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Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes · Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes was an American soul group from Philadelphia. The group began in the mid-1950s as The Charlemagnes and took the name The Blue Notes in 1954, with Harold Melvin as its founder. For years the ensemble recorded for all kinds of labels without a breakthrough. It changed line-up often and had only minor successes in the 1960s.

Music and breakthrough

The turning point came in 1970, when Teddy Pendergrass joined the band as drummer and soon became lead singer. In 1972 the group signed to Philadelphia International, the label of the writers and producers Gamble and Huff. There came success with If You Don't Know Me by Now (1972), a ballad that sold more than a million copies. The Love I Lost (1973), Bad Luck and Wake Up Everybody (both 1975) followed. The last two show the other side of the group: danceable soul with a social message. Bad Luck stayed at the top of the Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart for eleven weeks, a record. All four albums on Philadelphia International went gold.

Influence

In 1976 Pendergrass left after a row over money and began a solo career. Melvin carried on with new singers until his death in 1997. The group is regarded as one of the most popular representatives of 1970s Philadelphia soul, with layered backing vocals, rich strings and warm lead vocals as its trademarks. With his solo work, Pendergrass himself became a major name in soul.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to If You Don't Know Me by Now and notice how Teddy Pendergrass's lead vocal builds from restrained to almost pleading, while the backing vocals and strings give him more and more room.

Discography

Studio albums

See also

Categories: ArtistsPhilly soul