"Pretty Little Angel Eyes" is a 1961 song by American singer Curtis Lee. It was released on Dunes Records, #45-2007."Spotlight Winners of the Week", Billboard, June 12, 1961. p. 35. Accessed October 13, 2016. Phil Spector served as producer, and also produced Lee's follow-up hit "Under the Moon of Love".
Background The track is in the doo-wop style, with backing vocals by the Halos.Rosalsky, Mitch (2002). Encyclopedia of Rhythm & Blues and Doo-Wop Vocal Groups, Scarecrow Press. p. 288. Retrieved October 13, 2016. The Halos were a doo-wop group composed of Harold Johnson, Al Cleveland, Phil Johnson, and Arthur Crier (bass).Whitburn, Joel (2008). Joel Whitburn Presents Across the Charts: The 1960s Hal Leonard Corporation. p 169. Retrieved October 13, 2016.
Chart history and performance Chart (1961)PeakpositionCanada - CHUM Hit Parade Chart No. 230. 15New Zealand – Lever Hit Parade5U.S. Billboard Hot 1007U.S. Cash Box Top 1006UK Record RetailerCurtis Lee - Full Official Chart History, Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 12, 2016.47
The song spent 11 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 7,Hot 100 - Curtis Lee Pretty Little Angel Eyes Chart History, Billboard.com. Retrieved March 11, 2018. while reaching No. 6 on the Cash Box Top 100,Cash Box Top 100, Cash Box, August 26, 1961. p. 4. Retrieved March 12, 2018. Outside the US, the song reached No. 5 on New Zealand's "Lever Hit Parade","Lever Hit Parade" 05-Oct-1961, Flavour of New Zealand. Accessed October 12, 2016. No. 15 on Canada's CHUM Hit Parade, and No. 47 on the UK's Record Retailer chart.
The song was ranked No. 77 on Billboards end of year "Hot 100 for 1961 - Top Sides of the Year""Chart Toppers", Billboard, December 25, 1961. p. 10. Retrieved March 11, 2018. and No. 56 on Cash Boxs "Top 100 Chart Hits of 1961"."Top 100 Chart Hits of 1961", Cash Box, December 30, 1961. p. 11. Retrieved March 11, 2018.
Cover versions Notable acts who have performed the song include: Sha Na Na Showaddywaddy The Delltones released a version of ("Pretty Little Angel Eyes") on their 1983 album ("Bop 'Till Ya Drop"). The same song was also released on their 40th anniversary compilation album ("The Big Four O") in 1998.
See also List of 1960s one-hit wonders in the United States
References