Harold Melvin And The Blue Notes
Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes formed in 1954 in Philadelphia. Originally known as The Charlemagnes, the group adopted the Blue Notes name with Harold Melvin as a key founder, alongside members like Franklin Peaker, Bernard Williams, Roosevelt Brodie, and Jesse Gillis Jr. They struggled initially, releasing singles like "If You Love Me" (1956) on Josie Records, "My Hero" (1960) on Val-ue, and "Get Out (And Let Me Cry)" (1965) on Landa without major success.
Major success arrived in 1970 with Teddy Pendergrass joining as drummer, then lead singer. Signed to Philadelphia International Records under Gamble and Huff, their debut album I Miss You (1972) featured the hit "I Miss You." Follow-ups like If You Don't Know Me by Now (1972, No. 1 R&B) and The Love I Lost (1973, gold-certified) defined Philly soul. "Wake Up Everybody" (1975) topped R&B charts, earning Grammy nods and solidifying their sound with lush orchestration.
Teddy Pendergrass departed in 1976 for a solo career. Melvin replaced him with David Ebo, shifting to ABC Records for albums like Reaching for the World (1977). Later leads included Gil Saunders (1982-1992), who scored UK hits with Talk It Up (Tell Everybody). Melvin managed frequent lineup shifts, including Jerry Cummings as a constant, while touring into the 1990s.
Harold Melvin died on March 24, 1997, after a stroke. The group influenced soul with hits covered by artists like Simply Red. Inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, they pioneered Philly sound alongside O'Jays and Spinners. Melvin, born June 25, 1939, was a self-taught pianist, arranger, and choreographer who fronted until his death.
Reaching For The World
A2 Where There's A Will - There's A Way (H. Melvin, M. & M. Steele 4:05)
A3 After You Love Me, Why Do You Leave Me (H.J. Melvin*, K. Gamble 4:42)
A4 Sandman (Hubert V. Yarborough 4:25)
B1 Hostage Part 1 & 2 (Hubert V. Yarborough 6:30)
B2 He Loves You And I Do Too (Harold J. Melvin 3:37)
B3 Big Singing Star (Harold J. Melvin 3:33)
B4 Stay Together (G. McFadden*, J. Whitehead, V. Carstarphen 5:00)
Label: ABC Records – AB-969
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1976
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes' Reaching For The World (1976/77) is a well-regarded, post-Teddy Pendergrass album marking their debut on ABC Records, praised for its lush Philly Soul sound, sophisticated arrangements, and strong performances by new lead David Ebo, blending upbeat dancers like the title track with soulful mid-tempo groovers like "After You Love Me, Why Do You Leave Me" and Sharon Paige duets, proving the group's enduring quality despite the lineup change.
It's significant as the first album after Teddy Pendergrass's departure, showcasing a shift with new lead David Ebo, though maintaining the classic Sigma Sound studio feel. Critics highlight its rich harmonies, melodic sophistication, and danceable rhythms, capturing the essence of mid-70s Philly Soul before disco fully took over.
Fans and reviewers appreciate its consistent quality, balancing personal and political themes with excellent pacing, making it a "lost classic" for many.
Reaching For The World is considered a strong album that successfully transitioned the group by featuring the talented David Ebo alongside the familiar tight harmonies and sophisticated production that defined Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes.