Harold Melvin and Me…

Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes were one of the finest Soul bands of the 1970s. They were TSOP (The Sound Of Philadelphia) under the auspices of their producers/songwriters Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, and they had many hits like "I Miss You", "The Love I Lost", "Wake Up Everybody", "Bad Luck", and "Don't Leave Me This Way". They did their finest work with Teddy Pendergrass as the lead vocalist. While Harold Melvin was ostensibly the leader and choreographer, Teddy was the grit and soul of the band. When Teddy departed for a solo career, Harold found a replacement as lead vocalist in David Ebo in 1976, and then Gil Saunders joined in 1982. Gil not only looked like Teddy, his phrasing and gruff vocals steeped in gospel were nearly identical. I saw them perform and witnessed it several times.

I Miss You (1972) signed by Harold Melvin — ***I Miss You (1972)*** signed by Harold Melvin

In the mid 1980s, Harold and The Blue Notes played a gig at Sweetwater's, an elegant New York City supper club at 68th and Amsterdam. An impressive room with great acoustics and a formal dining room. I went to the Sweetwater’s with some old college friends. We had quite an aggressive pre-game before the show, and we were quite restive when we sat down and ordered dinner. The booze was flowing freely, and by the time our meals were served, our appetites lay elsewhere.

Harold came on with The Blue Notes, played his hits and really got the crowd jumping. It was a great performance. After the show, I went in search of Harold to have him sign some albums. I had trouble finding the backstage area, and was roaming around in the basement when I walked by a closed door and heard some boisterous laughter. I knocked on the door and asked for Harold. There was quite a bit of commotion. It appeared that the Blue Notes were also deep into their own post-game activities. Finally, the door opened. A shirtless, perspiring Harold Melvin appeared clutching a white towel. Not his best look. I introduced myself and told him how much I enjoyed his performance. ‘Teddy Who?’ I bellow. The band cracked up, and I shook Gil's hand and told him how great he sounded.

Harold signed a couple albums and I asked him if he had ever played a wedding. He said, "You need to speak with my agent. I'll give you the number." On some random hotel stationary, he scrawled out his name and the agent's number, and handed it to me. I thanked him again, and departed with my friends to continue our nefarious nocturnal activities.

**Harold Melvin’s phone number, sadly defunct**

A couple of days later, I decided to call Harold Melvin's agent. I dial the number, and a young voice answers, "Hello." I am sure I misdialed. I say to the young voice, 'I'm sorry, I was looking for Harold Melvin's agent.' "Hold on. Hey Mom!" The young child hands the phone to her mom, Mrs. Melvin. I didn't see that coming. I explain to Mrs. Melvin that I might be interested in having Harold play my wedding. "Do you have a date?" No. "Do you have a venue?" No. Hell, the way I was living, I didn't have any prospects. I agreed to call her when my plans were set, and I hung up.

Ten years later when my prospects and lifestyle had decidedly improved, Harold Melvin was not really an option for our wedding. Songs like "The Love I Lost", "Bad Luck", "I Miss You", "Hope That We Can Be Together Soon", and "Don't Leave Me This Way", while great on the dance floor, didn't really seem suitable for our nuptials. So we ended up hiring the great Hammond B3 Jazz organist Jimmy McGriff - who turned out to be Harold Melvin's cousin.

Choice Harold Melvin Cuts (per BKs request)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwh1Gck4E44

“The Love I Lost” Black & Blue 1973

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOxoeGL3tTo

“Wake Up Everybody” Wake Up Everybody 1975

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mykhgDJvp6g

“Bad Luck” To Be True 1974

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnnvRMSMWaI

“I Miss You” I Miss You 1972

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krW3rOc0G3M

“Don’t Leave Me This Way” Philadelphia Classics 1977

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OpBl_xQvP8

“Keep On Lovin’ You” Wake Up Everybody 1975

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUUZ1RVkk9Y