Well regarded for his tenure with Philadelphia-based R&B vocal trio the Delfonics and individual success singing solo, Major Harris developed as a performer growing up in Richmond, Virginia. That state capital’s vibrant Black cultural and musical scene—those in the know referred to it as “the Harlem of the South”—centered around Jefferson Park, a historically Black district rich with clubs, concert halls, and talented and ambitious musicians. His own family worked in entertainment for three preceding generations; formally, he was Major Harris III. After an apprenticeship that included singing with such outfits as the Teenagers, the Charmers, and the Jarmels and releasing 45s on Okeh and Laurie, Harris gravitated north to Philly, where he replaced Randy Cain in the Delfonics for several years. Going solo in 1974, he notched a series of hits, most notably the sensuous Steely Dan-inflected “Love Won’t Let Me Wait,” a 1975 Top Ten single. Other notable releases of his included “It’s Got To be Magic” and “I Got Over Love.” Harris trod the boards as a solo act for several years before rejoining the Delfonics. That group’s persistent popularity led to several incarnations of the ensemble that included Harris in the 1990s and 2000s. In his later years Harris moved back to his hometown. Major Harris III passed away in 2012. He was 65 years old. — Michael Dolan
Credit to : RHINO