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Major Harris Obituary
His sister, Catherine Thomas, told The Associated Press that Harris passed away Friday morning from congestive heart and lung failure after being rushed to a hospital.
The Richmond native was born Feb. 9, 1947, and grew up in a musical family. His father was a guitarist and his mother led the church choir, Thomas said.
In his teens, Harris was tall for his age and was able to get into clubs to watch musicians perform, she said.
"He always appeared to be older, which gave him a lot of ins to a lot of older places," Thomas joked.
She said he didn't drink in the clubs back then, but he was pursuing his career. Music, she said, "was his life."
Harris made the rounds with several music groups in the 1960s, including the Charmers, Frankie Lymo n's Teenagers and Nat Turner's Rebellion.
He then joined the Delfonics in the early 1970s, replacing Randy Cain in the group known for their hits "La-La (Means I Love You)" and "Didn't I (Blow Your Mind This Time)."
Harris left the group in 1974 to pursue a solo career. He recorded a string of R&B singles, including "Love Won't Let Me Wait," which peaked at No. 5 in the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart and was certified as a gold record by the Recording Industry Association of America. The song was covered by Johnny Mathis and Deniece Williams in 1994 and again by Luther Vandross on his 1988 album "Any Love."
Harris last performed in 2011 at a reunion show with some of the members of the Delfonics, Thomas said.
___
MICHAEL FELBERBAUM, Associated Press
Michael Felberbaum can be reached at http://www.twitter.com/MLFelberbaum.
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
481 Entries
Ronnie Hooker
March 17, 2023
My greatest condolences
LaJaye Britt
November 2, 2022
Rest Well My Friend..Major would share many of his touring stories with me every day as well as encouraging my own own Career in W. Philly sitting on front porch or just walking to corner store you will be missed R.I.P #BeTheLove #major
Tennyson L. Price
May 19, 2022
I offer my deepest sympathy to the Harris family. I am a vocalist and I have covered Major Harris's song Love Wont Let Me Wait for many nights. RIP Major and my your family find comfort in their memories of you.
November 27, 2019
God is a God of all Comfort and he will Comfort the family's....My condolence..
How you can show support
November 21, 2019
My condolence to the family's...May God be a God of all Comfort...
Vera Terry
March 15, 2018
Mr.Major Harris you will truly be miss. You gave us beautiful music to always be with us for ever..
February 9, 2018
LOVE WON'T LET ME WAIT. My favorite of all time. It brings back a lot of great memories. I am sorry for your loss.
Valenda Newell
July 8, 2016
THANKS FOR THE MUSIC......GONE NOT FORGOTTEN
Brandy green
May 17, 2015
Thanks for the memories. You will always be in my heart. Brandy.
John Bunnie Butler
March 11, 2015
Major Harris has been a music influence to me. I love his music especially his work with the Delfonics. He is greatly missed
LARRY JACKSON
January 28, 2015
I,ENJOYED LISTENING TO HIS CLASSIC SONG LOVE WANT LET ME WAIT.MAY,GOD KEEP HIM THROUGH ETERNAL HEAVEN ALL THE DAYS OF HIS LIFE.[REST IN PEACE IN A SPECIAL WAY]
Rosa Ducker
January 9, 2015
Thank you Major for choosing me to be a part of your come back. My son and I truly enjoyed singing with you and Robin. You were a very nice and wonderful man. Be blessed.
Harry Simpson
November 9, 2014
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
October 22, 2014
I love the Delfonics will truly miss that awesome voice.
S Lee
April 20, 2014
Rest in Peace Major.
December 8, 2013
GLAD I KNEW YOU FOR WHAT SEEMS LIKE ONE BRIEF SHINING MOMENT. YOU WERE ALWAYS SWEET AND GRACIOUS, GONE TOO SOON.
YOUR FRIEND FROM VIRGINIA,
BRENDA
José Carlos
October 12, 2013
Major Harris você fez parte da minha vida.O Brasil sempre te amou muito,você com suas músicas fez a minha juventude feliz.Descanse em paz.
chap.sis.rhonda reese
March 30, 2013
Bro.major,peace be upon you. I miss you and your music. I told major jr. Why he hasn't follow up on the legency. He has wonderful voice as well.keep on singing for god bro.rip.
