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The Penguins' Cleve Duncan Dead: 'Earth Angel' Singer Dies at 78

Michael Ochs Archives

Cleve Duncan, the lead vocalist behind 1950s doo-wop group the Penguins has died. The 78-year-old singer passed away on Nov. 7 in Los Angeles, according to The New York Times.

Duncan was well known for the tenor harmonies of "Earth Angel (Will You Be Mine)," a 1954 ballad that's still being spun on oldies radio across the country. The song came back into prominence after its use in 1985's "Back to the Future."

L.A.-based songwriter Curtis Williams discovered Duncan at a talent show in 1953. The pair later formed the Penguins with baritone Bruce Tate and tenor Dextor Tisby, and soon went to work cutting songs in a garage.

In 1954, the four-piece recorded two singles, the A-side "Hey Senorita," and the B-side "Earth Angel." DJs passed right over the A-side and began spinning the latter, which quickly climbed to the top of the R&B charts.

The Penguins never achieved a no. 1 hit again and broke up in 1958. Duncan later reformed the band, keeping the memory alive for around 40 more years.

There is currently no information on Duncan's surviving family members or his cause of death. It's also possible the singer was 77 years old, due to inconsistent record keeping.

Musicians Who Died in 2012
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Watch the Penguins Perform "Earth Angel"


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23 Comments

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dinabow

Great music. He will be missed. I played this song over and over again. There is no comparison in this music and the music of today. Those old songs had meaning. The music of today is just empty. RIP and know you were loved by many. Sing for the Lord now, after all, He gave you that amazing voice to share with all of us. Thanks for the memories.

November 19 2012 at 3:08 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Terry

As a white kid, growing up in Los Angeles the 50's for me was all about the doo-wop groups, girl groups, & various pre-motown black groups. The racial problems going on in the south at the time seemd a million miles away, and the music of these artists and groups were loved by all. Maybe I grew up in a big city bubble, but life seemed so simple, and there was no emphasis on race. When life gets stressful, such as it has for the months leading up to the election, I switch on the 50's on 5 on my Sirius...best therapy ever. My favorite from back then? Frankie Lyman & the Teenagers.

November 19 2012 at 2:28 PM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
Ed Baggett

This video has been around about 15 yrs (PBS) . They look much younger here. I remember when they were in Columbia, SC mid 1950's when I ushered the The Township Auditorium for old R & B groups, etc.

November 19 2012 at 2:13 PM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
Jean

MY MY ANOTHER ONE GOES TO HEAVEN .. I BET HEAVEN IS ROCK'EN

November 19 2012 at 1:58 PM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
wongtpa

The greatest Doo Wop song of all time! RIP!

November 19 2012 at 1:14 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
willybobs33

When I was a kid "KRUZING" in my HOTROD I remember all these special DOO-WOP Groups. What a shame, lots are all being called home. They will be so missed. Gone are the days of True ROCK & Roll . Thank you CLEVE DUNCAN for making my life Now and then Brighter. RIP.
BOB

November 19 2012 at 12:54 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
zartle

Cleve Duncan was one of my all time favorite lead singers-sorry to hear of his passing

November 19 2012 at 11:44 AM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
mattie2310

The memories I have, love it! God Bless him and his family. Thank you

November 19 2012 at 10:27 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Dmande6304

I always wanted to attend one of the doo wop concerts but the ignorant people standing up in front of everyone and the idiots dancing in the aisle's well they can buy the CD and dance at home , they ruin it for everyone

November 19 2012 at 10:11 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
afornuto

woke up in bronx during the 1960,s where my mom would play him all the time....awesome music,lost time of innocence as well....RIP along with my friend and great writer performer Raplh Mcdonald....(just the two of us,where is the love,Mahogany,many more...

November 19 2012 at 9:00 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply