Bernie Wilson Dead at 64
The press release was in my e-mail this morning. Bernie Wilson. Do I know him? Does that name ring a bell? No. “Bernie Wilson” is no more of a household name for me than was Leroy Anderson a few years ago. In 1972 he was well known by an entire generation of music fans and is still known by his group's name. Bernie Wilson was one of “The Blue Notes” who along with Harold Melvin formed the Philadelphia soul group, “Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes”.
Still not clear? Wilson shared the stage with another Blue Note who eventually went on to a stellar solo career, Teddy Pendergrass. The group had several R & B hits and a single (covered by Motown's Thelma Houston) often hailed as a defining track of the disco era. It was a love song that got them attention. “If You Don't Know Me By Now” was their break-out hit, topped the R & B charts and peaked at number three on the Pop chart. Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes helped define a type of soul music commonly referred to as “The Sound of Philadelphia”.
Wilson sang baritone and was one of the original members of the group. Lloyd Parks is now the only surviving member of the group. Wilson died Sunday, December 26 in a New Jersey Hospital. His death, and that of the group, for many signals the end of an era. Gone are the harmonious sounds of tenor, bass and lead singers, striking attire (matching outfits), and on-stage choreography. He and that “sweet soul sound” will be missed.
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