Died On This Date (March 24, 1997) Harold Melvin / Philly Soul Great
themusicsover Harold Melvin
June 25, 1935 – March 24, 1997
Harold Melvin was one of the architects of the so-called Philadelphia Sound as leader of Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes. The band had several chart toppers for Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff’s Philadelphia International label. It was singer Teddy Pendergrass’ full-throated baritone that gave the Blue Notes the edge over other soul groups of the day. The hits started coming in 1972 with R&B staples like “If You Don’t Know Me By Now,” “The Love I Lost,” and “Bad Luck.” Melvin passed away on March 24, 1997 from the results of an earlier stroke from which he never fully recovered.
What You Should Own