Nazarene Mckinney
March 25, 2013
My deepest sympathy to the Harris family for the loss of their dear one. He had a soulful voice that captured the heart.
March 25, 2013
P.S.-As a teenager I loved the "Delfonics", I almost played the lines off the records from playing them over and over again. They were a amazing group and extremely talented.
Juanita-Maria Tillery
January 16, 2013
I met this talented singer here in Memphis in the late 80's. We kept in contact for year's! Deepest condolences! Be blessed!
Marlene Mills-Richardson
January 10, 2013
RIP Major. Fond memories from the early 70s. Peace and blessings upon you. Sing in the heavenly choir!
Jose Espinosa
December 29, 2012
I met Major at a funeral in Phila,along with his sister.for a member of the Trammps musical group
Nettie Jones
December 24, 2012
My sympathy goes out to the family. Major and I go way back, we were very close before his brillant career in CA and Pa
December 7, 2012
To The Harris Family:
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Major Harris! I remembered him from the days when he sang with Mike Harris and the Imperials at the old Coliseum on Clay Street. At that time, I played sax with the Fabulettes all girl group. He was one of Richmond's finest talents, and my favorite song that he sang was "Old Danny Boy". What a beautiful voice he had! He will surely be missed.
God will grant you the peace and comfort of His everlasting love.
M. TERRY
December 2, 2012
TO THE HARRIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS. Iam sorry to read of MR MAJOR HARRIS PASSING. My prayers and heart go out to you all. MR HARRIS will never be forgotten. His charming voice will always be with the us. RIP MR MAJOR HARRIS.
Dennis Taylor
November 28, 2012
RIP MAJOR HARRIS
Thank you for being a huge inspiration to me in my own musical journey. Your voice will echo on through many years to come. May we now remember all the wonderful music you created through the years - and continue to enjoy it. Rest in peace, Major.
Shirley Jones
November 26, 2012
Myra sorry i wa ot with u just found out. my heart goes out to you nad Majors family I too remember the old times of Jackson ward Hickory street,Calhoun playground and little Tommy and the teenagers. Grandpa jack and his Grandmothers love. May he reast in peace. And remember that God said to us left behind he will never leave us nor forsake us. hold on to his hand.
Dollie Richardson
November 26, 2012
Major. I loved his voice so very much
And will miss hear that voice that stood out.
Mrs. Brenda Spratley
November 22, 2012
To Major's Family I Greet You In The Most Highest Greeting In Paradise,And we say it in the english language,"May Peace Be Unto You." Major and Ron was my husband's best friend. Most people admired them for their FAME, I admired them for the true men they were before the fame that GOD laid upon them. Peace I leave with you beloved family.Let not your hearts be troubled.We loved him, but God loved him more. I am the wife of Bill Spratley of Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes.
Bruce Neal
November 21, 2012
One buy one they leave use , old shool r&b will never be the same again :( .
Ernest Ellis
November 20, 2012
Deepest condolences to the Harris family. The Delfonics, including Major Harris, was and still is my favorite group from the 70s. A group of my friends visited with me in Northern Virginia just so we could go to the Warner Theater in DC to see the Delfonics. The music of this prolific group will live on! I'm just so glad that I attended a number of concerts to see the Delfonics!!! Also, I am glad that I have their CDs so that any time I desire I can listen to their melodic sounds. Sleep on Mr. Harris and take your rest. You've earned it "Over and Over" again.
crystal reed
November 20, 2012
I tell you "The Delfonics" was one of the hottest groups around! That song "Didn't I Blow Your Mind This Time" was the "Hit". My prayers go out to the family of this great artist of all times!
nancy vasquez
November 19, 2012
Gone but not forgotten...love your song "love won't let me wait"
james Durham
November 19, 2012
You know that you are the reason for a lot of children. Rest in peace.
love could not wait.
Vivian Gair
November 19, 2012
Thanks for the good times....good music and sweet VOICE!!! R. I. P..
.JOB WELL DONE
Vivian Gair
November 19, 2012
Thanks for the good times....good music and sweet VOICE!!! R. I. P..
