Major Harris (singer)

Major Harris III (February 9, 1947[1] – November 9, 2012)[2] was an American R&B singer, associated with the Philadelphia soul sound and the Delfonics (early 1970s–1974). His biggest hit as a solo artist was the 1975 single "Love Won't Let Me Wait".

Major Harris
Background information
Birth nameMajor Harris III
Born(1947-02-09)February 9, 1947
Richmond, Virginia, U.S.
DiedNovember 9, 2012(2012-11-09) (aged 65)
Richmond, Virginia, U.S.
GenresR&B
Occupation(s)Musician
InstrumentsVocals, guitar
Years active1960s–2011

Life and career

Harris was born in Richmond, Virginia, United States.[1] Early in his career, Harris sang with groups such as the Charmers, the Teenagers, the Jarmels,[1] and the Nat Turner Rebellion, which also featured his songwriting brother, Joseph B. Jefferson, and recorded a few solo 7" records on the Laurie and Okeh labels. In the early 1970s, he took over from Randy Cain as a member of the Delfonics; he quit the group to go solo in 1974.[1] Signing with Atlantic Records, Harris scored a string of R&B hits in the United States, including the Top Ten single "Love Won't Let Me Wait",[1] which peaked at #5 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and #37 in the UK Top 50 in September 1975. Written by Bobby Eli and Vinnie Barrett, "Love Won't Let Me Wait" was awarded a gold disc by the R.I.A.A. on 25 June 1975.[3]

In 1984, Harris recorded the LP I Believe In Love on Streetwave Records, the title track of the same name which did receive airplay that year on BBC Radio 1 from DJ Robbie Vincent. However, the LP had limited success.

When his success as a soloist subsided, Harris returned to the Delfonics,[1] and continued to tour with one of two touring ensembles that used the name in the 1990s and 2000s. Major was a cousin to the Philadelphia record producer and arranger, Norman Harris.[4]

Harris died in a Richmond, Virginia, hospital from congestive heart and lung failure at the age of 65.[2]

Discography

Studio albums
Year Album Label Peak chart positions
US
[5]		 US R&B
[6]
1974 My Way Atlantic Records 28 12
1975 Blue Magic Live featuring Major Harris and Margie Joseph WMOT Records — —
1976 Jealousy Atlantic Records 153 33
1978 How Do You Take Your Love RCA Records — —
1984 I Believe in Love Streetwave Records — —
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that territory.

Singles
Year Title Chart Positions
US Pop
[7]		 US R&B
[8]		 US Adult
[9]		 AUS
[10]		 UK
[11]
1974 "Each Morning I Wake Up" — 98 — — —
1975 "Love Won't Let Me Wait" 5 1 33 85 37
1976 "I Got Over Love" — 24 — — —
"It's Got to Be Magic" — 91 — — —
"Jealousy" 73 46 — — —
"Laid Back Love" 91 57 — — —
1981 "Here We Are" — — — — —
1983 "All My Life" — 52 — — 61
"I Want Your Love" — — — — —
1984 "Gotta Make Up Your Mind" — — — — —
"I Believe in Love" — — — — —
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that territory.

Compilation albums
  • The Best of Now and Then (WMOT Records, 1981)

See also

References
  1. Colin Larkin, ed. (1993). The Guinness Who's Who of Soul Music (First ed.). Guinness Publishing. p. 109. ISBN 0-85112-733-9.
  2. Felberbaum, Michael. ""Philly sound" R&B singer Major Harris, dies at 65". Retrieved November 9, 2012.
  3. Murrells, Joseph (1978). The Book of Golden Discs (2nd ed.). London: Barrie and Jenkins Ltd. p. 114. ISBN 0-214-20512-6.
  4. Hamilton, Andrew. "Artist Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved September 7, 2021.
  5. "Major Harris: Chart History - BILLBOARD 200". Billboard. Retrieved September 7, 2021.
  6. "Major Harris: Chart History - TOP R&B/HIP-HOP ALBUMS". Billboard. Retrieved September 7, 2021.
  7. "Major Harris: Chart History - HOT 100". Billboard. Retrieved September 7, 2021.
  8. "Major Harris: Chart History - HOT R&B/HIP-HOP SONGS". Billboard. Retrieved September 7, 2021.
  9. "Major Harris: Chart History - ADULT CONTEMPORARY". Billboard. Retrieved September 7, 2021.
  10. Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (illustrated ed.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. p. 133. ISBN 0-646-11917-6.
  11. Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 244. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
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