358. Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes

Harold Melvin may be the front name, but it was the smooth soulful voice of Teddy Pendergrass that brought them to the forefront. With a diverse catalogue that featured Philly Soul, R&B and early Disco, the Blue Notes unleashed a series of hits on both the Pop and R&B charts. With the sleek Gamble & Huff team producing them, the sophistication of their music was really allowed to shine. Still one of the more covered bands in Soul, an induction for Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes would include Pendergrass, which could be the ace in the hole for induction. If another Philly Soul group gets in, this could be it.

The Bullet Points:

Eligible Since:

1997

Country of Origin:

U.S.A. (Philadelphia, PA)

Nominated In:

Never

Why They Will Get In:

They are respected and the Pendergrass factor works in their favor.

Why They Won’t Get In:

Philly Soul seems to be struggling to find enshrinement in the Hall

Essential Albums:

Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes (1972)

Black & Blue (1973)

To Be True (1975)

Wake Up Everybody (1975)

Our Five Favorite Songs as Chosen by Each Member of the NIHOF Committee:

If You Don’t Know Me By Now (From Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, 1972)

The Love I Lost (From Black & Blue, 1973)

I’m Comin’ Home Tomorrow (From Black & Blue, 1973)

Bad Luck (From To Be True, 1975)

Wake Up Everybody (From Wake Up Everybody, 1975)