.JOB WELL DONE
Mary Warfield
November 19, 2012
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Stephanie Reese
November 19, 2012
He will be missed
Mary Warfield
November 18, 2012
Charles Johnson & Mary Warfield
Rosalind Chambers
November 18, 2012
Thank God for you giving us that loving feeling Now you rest until all God's children are reunited again
Levi Gholson
November 18, 2012
I can still see him standing tall in Aunt Margret's high rise, with a big smile and a gold record on the wall. An angelic voice joins the host of angels in the air. Rest peacfully cousin, for you touched many.
November 17, 2012
Farewell Major I'll never forget the fun and laughter from the old days. You will live on thru your music forever.
Pease out.
Trudy
Deborah Carroll
November 17, 2012
Heartfelt sympathy to those related by kin and friend.Those we love never die they live on in our hearts and memories.May your Faith be a blanket of comfort to you now and in the days to come.Thank you for sharing his musical genius with us, the fans.REST IN HEAVEN Major, well done :'(
November 17, 2012
your music will live on and heal the
the hearts of many
Larry Battle
Washington dc
the persusaions
November 17, 2012
RIP Bro Harris
The Colley Family
November 17, 2012
May the God of all comfort be with your family during these painful times. Psalms 55:22
Freddy Cheers
November 17, 2012
R.I.P. Major Harris!!!
BEVERLY CROSBY
November 17, 2012
"REST IN PEACE.MR.HARRIS YOUR MUSIC will live on.MY PRAYER TO YOUR FAMILY AND MAY GOD BLESS THEM.
November 17, 2012
My deepest condolences on your loss. May God comfort and strengthen you during this difficult time.
Barky s Music Store
November 17, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
November 16, 2012
Rest in peace Major, God has called you home. We will always remember the smile on your face and the good times we had at grandma Jack
son. Aunt Edith,Deloris,Charles,Pattie,Michael and Pammella Harris.
Shirl Johnson
November 16, 2012
To Major Harris III
May God s strength always be with you. we are family and we grieve together. From the family of the late Alice Jackson, sister of Floyd Jackson,Major Floyd Harris' grandad.
Much love to you,
Your cousins
Shirley & Stephen Hagins,
Shirl, Ben,Tyrone,Marjorie,& Alice Johnson and all chlldren
We grieve with you because thats what family s do.
May God forever keep you in his care
WALTER ALLMON
November 16, 2012
Major Harris will be remembered as the man with the velvet voice who truly understood how to make the perfect love song. His music caused many people to turn on the blue light in the basement. Major lived a good life and left a legacy that his family, friends and fans with always remember.
I am sure you are in heaven sitting at the table with Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, Johnnie Taylor, Donnie Hathaway, and Tyrone Davis talking about who had the best tenor voice. It is time to rest now brother. You will be missed but never forgotten.
Shirley Baker
November 16, 2012
My prayers go out to the Harris family Major will truly be missed.His music will live on for ever. Blessing to you all.
Joy Harvey
November 16, 2012
Rest in peace. Your music will forever live on.
November 16, 2012
TO THE HARRIS FAMILY,SINCERE SYMPATHY TO YOU.ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT "GOD{JAH}IS OPENING HIS HAND AND SATISFYING THE DESIRE OF EVERY LIVING THING."..pslm.145:16.....dg
reva thompson
November 16, 2012
God given you to us for just a short period in your life expand, but his time frame it was enought time for you to do his will.. so may peace be on you, as you rest your soul these days from all the pain this of this world.
reva thompson
November 16, 2012
As a fan and a teenager your record show me what love was about the lyrics really touched me and the sound of your vocal made me feel as if you were singing that particular song just for me..
Yes! You are truly goinging to be missed
William(Cornbread) Turner
November 16, 2012
My Blessings goes out to the Harris Family from a life-long friend from the B.A.Graves days to the days we moved to Philly in the early 70'S You'll be missed
Christopher Smith
November 16, 2012
I'm only 18 but I love great old skool music. Mr.Harris's voice was amazing and im sorry to hear of his passing. Now he can sing in God's eternal Choir. May God bless his soul and the family. Also My cousin Janice Christian was a local singer from richmond in the 60's.They sung together in his early days in richmond then they later dated as a couple.She has passsed on also and now both of you all can sing once again for God.
