Earl Gaines Jr. (August 19, 1935 – December 31, 2009) was an influential American soul blues and electric blues singer, renowned for his contributions to the Nashville R&B scene. Born in Decatur, Alabama, Gaines moved to Nashville, Tennessee, in his teenage years, where he began his music career as a singer and occasional drummer. He gained early fame as the lead vocalist on the 1955 hit single "It's Love Baby (24 Hours a Day)" with Louis Brooks and his Hi-Toppers, which reached No. 2 on the US Billboard R&B chart, though he was not credited by name on the record.

Gaines embarked on a solo career, achieving moderate success with singles like "The Best of Luck to You" in 1966 and "Hymn Number 5" in 1973. Throughout his career, he recorded for several labels, including Excello, Champion, Poncello, and De Luxe. He was part of the 1955 R&B Caravan of Stars tour, which included notable artists such as Bo Diddley and Etta James, and performed at New York's Carnegie Hall.

After a hiatus from the music industry during which he worked as a truck driver, Gaines made a comeback in 1989 with the album House Party. He continued to release music throughout the 1990s and 2000s, collaborating with artists like Roscoe Shelton and Clifford Curry. His work was featured in the Grammy Award-winning exhibit Night Train to Nashville: Music City Rhythm & Blues, 1945–1970 at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

Earl Gaines passed away on December 31, 2009, in Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of 74, leaving behind a legacy as one of Nashville's most respected R&B singers.