Curtis Lee

Curtis Edwin Lee (October 28, 1939 – January 8, 2015)[1] was an American singer of the early 1960s, who was twice a beneficiary of Phil Spector's productions in 1961.[2] These were "Pretty Little Angel Eyes" (US #7) and "Under the Moon of Love" (U.S. #46).[3]

This article is about the American singer. For the American entrepreneur, see Curtis Lee (entrepreneur).

Curtis Lee
Birth nameCurtis Edwin Lee
Born(1939-10-28)October 28, 1939
Yuma, Arizona, U.S.
DiedJanuary 8, 2015(2015-01-08) (aged 75)
Yuma, Arizona, U.S.
GenresDoo-wop, Rock'n'roll,pop, Rockabilly
Occupation(s)Singer, songwriter
Years active1960–1968

Career

Born in Yuma, Arizona, Lee began his recording career in 1959. He traveled to New York in 1960 to cut a demo for Dunes Records.[2] He wrote some songs with Tommy Boyce, in this period.[2] Lee's first three singles were "Special Love", "Pledge of Love", and "Pretty Little Angel Eyes".[2] In the UK, "Pretty Little Angel Eyes" was a minor hit record, peaking at No. 47 in 1961.[4] "Pretty Little Angel Eyes" has been covered by Zombina and the Skeletones and Showaddywaddy.

Without Spector's influence, Lee's hits dried up. He went into the construction industry with his father in 1969. He died from cancer on January 8, 2015, in Yuma, Arizona, aged 75.[5]

Singles
Year Single Chart position
US[6] Label
1959 "With All My Heart (I Love You)" – Warrior
"Pure Love" –
1961 "Pledge Of Love" 110 Dunes
"Pretty Little Angel Eyes" 7
"Under The Moon Of Love" 46
1962 "Just Another Fool" 110
1966 "Is She In Your Town" – Mira

References
  1. "Curtis Edwin Lee 1939–2015". Yuma Sun. January 15, 2015. Retrieved June 13, 2021.
  2. Bruce Eder. "Curtis Lee biodata". AllMusic.com. Retrieved January 10, 2015.
  3. Lentz, H.M. (2016). Obituaries in the Performing Arts, 2015. Lentz's Performing Arts Obituaries. McFarland, Incorporated, Publishers. p. 200. ISBN 978-1-4766-2553-9. Retrieved October 23, 2018.
  4. Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 316. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
  5. Staff. "Homebuilder, singer Curtis Lee dies at 75". Yuma Sun. Retrieved January 10, 2015.
  6. Whitburn, Joel (2008). Top Pop Singles 1955–2008 (12th ed.). Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin: Record Research Inc. ISBN 978-0-89820-180-2.
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