Major Harris, R&B singer most associated with the "Philly Sound" in soul
music, passed away in a Richmond VA hospital from congestive heart and lung
failure on Friday November 9, 2012. He was 65. Harris was best
known for his solo R&B hit, "Love Won't Let Me Wait" (Atlantic label),
but he also had a long history as a vocal harmony singer before and after his
solo efforts. Major Harris was born in Richmond, VA, on February 9,
1947. His father was a guitarist and his mother lead the church choir
there. Harris began singing doo wop music in Richmond as a teenager.
Major sang with the Jarmels (after their hit "Little Bit of Soap") and is said
to have even sung with Frankie Lymon's Teenagers for a short time in the
1960's. By 1964 he was recording with Johnny & the Charmers who backed Janice
Christian on the Swan label (“Just A Bad Thing”).
(From the Classic Urban Harmony Archives)
To listen to "Just A Bad Thing," click the YouTube below.
After a short couple
release solo career with the OKeh label in 1968-1969, Major Harris
moved to Philadelphia and spent some time singing with Herb Johnson & the
Impacts. In 1970-1971 Major was singing with Nat Turner's Rebellion (Soulville,
Delvaliant and Philly Groove labels) a group that also contained
his brother Joe Jefferson, who would go on to become a noted songwriter.
(From the Classic Urban Harmony Archives)
(From the Classic Urban Harmony Archives)
Major Harris with Nat Turners Rebellion singing
the Masqueraders' song, "Love Peace And Understanding"
(From the Classic Urban Harmony Archives)
Not sure if Major Harris is on this one or not, but we believe
so.
(From the Classic Urban Harmony Archives)
Around 1971, Randy Cain left the Delfonics and the group was looking for a
replacement. The Delfonics had just played the Uptown Theater in Philly with
Nat Turner’s Rebellion and Delfonics’ lead William Hart remembered Major
Harris. By 1972, Major Harris had replaced Randy Cain in the Delfonics.
Delfonics included Major Harris by late 1971.
In 1974, Major Harris went solo again, signing with Atlantic Records.
There he had his biggest success with "Love Won't Let Me Wait".
(From the Classic Urban Harmony Archives)
The song
went to #5 on the Hot 100 Charts. By the late 1980's Harris was back
with the Delfonics, continuing with the group while also releasing some solo
records.
(From the Classic Urban Harmony Archives)
Major Harris died on Friday, November 9, 2012, in Richmond, VA. For
those of us who grew up on Philly soul music, he meant a lot. Major
Harris will live on through his music.
Copyright © Classic Urban Harmony LLC, 2012. All
Rights Reserved.
