GARY-- Opal Courtney Jr., an original member of the legendary Spaniels, was found dead in his Gary home. He was 71. The singer's daughter, Mona Courtney, said her father died of a heart attack.
Part of one of rhythm and blues' seminal vocal groups, Courtney sang on the original recording of "Goodnight Sweetheart, Goodnight." An R&B hit in 1954, the Spaniels' lovely street-corner song is considered a classic of the doo-wop genre.
Courtney also sang on "Baby, It's You," a national R&B hit for the Gary-based Spaniels in 1953. The song helped launch Vee Jay Records, a trailblazing black-owned label, formed in Gary.
"He had a real high tenor voice," said Gary's Willie C. Jackson, an original Spaniel.
"His voice always cut through; it was very clear," noted Gary's Wilton Crump, a latter-day singer and musical director for the Spaniels.
Courtney, who could also sing baritone, was preceded in death last year by James "Pookie" Hudson, lead singer and songwriter for the Spaniels.
In 1991, the Spaniels received a Pioneer Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation of the Smithsonian Institution, Washington.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Guy & Allen Funeral Directors in Gary. Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday at Christ Baptist Church, 4700 E. 7th Ave., Gary.
Copyright 2008 STNG Wire, The Chicago Sun-Times. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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