Harold Melvin, a prominent musician, was also well-known to the public and the media as Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes. This group originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the mid-1950s as The Charlemagnes. R&B, soul, doo-woop, and disco were the main genres covered by this group. However, between 1972 and 1976, the members of the group came to public attention when their music started to become hits on Gamble and Huff’s Philadelphia International Label. Undoubtedly Harold Melvin deserves all of the credit.
Though Harold was the founder and lead singer of this group, the most popular member of the Blue Note was Teddy Pendergrass, an American singer. During the group’s prosperous years at Philadelphia International, he sang as the group’s lead singer alongside Harold Melvin. He owned the Teddy Pendegrass mansion. However, after his death, the entire estate was handed over to his wife, Joan. But the singer’s son denied the court decision, saying that he is the legal heir of his father’s property.
Sadly, Harold Melvin is no longer with us. He was 57 when he passed away in his hometown of Philadelphia on 24, 1997. It was suspected that he died of a stroke. After his death, the other members of the Blue Notes reunited to perform for Soul Train Cruises in 2013, 2015, and 2017.
Now, if you want to know more about this legend’s lifestyle, his struggles, and how his group became so acclaimed by the audience, then continue to read.
Facts About Harold Melvin
| Celebrated Name | Harold Melvin |
| Real Name/Full Name | Harold Melvin |
| Gender | Male |
| Age | 57 |
| Birthdate | June 25, 1939, |
| Birthplace | Philadelphia |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | Not disclosed by him |
| Weight | Not disclosed by him |
| Sexual Orientation | Straight |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife/Spouse (Name) | Olivia |
| Children | 5 |
| Dating/Girlfriend (Name) | None |
| Profession | Lead Singer of The Blue Note |
| Net Worth | $1.5 million |
Harold Melvin’s Early Life
This legendary musician was born on June 25, 1939, in Philadelphia. He was born into an African household. Without any mentor, young Harold taught himself how to play a piano. His first song was “do wop” with a band group. It was their first composition of The Blue Notes. Harold was performed there as the lead singer and Bernard Wilson, Franklin Peaker, Roosevelt Brodie, and Jesse Gillis were the rest of the crew.
Afterward, in 1956, If You Love Me was their first released single. Four years later, in 1960 My Hero was their second single. It became a hit in Value Record. Their third song Get Out (And Let Me Cry) was a hit on the R&B chart for Landa Record. However, despite all of the achievements, the hand crew kept shifting, a few members quit the band including Bernard and Jon Atkins, and some were joining, one of them was Teddy Pendergrass.
Harold Melvin’s Personal Life
Harold Melvin kept his personal life concealed from the public and the media. However, we do know that he was a married man and had five children, two were girls, and three were boys. His wife’s name was Olivia. The public is still in the dark about how they met and when their wedding took place.
Harold Melvin’s Age, Height, and Weight
Harold Melvin was 57 years old when he had a stroke. By looking at his pictures it seems like he was healthy and fit. He had dark eyes with black hair. He had a mustache. Furthermore, he didn’t reveal any information regarding his height and weight.
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Harold Melvin Net Worth and Salary
Harold Melvin’s net worth was close to 1.5 million dollars as of the 1997 report. He was the famous lead singer of the band called The Blue Notes and produced numerous hit songs. He received a good amount of money after a song of theirs ranked on the Billboard chart. However, how much he charged that didn’t reveal yet.
Harold Melvin’s Career
In 1972, the band signed a contract with Gamble & Huff’s Philadelphia International. At this point, Bernard Wilson, Lawrence Brown, and Lloyd Parks were the new crew members. In the same year, Jerry Cummings was given the position of Lloyd Parks. With Jerry Cummings by their side, the band gave several pop and R&B hits. If You Don’t Know Me by Now was one of the most successful recordings of Blue Note. This song was released in 1972.
From 1976 to 1997, the band contributed to numerous hits including Don’t Leave Me This Way and Wake Up Everybody. Subsequently, they record more singles with Gamble & Huff, which lead their song to rank on Billboard 40 in 1975.
In 1972, another crew member joined named Sharon Paige who did a handful number of solo recordings and performances. The group had a disagreement in 1976, that eventually led to Pendergrass’ departure. He made an accusation that he didn’t receive the whole money he earned during the band’s time.
Harold then hired David Ebo to take the place of Pendergrass. In 1977, they quit Philadelphia International and then joined ABC record. Reaching for the World was Harlod’s last produced album for the band and the group’s final major hit song. In 1981, they released their last album for MCA titled All Things Happen in Time.
In 1982, Gil Saunders joined the band, taking the David Ebo’s lead position. The album Talk It Up, Don’t Give Me Up, and Todays Your Lucky Day was produced by Philly World. In addition, after taking the lead position in the UK, Pendergrass’ lead hits were re-recorded by Gill Saunders.
In 1992, Gill Saunders left the band and Harold Melvin took his position. He had done his duty with perfections until he became a stroke patient in 1996. On 24, 1997, this lead singer passed away in his Philadelphia hometown at the age of 57.
Harold Melvin’s Awards and Achievements
Harold Melvin hasn’t received or been nominated for any prestigious awards when he was alive. But he won millions of people’s hearts through his band The Blue Note. Most of the songs of this band were super hit and praised by the audience. Furthermore, Harold and his band members released several hit songs under the label of Philadelphia International, ABC, Source, and Philly World.