He co-wrote the platinum hit 1950s song, "Earth Angel", and was a founding member and musical director of The Platters,[1] The Turks, and The Hollywood Flames.
Of African American heritage, Gaynel 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.
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.
He introduced multiple generations to doo-wop and entertained literally millions of fans throughout the world over his long career.