The Delfonics -

The Delfonics were an American soul group from Philadelphia, formed in 1965 and initially a singles act on Moon Shot and Cameo. Between 1968 and 1974, the group released five albums on Philly Groove Records.

Members: William Hart (lead vocals, guitar), Wilbert Hart (vocals, 1965-75, 1980-85), Randy Cain (vocals, 1965-71, 1980-95), Ritchie Daniels (vocals, 1965-68), Major Harris (vocals, guitar, 1971-75, 1980-2000)

The Delfonics evolved from The Orphonics, formed in 1964 Philadelphia by brothers William “Poogie” Hart and Wilbert Hart. William had sung in numerous vocal groups (The Veltones, The Four Guys, The Four Gents, Little Hart and The Everglows), some alongside Wilbert and fellow Orphonics co-founders Ritchie Daniels and Randy Cain, friends of the Hart’s from Overbrook High School.

In 1965, William was writing songs and working at a barber shop, where his singing impressed Stan Watson, a customer with industry ties. Watson became their manager and linked them with aspiring arranger/producer Thom Bell. After changing their name to The Delfonics, they cut the Watson-Bell-Hart co-write “He Don’t Really Love You” (b/w “Without You”), released in 1966 on soul-press Moon Shot. Their next release, the Bell-Hart composition “You’ve Been Untrue” (b/w “I Was There”), appeared in April 1967 on Cameo Parkway.

After the collapse of Cameo in late 1967, Watson formed Philly Groove Records. Its first release was the smooth Hart ballad “La-La-Means I Love You” (b/w “Can’t Get Over Losing You”). Once it reached national distribution, the song achieved Gold status (R&B #2, Pop #4).

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