Gene Chandler (born July 6, 1937) – When You're #1 (1979)

The Duke of Earl co-wrote this dancefloor anthem for his late 70s disco era comeback.

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Legendary singer/songwriter and producer Gene Chandler is best known for his doo-wop classic “Duke of Earl,” which shot to #1 on the R&B charts and Billboard Hot 100 in 1962. He went on to write many songs for other artists and had a successful comeback in the late 70s, at the height of the mainstream disco era.

Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, Eugene Drake Dixon began performing in local R&B groups during the early 1950s. He was drafted into the Army, but returned to Chicago in 1960 and resumed his singing career.

Following the success of his mega-hit “Duke Of Earl,” Chandler wrote many songs for other artists and his own singles were mainstays of the R&B charts throughout the sixties.

During the late seventies, Chandler enjoyed a disco era comeback. The superb title track from his 1978 LP Get Down was a #3 R&B hit, and also went to #11 on the UK charts.

Along with the rest of the album, “Get Down” was produced by Carl Davis, and arranged by Tom Washington aka Tom Tom 84. The track was mixed by DJ Rick Gianatos.

Chandler co-wrote another funky title track for his next album, When You’re #1 (1979). Like Get Down, it was also produced by Davis and released on Chi Sound Records, distributed by Twentieth Century Fox.

“When You’re #1” was not as big of a hit as “Get Down,” only reaching #31 R&B, but still a stellar jam.

#soul #funk #disco #GeneChandler