Legacy Recordings

Poets, preachers, philosophers and Philadelphians, Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes offered symphonies for the everyman. Stepping across swirling piano notes, “Wake Up Everybody” pierced through the darkness of a people at sea like a beam of light. Harold Melvin was their mentor, steering the impetuous Teddy Pendergrass with the traditional values of faith and community. Yet, Teddy’s voice foretold the tales of the New Soul Romeos and their shifting struggle for self-determination and emotional survival. Calling out for awareness, unity and action with humanity and beauty, they gave such sweet thunder to every blue note.

(V. Carstarphen/J. Whitehead/G. McFadden); Produced by Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff; arranged by Bobby Martin; Teddy Pendergrass, lead vocal; Harold Melvin, Lawrence Brown, Jerry Cummings, Bernard Wilson, background vocals; Michael (Sugar Bear) Forman, bass; Earl Young, drums; Dennis Harris, guitar; Leon Huff, piano; Larry Washington, percussion; Vince Montana, vibes; with Don Renaldo and his strings and horns; Rec. Philadelphia, 1975. Philadelphia International single 3579; P 1975 Sony Music Entertainment Inc.

Wake Up Everybody by Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes