Bernard Wilson (singer)

Bernard Wilson (July 12, 1946 – December 26, 2010) was a second tenor and baritone R&B, funk and soul music vocalist, who was a member of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, and thus helped to define the “Sound of Philadelphia” in the 1970s.[1]

Early career

Wilson was a North Philadelphia native who grew up in the Strawberry Mansion neighborhood. His parents died while Wilson was still young and he was thereafter raised by his grandmother. He attended Bok Technical High School, but left home at the age of 16 to seek fame and fortune as an entertainer.[2] In 1970, Wilson joined the evolving line-up of Harold Melvin and the Bluenotes, which featured Harold Melvin – another native of Philadelphia. With the addition of Teddy Pendergrass to the group and the release of their first record, the Bluenotes achieved great success. Their self-titled LP with Philadelphia International Records overseen by Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff, landed three singles on the Billboard charts. It was this early to mid-1970s lineup that had such hits as "If You Don't Know Me by Now," "The Love I Lost," "Don't Leave Me This Way," and "Bad Luck." Other chart toppers for the band such as "I Miss You" and "Wake Up Everybody, from their5 self-titled platinum record soon followed. Wilson stayed with the Bluenotes through six albums and then left the group in 1977, shortly after Teddy Pendergrass's departure, to pursue a solo career.[3]

Later career

Wilson had hoped to recover from his illnesses and sing gospel, however the last time he performed was during the 1990s, at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City.

Death

Wilson died of complications of a stroke and heart attack on December 26, 2010 at age 64, the same day fellow singer Teena Marie died.

Discography

With Harold Melvin and the Bluenotes

References
  1. "US soul star Bernard Wilson dies". Bbc.co.uk. 28 December 2010. Retrieved 28 November 2017.
  2. "Bernard Wilson, one of original Blue Notes". Philly.com. Retrieved 28 November 2017.
  4. ABC Records LP AB-969
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