Earth Angel
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"Earth Angel (Will You Be Mine)" was a song that was the only top 40 hit for The Penguins. It was released in 1954 as the B-side to "Hey Senorita", but (like "La Bamba") quickly outstriped the popularity of its A-side. The Penguins' version reached #8 on the Billboard charts, and the song has been covered many times since:
- It became a major hit (#3 on the Billboard chart) for The Crew-Cuts in 1955.
- At the same time, Gloria Mann had a version reaching #18.
- Johnny Tillotson had a 1960 version that reached #57.
- The Vogues recorded a version that reached #42 in 1969.
- The New Edition reached #21 with a 1986 version.
It is a matter of debate who exactly wrote the song; it is officially credited to Penguins singers Jesse Belvin and Curtis Williams and Gaynell Hodge, a member of The Turks.
- "Earth angel, earth angel
- Will you be mine
- My darling dear
- Love you all the time
- I'm just a fool
- A fool in love with you"
The song was played by Marvin Berry & The Starlighters during the Enchantment Under the Sea high-school dance in the film Back to the Future.