williams. The song was recorded in one take.

The song established Gene Chandler’s career and became his signature hit. He adopted the persona of the “Duke of Earl,” often appearing in a cape and top hat during performances. Chandler went on to have a long career. He released music until 1986. He had a lot of success on the Billboard R&B charts and had some more top 40 singles as well, but nothing as big as The Duke of Earl.

This song is just one of those songs that you know the instant it starts. It’s one of the most famous openings of any song from the rock ’n’ roll era. Chandler was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2002 for “The Duke of Earl” and the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame in 2014.

The song peaked at #1 on the Billboard 100 and #1 in Canada (from all I’ve found) in 1962. There are 35 cover versions of this song but it would be impossible to wipe away the memory of the original.

Duke Of Earl

Duke, Duke, Duke, Duke of Earl
Duke, Duke, Duke of Earl
Duke, Duke, Duke of Earl
Duke, Duke, Duke of Earl

Duke, Duke, Duke of Earl
Duke, Duke, Duke of Earl
Duke, Duke, Duke of Earl
Duke, Duke, Duke of Earl

As I walk through this world
Nothing can stop the Duke of Earl
And-a you, you are my girl
And no one can hurt you, oh no

Yes-a, I, oh I’m gonna love you, oh oh
Come on let me hold you darlin’
‘Cause I’m the Duke of Earl
So hey yea yea yeah

And when I hold you
You’ll be my Duchess, Duchess of Earl
We’ll walk through my dukedom
And a paradise we will share

Yes-a, I, oh I’m gonna love you, oh oh
Nothing can stop me now
‘Cause I’m the Duke of Earl
So hey yeah yeah yeah

Well, I, oh I’m gonna love you, oh oh
Nothing can stop me now
‘Cause I’m the Duke of Earl
So hey yeah yeah yeah