• Full Name: Curtis Edwin Lee

  • Born: October 28, 1939 – Yuma, Arizona, USA

  • Died: January 8, 2015 – Yuma, Arizona, USA

  • Genres: Rock and Roll, Doo-Wop, Pop

  • Instruments: Vocals

  • Years Active: 1959–1968 (performing career)

  • Labels: Dunes Records, Hot Records, Liberty Records

Early Life

Curtis Lee was born and raised in the dusty sun-baked city of Yuma, Arizona. Music was a passion from early on, and like many aspiring singers of the time, he started out in small groups and talent contests. His smooth tenor and boy-next-door charm made him a natural fit for the late-’50s teen idol mold.

Career Highlights

Curtis’s early recordings met with modest success, but his career took a turn when he teamed up with legendary producer Phil Spector in 1961. That collaboration gave birth to “Pretty Little Angel Eyes,” a bouncy, infectious doo-wop-inspired hit that rocketed to #7 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The follow-up single, “Under the Moon of Love,” didn’t reach the same heights in the U.S. but became a cult favorite, especially after being covered in the UK by Showaddywaddy in the 1970s.

Musical Career

Lee’s style was a mix of teen pop, doo-wop, and early rock and roll. His vocals were sincere and charming, often backed by strong harmony groups (like The Halos, who supported him on “Pretty Little Angel Eyes”). He recorded a few singles beyond his Spector collaborations, but none made a major commercial splash.

By the mid-60s, as musical tastes shifted dramatically, Lee faded from the recording scene and returned to Yuma, eventually leaving the music business altogether to work in construction alongside his father.

Film/TV Work

Curtis Lee didn’t pursue a film or television career, but his signature song “Pretty Little Angel Eyes” has appeared in numerous oldies collections and radio shows, keeping his legacy alive for fans of early ’60s rock ‘n’ roll.

Later Years

Lee lived quietly in Yuma, Arizona for most of his life after his brief brush with stardom. Though he left the stage behind, he never lost his love for music and occasionally made appearances at rock ‘n’ roll reunion shows. He passed away in 2015 at the age of 75.

Cultural Impact

Curtis Lee may not have had a vast catalog of hits, but “Pretty Little Angel Eyes” remains one of the most beloved doo-wop-flavored pop records of the early ’60s. His work with Phil Spector helped showcase the budding producer’s signature style, and his music has been rediscovered by generations of fans who appreciate the innocence, charm, and rhythm of rock’s golden age.