In My Body's House

Eugene Dixon has gone by a fair few names over the years, but most famously he was known as ‘The Duke of Earl’ and ‘Gene Chandler.’ Any enthusiasts of the Doo-wop style of music that flourished in the 1950’s and early 60’s will probably know that this man was lead singer of the band ‘The Dukay’s’ up until early 1962. It was also around this time that Dixon released the hit song ‘Duke of Earl’ but this big breakthrough was not without controversy. It turned out that this was a Dukay’s track that had been recorded in 1961 but had been released under and credited to Dixon’s new name Gene Chandler. Despite the obvious betrayal, this was the big break that Dixon needed and it kicked off his music career rapidly. Before long he was working closely with R&B & Funk songwriting mastermind Curtis Mayfield amongst others including Ben E. King & Eric Clapton.

‘In My Body’s House’ is a song released in 1969, produced by Dixon and written by Curtis Mayfield; it is a very special track indeed! With strong elements of raw, upbeat 1960’s funk this 7″ record has become very sought after as it really is like no other track released under the Gene Chandler pseudonym. Whilst Eugene Dixon was far from a one hit wonder artist, the fact remains that he will always be remembered by and most associated with the Doo-wop hit ‘Duke of Earl’. Without trying to take any credit away from a truly classic hit song, when you next recommend a Gene Chandler track, ‘In My Body’s House’ would be a perfect and original alternative which might just leave your listeners pleasantly surprised.