Harold Melvin was an American singer and songwriter, best known as the lead vocalist of the soul and R&B group, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes. Born on June 25, 1930, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he played a significant role in the development of the Philadelphia soul sound during the 1970s. The group gained fame with hits like "If You Don't Know Me by Now" and "Wake Up Everybody." Melvin's collaboration with other talented musicians, including Teddy Pendergrass, helped elevate the group's popularity. Despite facing challenges in his career, Melvin's contributions to music left a lasting impact on the genre. He passed away on March 24, 1997.