Gaynell Hodge

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Gaynel Hodge, co-author of the Platinum hit 1950's 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, to name a few.

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

Gaynel Hodge was born in 1937 in Los Angeles, California to a truly musical family and 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; something typical of that era, joining, starting and practicing with all-vocal groups on street corners of L.A.

By age 15, Gaynel was a regular session musician in recording studios throughout L.A. 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.

In his vast music career, 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 Morrisette, Tony Allen, Duane Eddy.