Major Harris (singer)

Major Harris III (February 9, 1947 ā€“ November 9, 2012) was an American R&B singer, associated with the Philadelphia soul sound and the Delfonics (early 1970sā€“1974). His biggest hit as a solo artist was the sultry 1975 single "Love Won't Let Me Wait".

Major Harris
Background information
Birth nameMajor Harris III
Born(1947-02-09)February 9, 1947
Richmond, Virginia, U.S.
DiedNovember 9, 2012(2012-11-09) (aged 65)
Richmond, Virginia, U.S.
GenresR&B
Occupation(s)Musician
InstrumentsVocals, guitar
Years active1960sā€“2011

Life and career

Harris was born in Richmond, Virginia. Early in his career, Harris sang with groups such as the Charmers, the Teenagers, the Jarmels, and the Nat Turner Rebellion, which also featured his songwriting brother, Joseph B. Jefferson, and recorded a few solo 7" records on the Laurie and Okeh labels. In the early 1970s, he took over from Randy Cain as a member of the Delfonics; he quit the group to go solo in 1974. Signing with Atlantic Records, Harris scored a string of R&B hits in the United States, including the Top Ten single "Love Won't Let Me Wait", which peaked at #5 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and #37 in the UK Top 50 in September 1975. Written by Bobby Eli and Vinnie Barrett, "Love Won't Let Me Wait" was awarded a gold disc by the R.I.A.A. on 25 June 1975.[1]

In 1984 Harris recorded the LP I Believe In Love on Streetwave Records, the title track of the same name which did receive airplay that year on BBC Radio 1 from DJ Robbie Vincent. However, the LP had limited success.

When his success as a soloist subsided, Harris returned to the Delfonics, and continued to tour with one of two touring ensembles that used the name in the 1990s and 2000s. Major was a cousin to the Philadelphia record producer and arranger, Norman Harris.

Harris died in a Richmond, Virginia, hospital from congestive heart and lung failure at the age of 65.[2]

Discography

Albums

  • My Way (Atlantic Records, 1974) US #28, US R&B Albums #12[3]
  • Blue Magic Live Featuring Artist Major Harris, Margie Joseph (WMOT Records, 1975)
  • Jealousy (Atlantic, 1976) US #153, US Black Albums #33[3]
  • How Do You Take Your Love (RCA Records, 1978)
  • The Best Of Now and Then (Hot Productions, 1994)
  • I Believe in Love (Hot Productions, 1995)
  • The Best Of Major Harris (Unidisc, 1996)

Singles

Year Title Chart Positions[4]
US Pop Singles US R&B Singles US Disco Singles Australia[5] UK Singles Chart[6]
1974 "Each Morning I Wake Up" - 98 3 - -
1975 "Love Won't Let Me Wait" 5 1 - 85 37
1976 "I Got Over Love" - 24 - - -
1976 "It's Got to Be Magic" - 91 - - -
1976 "Jealousy" 73 46 - - -
1976 "Laid Back Love" 91 57 - - -
1983 "All My Life" - - - - 61
1984 "Gotta Make Up Your Mind" - - - - -

See also

References

  1. Murrells, Joseph (1978). The Book of Golden Discs (2nd ed.). London: Barrie and Jenkins Ltd. p. 114. ISBN 0-214-20512-6.
  2. Michael Felberbaum, "Philly sound" R&B singer Major Harris, dies at 65, Associated Press. Accessed 9 November 2012
  3. Billboard, Allmusic.com
  4. Billboard Singles. Allmusic.com.
  5. Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970ā€“1992 (illustrated ed.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. p. 133. ISBN 0-646-11917-6.
  6. Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 244. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
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