Cornell Gunter (November 14, 1936 – February 26, 1990) was one of many openly gay entertainers who paved the way for the alternative artists we have today like Bry’Nt and Ken Dahl. Everyone knew Cornell was destined for stardom after he met and sang on stage with his idol, disco diva Dinah Washington at only 8-years-old. He continuously worked with her throughout his life as a back up singer but was eventually fired for singing better than Dinah on HER OWN tour. Cornell would be in a few more groups  before being crowned the “Queen of Doo Wop”- The Flamingos, The Platters, and The Flairs – but Cornell’s shining moments were with The Coasters. Carl Gardner, lead singer of The Coasters, reflected on Cornell’s audition in his autobiography:

“He was a very young, flamboyant, big guy with about a nineteen-inch neck.  He was built like a prizefighter.  But it was his appearance that gave me my first jolt and prompted me to ask Cornell, “Are you gay or just a big woman?”  Cornell said “Now, what makes you think that, honey?”  I replied, “Because you look like that, sister.”  We both just fell out laughing.  Cornell was very flamboyant and reminded me of my good friend Little Richard.”

Regardless of sexuality, Cornell joined The Coasters and became an international superstar on Atlantic Records with doo wop hits: “Poison Ivy,” “Charlie Brown,” “Along Came Jones,” and “Yakety Yak.” Itching for solo success, Cornell left The Coasters. That soon failed and prompted him to start a new group The Cornell Gunter Coasters. See if you can spot him in this group portrait:

I’m unsure why the group’s name was so similar to the group he was with before… but in 1987 all members from both groups were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. In 1990 while planning a comeback show at Las Vegas’ Lady Luck Hotel, the doo wop legend was fatally murdered. Cornell, 53, was allegedly having a conversation with a 19-year-old male in his car when the teen shot Cornell multiple times and fled the scene. Cornell started his car in hopes of getting away but his car backed into a brick wall. Cornell was unresponsive when police arrived. The shooter was later acquitted of charges.

Today we honor the life and legacy of Cornell Gunter. Listen to some of his hits below and tell me which is your favorite:

Your Thoughts?

Sources: The Dark Side of Fame & I’ll Keep You Posted