Harvey Fuqua facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Harvey Fuqua
Fuqua in 2000
Background information
Born	(1929-07-27)July 27, 1929 Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.
Died	July 6, 2010(2010-07-06) (aged 80) Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Genres	R&B doo-wop soul
Occupation(s)	Singer, songwriter, record producer, record label executive
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	1951–2000
Labels	Chess Motown RCA Fantasy
Associated acts	The Moonglows Etta James Marvin Gaye Tammi Terrell Spinners Johnny Bristol New Birth Sylvester

Harvey Fuqua (born July 27, 1929 – died July 6, 2010) was an American singer, songwriter, and record producer. He also worked as a record label executive, which means he helped run music companies.

Harvey Fuqua started an important R&B and doo-wop group called The Moonglows in the 1950s. He was a key person in helping the famous Motown record label grow in Detroit, Michigan. His group even helped Marvin Gaye begin his amazing music career. Harvey and his wife at the time, Gwen Gordy, helped share the first big Motown song, "Money (That's What I Want)" by Barrett Strong. They did this through their own record label, Anna Records. Later, Harvey sold Anna Records to Gwen's brother, Berry Gordy. Then, Harvey became a songwriter and an executive at Motown. He was also the nephew of Charlie Fuqua from the Ink Spots and the uncle of filmmaker Antoine Fuqua.

Harvey Fuqua's Musical Journey

Starting The Moonglows

Harvey Fuqua was born in Louisville, Kentucky, in the United States. His uncle was Charlie Fuqua, a member of the famous group, The Ink Spots. In 1951, Harvey teamed up with Bobby Lester, Alexander Graves, and Prentiss Barnes. They formed a singing group called the Crazy Sounds in Louisville.

Later, they moved to Cleveland, Ohio. There, a disc jockey named Alan Freed helped them. He gave them a new name: The Moonglows. This name came from his own nickname, "Moondog." The Moonglows first released songs on Freed's Champagne label in 1953. After that, they recorded for the Chance label in Chicago. In 1954, they signed with Chess Records.

Moonglows' Big Hits

Their song "Sincerely" became a huge hit. It reached number 1 on the Billboard R&B chart. It also made it to number 20 on the main Hot 100 chart in late 1954.

While recording for Chess Records, Harvey Fuqua often sang lead vocals with Bobby Lester. Over time, Harvey became the main leader of the group. In 1957, he changed the group members. He brought in a new group, previously known as the Marquees. One of the new members was Marvin Gaye.

The new group was called Harvey and the Moonglows. They quickly had success with "Ten Commandments of Love." This song reached number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Harvey left the group in 1958. The Moonglows got back together for a short time in 1972. They were honored in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000.

New Adventures at Motown

While at the Chess label, Harvey also sang duets with Etta James. They had hits like "If I Can't Have You" in 1960 and "Spoonful" in 1961.

Harvey Fuqua left the Moonglows when Leonard Chess suggested he join Anna Records in Detroit. At Anna Records, Harvey worked with Anna Gordy, Billy Davis, Lamont Dozier, and Johnny Bristol. He also introduced Marvin Gaye to Anna's brother, Berry Gordy. Harvey then married their sister, Gwen Gordy.

In 1961, Harvey started his own record labels, Tri-Phi Records and Harvey Records. Groups like Spinners, Junior Walker, and Shorty Long recorded for his labels. However, Harvey got tired of running a small independent label. He was happy to join Motown. He was hired to lead Motown's Artist Development department. He also worked as a producer for the company.

Harvey brought the Spinners and Johnny Bristol to Motown. He helped produce several hit songs for Bristol. He was also important in bringing Tammi Terrell to Motown. He suggested and produced her famous duets with Marvin Gaye. These included "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and "Your Precious Love." In 1962, Harvey had a small hit song called "Been a Long Time" with the Five Quails.

Producing Stars and More Hits

Around 1971, Harvey Fuqua left Motown. He got a deal to produce music for RCA Records. There, he had great success with the band New Birth. He also discovered the disco music pioneer Sylvester. He also found "Two Tons o' Fun," who later became The Weather Girls.

Harvey produced Sylvester's hit songs "Dance (Disco Heat)" and "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)" in 1978. He also produced Sylvester's album Stars in 1979. Harvey also worked as Smokey Robinson's road manager. In 1982, he worked with Marvin Gaye again to produce Marvin's album Midnight Love.

In 2000, Harvey started his own record company called Resurging Artist Records. He also served as a trustee for the Rhythm and Blues Foundation. Harvey co-wrote a very famous disco song called "K-Jee." It was first recorded by The Nite-liters. Later, the song was recorded by MFSB for the movie Saturday Night Fever.

Harvey Fuqua lived in Las Vegas, Nevada, until he passed away. He died from a heart attack in a hospital in Detroit on July 6, 2010.

Harvey's Solo Songs

Here are some of the songs Harvey Fuqua released on his own:

Helping Others Through Music

In March 1995, Harvey Fuqua and his wife, Carolyne, started a non-profit organization. It was called the Foundation for the S.T.A.R.S. This group helps young people in inner cities who face challenges. They believe that everyone should have the chance to make their dreams come true.