Major Harris, the R&B singer who helped create the smooth and funky “Philadelphia sound” as a member of the Delfonics and as a solo artist, passed away on November 9, 2012, at the age of 65. His sister, Catherine Thomas, confirmed that he died of congestive heart and lung failure in a Richmond, Virginia, hospital
A Musical Legacy
Harris was born in Richmond in 1947, the son of a guitarist and a church choir leader. He started singing at an early age and joined various doo-wop and R&B groups in the 1960s, such as the Charmers, the Teenagers, the Jarmels, and Nat Turner Rebellion. He also recorded a few solo singles on the Laurie and Okeh labels
In 1971, he replaced Randy Cain as a member of the Delfonics, a vocal trio that was known for their harmonies and romantic ballads. Harris sang on their albums Tell Me This is a Dream and Alive and Kicking, and contributed to their hits such as “La-La Means I Love You”, “Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time)”, and “Hey Love”
In 1974, Harris left the Delfonics to pursue a solo career. He signed with Atlantic Records and scored a string of R&B hits, including his biggest one, “Love Won’t Let Me Wait”. The song reached number five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number one on the R&B chart in 1975. It was also certified gold by the R.I.A.A. and covered by many artists, such as Luther Vandross, Isaac Hayes, and Johnny Mathis
Harris released four solo albums between 1974 and 1978: My Way, Blue Magic Live featuring Major Harris and Margie Joseph, Jealousy, and How Do You Take Your Love. He also collaborated with other Philadelphia soul artists, such as Blue Magic, Margie Joseph, Teddy Pendergrass, and the Stylistics
A Tragic End
Harris’ solo success faded in the late 1970s and early 1980s. He recorded one more album in 1984, I Believe in Love, on Streetwave Records, but it had limited impact. He rejoined the Delfonics in the 1980s and continued to tour with them until his final performance in 2011. He also appeared on some tracks by rapper Ghostface Killah in the 1990s and 20002
Harris suffered from health problems in his later years. He had diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney failure. He also struggled with alcoholism and drug addiction. He was hospitalized several times before his death in 2012. His family said that he died peacefully in his sleep
Harris is survived by his four children: Major IV, LaShawn Harris-Moore, Antoine Harris, and Ashley Ingram; his sister Catherine Thomas; his brother Joseph B. Jefferson; his cousin Norman Harris; and several grandchildren. He is buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Richmond
A Lasting Influence
Harris’ music has influenced many generations of singers and musicians. His voice has been sampled by hip-hop artists such as Wu-Tang Clan, Jay-Z, Nas, and Kanye West. His songs have been featured in movies such as Dead Presidents, The Nutty Professor, Jackie Brown, and Baby Boy. His style has inspired contemporary R&B artists such as Usher, John Legend, Alicia Keys, and Bruno Mars
Harris is remembered as one of the pioneers of the Philadelphia soul sound, a genre that blended soul, funk, pop, and orchestral arrangements to create a sophisticated and smooth musical expression. He is also remembered as a talented vocalist who could convey emotion and passion with his voice. His legacy lives on through his music and his fan.
