Earth Angel (Will You Be Mine) - The Penguins
Song Lyrics, Chart History, Artist Information

• Written by Jesse Belvin & Curtis Williams 1954, although there is some dispute as to just how much input Belvin had on the song
• Recorded in 1954 by Los Angeles R&B group The Penguins
• The group was named after the penguin used in Kool cigarette ads...because the group was "cool"
• The group consisted of Cleveland Duncan (born 7/23/35), Dexter Tisby (born 1936), Bruce Tate (born 1935), and Curtis Williams (born 1935)
• The original version reached #8 on the top 40 charts in 1954, it was a #1 R&B hit for three weeks
• The song is considered to be one of the most popular R&B records of all time
• It was the only hit The Penguins ever had
• In 2004 the Penguins were inducted into The Vocal Group Hall of Fame
• Remade by white Canadian band The Crew Cuts in January 1955, a group that basically made their fortunes by covering other R&B bands' material, although their original material did well in Canada albeit with less financial success
• Their remake hit #3 on the Billboard Top 40 chart
• In February 1955 the song was released by Gloria Mann, and this version hit #18 on the Top 40 charts
• 31 years later, in 1986, the band New Edition took the song to #21 on the charts when it was used in the movie Karate Kid II
• The song was also used in two of the three "Back to the Future" movies starring Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd
• Earth Angel ranked 151st on the Rolling Stone's list of the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time"
• It was also one of only 50 recordings chosen by the Library of Congress to be added to the National Recording Registry
• Used today as a classic first dance song at weddings and anniversary parties

In a few cases we have taken some liberties with the lyrics to make them more appropriate for tasteful gatherings. Their use here is intended as an aid for people in selecting music for their wedding reception or private party, and may not be reproduced for any commercial, for-profit use.