The Delfonics’ main vocalist William Hart passed away at the age of 77. His son informed TMZ that he was hospitalized in Philadelphia with respiratory issues and passed away on Thursday as a result of difficulties during the operation.
Hart, who was born and brought up in Philadelphia, sang often with regional bands including the Four Gents, the Four Guys, the Veltones, the Everglows, and Little Hart. He founded the Orphonics in the late ’60s, influenced by artists like Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers, Dionne Warwick, and Burt Bacharach, together with his brother Wilbert, Randy Cain, and Richie Daniels.
The Delfonic’s debut album, La La Means I Love You, was produced in 1968, and a few others followed. The group was divided into 2 groups in 1975 after a lengthy history of producing big tunes. In the first, Major Harris, Wilbert Hart, and Frank Washington participated; in the second, William Hart was joined by fresh faces.
For Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time), the Delfonics received a Grammy Award in 1971 for Outstanding R&B Song by a Duo or Band, Vocal or Instrumental.
The Three Tenors of Soul is a CD that Hart collaborated on in 2007 with Ted Mills of Blue Magic and Russell Thompkins, Jr., the original lead vocalist of The Stylistics.
Hart also sang in a variety of groups including Little Hart and The Everglows, the Veltones, the Four Guys, and the Four Gents.
William and Thom exclusively wrote all of the songs, including such hits as “La-La (Means I Love You),” “Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time),” “Break Your Promise,” “I’m sorry,” and “Ready or Not Here I Come (Can’t Hide from Love)”, were all solely written by William and Thom.
Social networking has already begun to be filled with tributes to Hart.
We’re very sorry to report the passing of William “Poogie” Hart of the Delfonics, according to Philadelphia rock band Low Cut Connie. the guardian of the falsetto light of Philadelphia. He was a great friend and a human being, we were so close.
The music world is in a deep shock. The void of his passing can’t be fulfilled as the fans are paying tribute to the legend across the world.