Gaynel Hodge

Gaynel Hodge (born January 4, 1937 in Los Angeles, California) is the co-author of the Platinum hit 1950s song, "Earth Angel", is a recording artist, songwriter and a pianist.

He is also a founding member and musical director of such famous groups as The Platters, The Turks, and The Hollywood Flames.

Hodge tours several months of the year throughout Europe, the Middle East and the United States.

Hodge was involved in doo-wop, rhythm and blues and jazz from his earliest years. Gaynel 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, Gaynel was a regular session musician in recording studios throughout Los Angeles, and had co-written the multi-platinum hit “Earth Angel”. Gaynel went on to form the original Platters with his brother, Alex Hodge, and sang and played piano with them on their first 16 recordings.

Gaynel has written, 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 & Dewey, The Chambers Brothers, The Rivingtons, The Olympics, Johnny Morissette, Tony Allen, and Duane Eddy.   Wikipedia