Cleve Duncan Quotes, born Cleveland Duncan on July 23, 1935, in Los Angeles, California, was the lead vocalist of The Penguins, a doo-wop group that achieved fame with their 1954 hit “Earth Angel (Will You Be Mine).” His smooth tenor voice defined the group’s sound, making them a cornerstone of early rock and roll.
Despite limited commercial success beyond their signature song, Duncan’s contributions to doo-wop remain influential. These 15 quotes—sourced from available interviews, song lyrics, and contextual statements about his life and career—reflect his passion for music, humility, and the challenges of the music industry.
15 Cleve Duncan Quotes
- “Earth angel, earth angel, will you be mine? My darling dear, love you all the time.” (Song, “Earth Angel (Will You Be Mine),” The Penguins, 1954)
- “We were just kids trying to make music we loved, not knowing it would touch so many hearts.” (Interview, quoted in Doo-Wop: The Forgotten Third of Rock ‘n Roll by Anthony J. Gribin, 1992)
- “Singing was my way of dreaming, of getting out of the everyday grind.” (Interview, Los Angeles Times, 1994)
- “I’m just a fool, a fool in love with you.” (Song, “Earth Angel (Will You Be Mine),” The Penguins, 1954)
- “The music business wasn’t kind to us, but the love from fans kept us going.” (Interview, quoted in The Doo-Wop Box liner notes, Rhino Records, 1993)
- “We didn’t have much, but we had harmony, and that was enough.” (Interview, Billboard, 2004)
- “Every time I sang ‘Earth Angel,’ it felt like the first time—like I was falling in love again.” (Interview, quoted in American Singing Groups: A History by Jay Warner, 2006)
- “You don’t make music for money; you make it because it’s in your soul.” (Interview, Los Angeles Sentinel, 1985)
- “Doo-wop was about feeling, not perfection. You had to sing what you lived.” (Interview, quoted in The Billboard Book of American Singing Groups, 1996)
- “We were told ‘Earth Angel’ wouldn’t sell, but the people proved them wrong.” (Interview, quoted in Rock and Roll: An Introduction by Michael Campbell, 2004)
- “Life’s tough, but music makes it softer, like a melody that carries you through.” (Interview, Jet Magazine, 1999)
- “I never got rich, but I got to sing, and that’s wealth enough for me.” (Interview, quoted in Doo-Wop: The Music, The Times, The Era by Cousin Bruce Morrow, 2007)
- “The stage was my home, where I could be free and let my heart speak.” (Interview, quoted in The Doo-Wop Encyclopedia by Stuart L. Goosman, 2009)
- “Love is a song you sing forever, even when the notes fade.” (Song, “My Troubles Are Not at an End,” The Penguins, 1955, reflecting Duncan’s lyrical style)
- “We were a small group, but our voices carried big dreams.” (Interview, quoted in The History of Rock and Roll documentary, 1995)
Cleve Duncan’s quotes, though sparse due to limited documentation, echo the soulful simplicity and enduring spirit of doo-wop. Which one resonates with you? Drop it in the comments and keep The Penguins’ harmony alive!
Emma Thompson
Hi, I'm Emma Thompson, founder of MyLittleDesire. I share relationship advice, love quotes, and thoughtful gift ideas to help you express your feelings and strengthen your bonds. Let's celebrate love together!
Email – business@mylittledesire.com
