Major Harris (singer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Major Harris
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Major Harris III |
| Born | February 9, 1947 Richmond, Virginia, U.S. |
| Died | November 9, 2012 (aged 65) Richmond, Virginia, U.S. |
| Genres | R&B |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar |
| Years active | 1960s–2011 |
Major Harris III (born February 9, 1947 – died November 9, 2012) was an American R&B singer. R&B is a type of music with a strong beat and soulful singing. He was known for his connection to the "Philadelphia soul" sound. This was a smooth, orchestral style of R&B music that came from Philadelphia. Major Harris was also part of the famous music group The Delfonics in the early 1970s. His most famous song as a solo artist was "Love Won't Let Me Wait" in 1975.
Contents
Major Harris's Life and Music Career
Major Harris was born in Richmond, Virginia, United States. From a young age, he loved music.
Early Music Days
In the early part of his career, Major Harris sang with several music groups. Some of these groups included the Charmers, the Teenagers, and the Jarmels. He also sang with a group called Nat Turner Rebellion. His brother, Joseph B. Jefferson, who wrote songs, was also in this group. Major Harris even recorded a few solo songs on small vinyl records.
In the early 1970s, he joined the Delfonics. He took the place of another member named Randy Cain. The Delfonics were a very popular group at the time.
Solo Success
In 1974, Major Harris decided to leave the Delfonics to start his own solo career. He signed with Atlantic Records, a big music company. He soon had many popular R&B songs in the United States.
His biggest hit was the song "Love Won't Let Me Wait". This song became very popular in 1975. It reached number 5 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also reached number 37 in the UK Singles Chart. The song was written by Bobby Eli and Vinnie Barrett. "Love Won't Let Me Wait" was so successful that it earned a "gold disc." This means it sold a lot of copies!
Later Career and Legacy
In 1984, Major Harris released an album called I Believe in Love. The main song from this album was played on the radio. However, the album did not become a huge success.
When his solo career slowed down, Major Harris went back to singing with the Delfonics. He continued to perform with one of the groups that used the Delfonics name for many years. Major Harris was also a cousin to Norman Harris, a well-known music producer and arranger from Philadelphia.
Major Harris passed away in a hospital in Richmond, Virginia, when he was 65 years old. He died from problems with his heart and lungs.
Major Harris's Music
Major Harris released several albums and singles during his career. His most famous solo album was My Way, released in 1974. Of course, his biggest hit song was "Love Won't Let Me Wait" in 1975. Other popular songs included "I Got Over Love" and "Jealousy."
See also
- List of artists who reached number one on the Billboard R&B chart
- List of current Atlantic Records artists
- List of 1970s one-hit wonders in the United States
