Biography
Eugene Church (January 22, 1938 – April 3, 1993) was an American R&B singer and songwriter, best known for his energetic blend of doo-wop, rockabilly, and boogie-woogie. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Church was raised in Los Angeles, where his father served as a pastor. Immersed in the vibrant West Coast music scene, he began his career in the mid-1950s, initially collaborating with Jesse Belvin as part of the duo The Cliques. Their 1956 single, 'The Girl in My Dreams,' marked Church's first appearance on the charts, reaching #45 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Church soon launched a solo career, recording under the name Eugene Church & the Fellows. He scored two major hits: 'Pretty Girls Everywhere' (No. 6 R&B, No. 36 Pop) and 'Miami' (No. 14 R&B, No. 67 Pop), both of which showcased his smooth vocals and knack for catchy, danceable tunes. Throughout the late 1950s and early 1960s, Church worked with top West Coast musicians and producers, including the Googie Rene Combo and Johnny Otis, and released singles on labels such as Class, Rendezvous, and King Records. After his chart success waned, Church turned to gospel music and later pursued a career outside of music, though he returned to perform in doo-wop revues in the 1990s.
Church's style was rooted in the intersection of R&B, doo-wop, and early rock and roll, characterized by lively rhythms, soulful melodies, and a charismatic stage presence. Though his mainstream career was brief, his recordings remain influential among collectors and fans of classic R&B, and he is remembered for his contributions to the vibrant Los Angeles music scene of the 1950s and 1960s.
Fun Facts
- Eugene Church's biggest hit, 'Pretty Girls Everywhere,' was inspired by a real-life drive around Los Angeles with Tommy 'Buster' Williams, a member of Jesse Belvin's circle.
- After leaving the music industry in the mid-1960s, Church became a beautician and opened his own beauty parlor, reportedly earning more than he did as a recording artist.
- Church returned to secular music in the 1990s, performing at doo-wop revues alongside legends like Richard Berry and Bobby Day.
- Despite his early chart success, Church's later singles produced by Johnny Otis for King Records are considered rare and highly sought after by collectors.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Jesse Belvin - Friend, collaborator, and early mentor; Belvin was an established R&B artist who guided Church in his early career. (The Cliques singles ('The Girl in My Dreams', 'I Wanna Know Why')) [1955–1957]
Key Collaborators
- Jesse Belvin - Duo partner in The Cliques; also provided background vocals for Belvin's recordings. (The Cliques singles; background vocals on 'Beware', 'Deacon Dan Tucker') [1955–1957]
- Googie Rene Combo (Plas Johnson, Rene Hall, Earl Palmer) - House band for Class Records; provided instrumental backing on Church's solo hits. ('Pretty Girls Everywhere', 'Miami') [1958–1959]
- Johnny Otis - Producer for several King Records singles. (King Records singles (1961–1963)) [1961–1963]
- Richard Berry - Performed together at doo-wop revues in the early 1990s. (Live performances) [1991–1992]
Artists Influenced
- West Coast R&B and doo-wop artists - Church's recordings and style influenced later generations of Los Angeles-based R&B and doo-wop performers. (General influence; no direct proteges documented) [1960s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Pretty Girls Everywhere | 2010-09-20 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Pretty Girls Everywhere (Pretty Girls Everywhere)
- Sixteen Tons (R&B Hipshakers Volume 3 - Just A Little Bit Of The Jumpin' Bean)
- Mind Your Own Business (R & B Hipshakers: Teach Me To Monkey)
- Miami (Pretty Girls Everywhere (Mono Version))
- Open up Your Heart (Doo-Wop the Best (The Cadillacs, The Orioles, The Cardinals, The Spaniels))
- Don't Stop Loving Me (Rock & Roll Party: The Early Years)
- Pretty Girls Everywhere (Pretty Girls Everywhere (Mono Version))
- Pretty Girls Everywhere (60's Class'n'Tip Pop, Vol.4)
- Miami (Pretty Girls Everywhere)
- Miami (The Extended Play Collection)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
eugene church has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 3, 2025 | 19:45 | pretty girls everywhere | Blues and R&Bw/ Gentilly Jr. |