Gaynel Hodge
Gaynel Hodge was the American co-author of the Platinum hit 1950s song, "Earth Angel", was a recording artist, songwriter and a pianist.
He was also a founding member and musical director of such famous groups as The Platters, The Turks, and The Hollywood Flames.
Hodge was born in Los Angeles, California, and was involved in doo-wop, rhythm and blues and jazz from his earliest years. He began writing songs and playing piano professionally by age 13; joining, starting and practising with all-vocal groups on street corners of Los Angeles.
By age 15, Hodge was a regular session musician in recording studios throughout Los Angeles, and had co-written the multi-platinum hit “Earth Angel”. He went on to form the original Platters with his brother, Alex Hodge, and sang and played piano with them on their first 16 recordings.
Hodge wrote, recorded or performed with such artists as Lou Rawls, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Johnny "Guitar" Watson, Dr. John, Ted Taylor, Little Johnny Taylor, Richard Berry, Dick Dale, Don and Dewey, The Chambers Brothers, The Rivingtons, The Olympics, Johnny Morissette, Tony Allen and Duane Eddy. Up until his death, he toured several months of the year throughout Europe, the Middle East and the United States.
In later years, Hodge played multiple styles of music and "covers" depending on who was performing with him. He introduced multiple generations to doo-wop and entertained literally millions of fans throughout the world over his long career. His production company, "Earth Angel Enterprises" was instrumental in assisting up and coming artists.
Hodge died on June 2, 2020, at the age of 83 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
