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In 1962, Gene Chandler released "Duke of Earl:" a "Great Song of the '60s" that went to #1 on the Hot 100 and Soul Charts, and sold well over a million copies!
It also earned him a permanent nickname: "The Duke."
Between 1962 and 1986, The Duke reached Billboard's Soul Chart with nearly FORTY songs. Most of them were minor hits, and a few crossed over to the lower reaches of the Hot 100.
There were a few exceptions, however, and today's "Great Song of 1970" was one of them!
"Groovy Situation" was originally recorded in 1969 as an album cut by the soul duo of Mel and Tim, but was never released as a single.
Gene's version was noteworthy for using the song "A Tisket, a Tasket" as a recurring motif... and frequently using the phrase, "Can you dig it?"
"Groovy Situation" was upbeat, catchy...and just like "Duke of Earl," sold more than a million copies. It reached #8 on Billboard's Soul Chart and #12 on the Hot 100. It was "The Duke's" second biggest hit...and a "Great Song of 1970!"
Note: In 2014, Gene Chandler was inducted into the Rhythm & Blues Music Hall of Fame as performer, and again in 2016 as an R&B Pioneer.
Now THAT's what I call a "Groovy Situation!" .
Duke of Earl (1962):
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