Aired on Treasure Island Oldies – January 5, 2025

Born in Louisiana and raised in California, Earl Nelson found success as the lead singer of the Hollywood Flames on their hit single “Buzz-Buzz-Buzz,” which went to #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 early in 1958.

Concurrently, Nelson began recording with Bobby Byrd, another member of the Hollywood Flames, better known as Bobby Day, who had the hit recording “Rockin’ Robin,” on which Nelson sang back-up.

Achieving little success as Bob & Earl, the two parted and Day restarted his solo career. Nelson then teamed up with Bobby Reif, rebirthing Bob & Earl and successfully releasing “Harlem Shuffle,” that they had co-written.

“Harlem Shuffle” became a modest hit on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching the #44 position in 1964. However, its main success came as late as 1969, when it was re-released in the UK and became a Top 10 hit there. George Harrison is reported to have called it his favorite record of all time.

*****

Smitten by the dance craze, Earl Nelson would go on to pen more dance-oriented tunes and become a Northern Soul legend under the moniker Jackie Lee.

In North America, Jackie Lee is known for his one-hit wonder dance record, “The Duck,” which went to #14 on Billboard in January 1966. He was inevitably pigeon-holed as a lightweight purveyor of dance music.

Conversely, in the UK, Jackie Lee’s impact on the Northern Soul scene was significant, with his music continuing to be celebrated long after its initial release. His ability to craft danceable tunes with emotional depth made him a beloved figure among Northern Soul aficionados. Even today, Jackie Lee’s songs are featured on Northern Soul playlists and compilations, testament to the enduring appeal of his music in this subculture.

In 1966, as a follow up to “The Duck,” Los Angeles-based Mirwood Records released “The Shotgun & The Duck.” The song went nowhere. However, it was rediscovered by the Northern Soul folks in 1971, along with the ‘B’ side that can be best described as a tribute to the choreography of one of the greatest Motown groups of all time. Here’s Jackie Lee instructing us on how to “Do The Temptation Walk,” this week’s Tom Locke moment in time.

YouTube listing of the song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oetXaMTA2D4

This “Moments In Time” story is yet another example of a “golden oldie” or forgotten favorite that earned its place in the evolution of Rock & Roll.