Jackie Lee may be best remembered for his 1965 dance hit “The Duck,” but his influence on rhythm and blues runs deeper than one novelty record. Born Earl Lee Nelson, he was a talented singer-songwriter who worked with several key figures in early R&B and soul. He found success both as a solo artist and as one half of the duo Bob & Earl, co-creating the classic “Harlem Shuffle.”
Though he never became a household name, Nelson left his mark on American music through sharp vocals, creative arrangements, and collaborations that spanned decades.
| Stage Name | Jackie Lee |
|---|---|
| Birth Name | Earl Lee Nelson |
| Born | September 8, 1928 |
| Died | July 12, 2008 (aged 79) |
| Origin | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Genres | R&B, Doo-Wop, Soul, Funk |
| Notable Acts | The Hollywood Flames, Bob & Earl |
| Breakthrough Hit | “The Duck” (1965) |
| Other Major Work | Co-wrote “Harlem Shuffle” (1963) |
| Later Alias | Jay-Dee |
Early Life and Musical Roots
Earl Lee Nelson was born on September 8, 1928, in Los Angeles, California. As a child, he sang in a local church choir and developed a deep love for gospel music. In 1937, his family relocated permanently to Los Angeles, where he would remain throughout his life.
In his late teens, Nelson joined the U.S. Army. During his military service, he was involved in the construction of the Panama Canal, a rare experience that reflected his work ethic long before his musical break.
Starting Out in R&B and Doo-Wop
After leaving the Army, Nelson pursued a career in music. He became active in the Los Angeles R&B scene and joined several vocal groups. One of his early collaborators was Bobby Byrd, better known as Bobby Day, who would go on to chart with “Rockin’ Robin.”
In 1957, Nelson became a lead member of The Hollywood Flames, a doo-wop group already gaining attention. That same year, they released the hit “Buzz Buzz Buzz,” which reached #11 on the Billboard Pop chart and #5 on the R&B chart, with Nelson on lead vocals.
From The Voices to Bob & Earl
Even before joining The Hollywood Flames, Nelson and Byrd had performed together as The Voices, releasing records between 1955 and 1957 with limited success.
In 1957, they rebranded themselves as Bob & Earl and signed with Class Records. Their debut single “You Made a Boo Boo” failed to chart, and follow-up songs like “Gee Whiz” also saw little traction. Interestingly, “Gee Whiz” later became a hit when covered by The Innocents in 1960.
Soon after, Bobby Day left the duo to focus on his solo career, which blossomed thanks to “Rockin’ Robin.” Nelson, still committed to the Bob & Earl project, found a new partner in Bob Relf, a seasoned songwriter and singer from the LA scene.
“Harlem Shuffle” and a Cult Hit
With Relf onboard, Bob & Earl signed with Marc Records in 1963. Together, they wrote and released “Harlem Shuffle”—a funky, horn-laden dance tune arranged by a then-unknown Barry White. The single reached:
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#44 on the Billboard Hot 100
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#36 on Cashbox
Though not a blockbuster at first, the song gained a second life in the U.K., where a 1969 reissue soared to #7 on the charts. Over time, “Harlem Shuffle” became a soul classic and was later cited by George Harrison as one of his favorite songs.
In 1985, “Harlem Shuffle” got another revival when The Rolling Stones covered it on their album Dirty Work, bringing renewed attention to the original version.
Jackie Lee and “The Duck”
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In 1965, Earl Nelson adopted a new stage name: Jackie Lee. The name came from combining his wife’s first name, Jackie, and his own middle name, Lee. That same year, he released the single “The Duck,” which became his most recognized hit.
“The Duck” was part of the 1960s dance craze trend, alongside songs like “The Twist” and “The Mashed Potato.” Its infectious rhythm and catchy lyrics made it a club favorite. The song reached:
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#14 on the Billboard Hot 100
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#4 on the R&B chart
Riding the wave of this success, Jackie Lee released follow-up tracks such as:
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“Do the Temptation Walk”
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“The Shotgun and the Duck”
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“Oh! My Darlin’”
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“Darkest Days”
None of these matched the impact of “The Duck,” but they helped solidify Lee’s reputation as a skilled and versatile vocalist.
Final Phase: Jay-Dee and Later Years
In 1974, Nelson attempted a comeback under a new alias, Jay-Dee, and contributed the track “Strange Funky Games and Things” to a Warner Bros. compilation of the same name. The track has since become a cult favorite among soul and funk collectors, later appearing on reissues and compilations of rare groove classics.
Despite fading from the mainstream, Nelson continued performing live in the Los Angeles area and remained active behind the scenes in the local music scene. He was known for his warm personality and dedication to music, even in his later years.
Sadly, Earl Nelson passed away on July 12, 2008, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was 79.
Style and Legacy
Jackie Lee, under all his various identities, left a lasting impression on American music. His contributions spanned doo-wop, early rock and roll, R&B, and soul. Whether leading The Hollywood Flames, writing soul classics with Bob & Earl, or dancing his way into history with “The Duck,” Nelson showed adaptability and artistry.
Today, “Harlem Shuffle” and “The Duck” continue to appear in films, commercials, and retro playlists. His work has influenced everyone from Barry White to The Rolling Stones and helped define the sound of early soul and R&B.
Discography Highlights
With The Hollywood Flames
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“Buzz Buzz Buzz” (1957) – #11 Pop, #5 R&B
As Bob & Earl
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“Harlem Shuffle” (1963) – #44 US (Hot 100), #7 UK (1969 reissue)
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Other singles: “Baby I’m Satisfied,” “My Woman,” “Deep Down Inside”
As Jackie Lee
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“The Duck” (1965) – #14 Pop, #4 R&B
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“Do the Temptation Walk” (1965)
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“Shotgun and the Duck” (1966)
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“Oh! My Darlin’” (1966)
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“Darkest Days” (1966)
As Jay-Dee
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“Strange Funky Games and Things” (1974)
Final Thoughts
Jackie Lee—born Earl Nelson—was much more than a one-hit wonder. He was a true craftsman who helped shape R&B and soul music during its formative years. From doo-wop roots to funk experimentation, his career tells the story of an artist always evolving, always creating, and always moving forward—even if it was to the beat of “The Duck.”