The 10 best Gene Chandler songs of all time

Gene Chandler, born Eugene Dixon, is an American singer and songwriter known for his contributions to soul music and rhythm and blues. He rose to prominence in the 1960s with his distinctive voice and charismatic stage presence. Chandler’s biggest hit came in 1962 with the song “Duke of Earl,” which topped the charts and became a classic of the doo-wop and soul genres.

Throughout his career, Gene Chandler has released successful singles such as “Groovy Situation” and “Rainbow ’65,” proving his versatility as an artist. He is also known for his work as a producer and promoter in the music industry, contributing to the development of soul and R&B music in its early years.

Gene Chandler’s legacy is marked by his smooth vocals, stirring performances, and lasting influence on the development of soul music, making him a respected figure in the history of the genre.

1. There was a time

“There Was a Time” is a classic soul song by Gene Chandler from 1968. Chandler is known for his smooth vocals and charismatic stage presence, and his rendition of “There Was a Time” became a notable hit on the R&B charts in the late 1960s.

The song captures themes of love and heartbreak typical of soul music of the era, with Chandler’s emotional delivery and soulful vocal style resonating with listeners. “There Was a Time” showcases Chandler’s ability to combine storytelling with rhythmic grooves, making it a memorable addition to his catalog of soulful hits.

Gene Chandler’s contribution to soul music continues to be celebrated for his distinctive voice and his contribution to the development of the genre during the golden age of R&B.

2. What now?

“What Now” is a song by Gene Chandler, released in 1971. It is a soulful ballad that showcases Chandler’s soulful vocals and storytelling skills. The song deals with themes of heartbreak and self-reflection, with Chandler lamenting lost love and pondering his future.

Known for its soulful melodies and poignant lyrics, Gene Chandler’s rendition of “What Now” captures the essence of classic soul music of the early 1970s. His expressive delivery and ability to convey raw emotion through his singing ensured the song resonated with audiences and established itself as a standout piece in his discography.

3. You can’t hurt me anymore

“You Can’t Hurt Me No More” is a soulful song by Gene Chandler from 1964. Chandler is known for his smooth and soulful vocals, and his rendition of the song captures the essence of 1960s soul and R&B.

The song’s lyrics convey resilience and determination in the face of heartbreak, with Chandler asserting that past pain can no longer hurt him. His soulful delivery, coupled with the song’s fast tempo and lively instrumentation, resonated with audiences and made it a favorite on the R&B charts.

“You Can’t Hurt Me No More” exemplifies Gene Chandler’s ability to combine soulful vocals with catchy melodies and stirring rhythms, and showcases his talent as a soul singer during the golden era of R&B music in the 1960s.

4. Duke of Earl

“Duke of Earl” is a song by Gene Chandler, released in 1962. It became Chandler’s biggest hit and is considered a classic of doo-wop and soul music of the early 1960s.

Lyrically, “Duke of Earl” tells the story of a man who takes on the role of a nobleman, the Duke of Earl, in order to win back the affections of his lost love. The lyrics of the song describe his confidence and boastfulness as he announces his newfound title and declares his intention to win back her love.

Musically, “Duke of Earl” is in the style of doo-wop and soul, with a catchy melody, smooth vocal harmonies, and a memorable bass line. Chandler’s deep, resonant voice stands out, conveying both strength and vulnerability as he sings about love and longing.

The song’s success catapulted Gene Chandler to fame, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its popularity was further cemented by its distinctive sound and Chandler’s charismatic performance. “Duke of Earl” remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its nostalgic charm and its contribution to the doo wop and soul music genres.

5. Groovy Situation

“Groovy Situation” is a 1970 hit by Gene Chandler. Known for its catchy melody and fast rhythm, the song became one of Chandler’s best known hits in the soul and R&B genres.

“Groovy Situation” showcases Chandler’s smooth vocals and charisma, with lyrics that reflect the carefree and optimistic mood of the 1970s. The song’s infectious groove and lively instrumentation contributed to its popularity on the charts and made it a favorite among fans of soul and disco music.

Gene Chandler’s “Groovy Situation” remains a classic example of his ability to combine soulful vocals with energetic rhythms, capturing the spirit of the era with its feel-good vibes and danceable beat.

6. Rainbow ’65

“Rainbow ’65” is a song by Gene Chandler released in 1963. It is known for its fast rhythm and catchy melody, typical of soul and R&B music of the era. The song is often remembered for its infectious groove and Chandler’s smooth vocals, which capture the vibrant and energetic spirit of 1960s soul music.

7. Nothing can stop me

“Nothing Can Stop Me” is a classic soul song originally recorded by Gene Chandler in 1965. It is known for its energetic and fast tempo, characteristic of the Northern Soul and Motown-influenced sound of the 1960s.

The song’s lyrics convey a sense of determination and confidence. Chandler proclaims that nothing can hinder his progress or stop him from achieving his goals. His dynamic vocals, coupled with vibrant instrumentation and catchy melodies, made “Nothing Can Stop Me” a favorite on the R&B charts and among soul music fans.

Gene Chandler’s rendition of “Nothing Can Stop Me” exemplifies his ability to combine soulful vocals with fast rhythms and showcases his versatility as an artist within the soul genre.

8. You hit the jackpot

“You Threw a Lucky Punch” is a song by Gene Chandler, released in 1962. A classic example of soul and R&B music of the early 1960s, it is characterized by its fast tempo and Chandler’s soulful vocals. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a romantic betrayal, with Chandler singing about being caught in love by a lucky punch in which someone unexpectedly steals his heart. The track features a lively arrangement with prominent horns and a driving rhythm section, typical of soul music of the era. “You Threw a Lucky Punch” became one of Chandler’s notable hits, and contributed to his reputation as a prominent figure in the 1960s soul music scene.

9. The Love of Tomorrow

“Tomorrow’s Love” is a soulful song written by Gene Chandler in 1966. Chandler is known for his smooth vocals and soulful delivery. With his soulful lyrics and melodic arrangement, his rendition of “Tomorrow’s Love” captures the essence of 1960s soul music.

The song deals with themes such as longing and hope for a better future in love and reflects Chandler’s ability to convey deep emotions through his singing. “Tomorrow’s Love” showcases Chandler’s distinctive style, combining soulful melodies with rhythmic grooves that were characteristic of soul music of this era.

Gene Chandler’s contribution to “Tomorrow’s Love” is characterized by its sincerity and soulfulness, making it a memorable addition to his repertoire of 1960s soul and R&B classics.

10. Girls don’t matter

“Girl Don’t Care” is a song by Gene Chandler released in 1962. It is a soul and R&B track characterized by Chandler’s smooth vocals and a lively musical arrangement typical of the era. The song’s lyrics tell a story in which Chandler sings about a girl who doesn’t seem to care about him despite his efforts to win her affection. The track has a catchy melody and rhythmic groove, and shows Chandler’s ability to combine soulful vocals with upbeat instrumentation. “Girl Don’t Care” contributed to Gene Chandler’s success as a soul musician in the early 1960s, and remains a notable example of his work from this period.

Edward Tomlin is a regular contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us on social media below.