If you had to answer the question, who is the most covered Philly soul group of all time, would you know? Well in case you’re ever on “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?” and you get asked that question, here’s the answer: The Charlemagnes.
Don’t know who they are? Well maybe you know them better as The Blue Notes. The Blue Notes with lead singer Harold Melvin (center front of photo) was one of the most popular 70s soul groups to come out of Philadelphia. Harold Melvin founded the group in 1950 and was its lead singer, until being replaced by Teddy Pendergrass in 1970.
The group’s songs, “Wake Up Everybody,” and “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” were some of their more popular tunes, but certainly not their hits. The group has a lengthy discography covering 10+ years. Several of their songs have been re-recorded by other artists, such as David Ruffin, Jimmy Sommerville & Simply Red.
Despite a continual change in line-up, The Blue Notes continued to release records perform throughout the 90s. Harold steady performed with the various incantations of the groups until suffering a stroke in 1996, eventually passing in 1997.
In honor of Harold Mevin, The Blue Notes and their great musical legacy, we present their video, “If You Don’t Know Me By Now.”