Marilyn Hinton
November 15, 2012
Rest in Peace Major, your music will live on. Your cousin Marilyn Hinton
sonya smith
November 15, 2012
rip !!!! with love margaret pharr, mildred harvey, bubble.
Candis Glenn
November 15, 2012
May God give you all comfort in these trying times Harris Fanily
JARNICE BLACKWELL
November 15, 2012
SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS,RIP MAJOR LOVE YOUR MUSIC...
Andrea Peyton-Sharpe
November 15, 2012
Remembering Major and his Jackson Ward family in our younger days! Major singing to us at the Playground, under the street lights anywhere he could sing! Walking across the Bridge to B. A. Graves School! Major's grandmother loved him and he loved his grandmother. Rest in Peace Major and take your place in the Heavenly Choir on High!
Teakesha Kabani
November 15, 2012
Rest In Peace Uncle Major. You have blessed the world with your wonderful voice,now heaven has you to sing for them now.
Andrea Peyton-Sharpe
November 15, 2012
Our soul brother from Jackson Ward, singing to us in the evenings, under the light poles, at the playground, anywhere he could sing! Loved his grandmother and his grandmother loved Major. Walking across the bridge to B. A. Graves school - those were the days! Rest in peace Major and take your place in the Heavenly Choir on high!
Aldenette GRIFFIN
November 15, 2012
Rest in peace Major,You really made good music in My day.You are now in Heaven with the Lord singing his praises.
November 15, 2012
Love your music Mr. Harris. You will be missed. God Bless. James & Cynthia Troublefield
CHARLES BROWN
November 15, 2012
HE WILL BE MISS BY ALL WHO KNEW HIM
Janet Carey
November 15, 2012
GOD'S BLESSINGS. I remember when Major Harris used to come across the walkway in Gilpen Court to mt Aunt's home and comb my hair because he alway's stated I had the prettiest long hair;and he and his cousin,Sterling taught me how to dance.Blessing's to your family
Maria Gonzalez
November 15, 2012
Too young to die! Will always remember him and through his music he will live on! My condolences go out to all his family and close friends! May God give you the strength to go on! My prayers are with you all! God bless!
Beatrice Harris
November 15, 2012
Good voice, good music. Will go out today and buy your album so I can celebrate your homecoming. Jesus is wait on you to sing in his choir.
Sharon Rush
November 15, 2012
I remember mr. Harris' music as a kid growing up...he will be missed
Deborah Earley
November 15, 2012
Great Voice, Great Songs, R.I.P.
Kimberly Childs
November 15, 2012
Rest In Peace Major Harris....
kim bessong
November 15, 2012
God bless the family. Sleep in peace, Mr. Harris.
Christine Gibson
November 14, 2012
Family
Know that God has Major in his arms. He has on his white robe singing for the Lord and feeling no pain just the gain being with his Father. Know that while tears fall in the night know that joy will arrive in the morning. A wonderful voice returned home. Sing Major,sing.
Sincerely
November 14, 2012
god had called you home we all got to leave oneday you can rest in peace thank you for the great music
Evelyn McMillian
November 14, 2012
RIP Mr Harris. You left us with some great music that will live on & on. God bless your family.
Laneil & Lenora Gholston
November 14, 2012
We enjoyed your music now the LORD can enjoy it also.
Gwen Shields
November 14, 2012
Major Harris may your music liplay on and on and on.R I P
Bruce Simons
November 14, 2012
Our condolences to the Harris family,Your
friends in Bermuda
C. Polk
November 14, 2012
Prayers and condolences go to the family and friends of this great singer who will surely be missed!
Rev. Ronnie Lowry
November 14, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of Major Harris diing. How did he die? I live in florida.
Brenda Furlow-holt
November 14, 2012
Now you can sing for the Lord. Rest in peace.
Floyd Booker
November 14, 2012
Sorry about the lost of this great music legend. I also was a friend that was around him often in the early sixties when he used to sing with the group from Churchill.
Erica Johnson
November 14, 2012
His voice may be silenced...but it won't be forgotten.
Sandra Hicks
November 14, 2012
To Myria and Major's family,I am so sorry for your loss. Know that God never makes a mistake and he needed him more at this time on the other side. Rest in peace Major and continue to sing your heart out.
brandon roots
November 14, 2012
That voice will be missed on this side, but on the other side, what a choir!
Peace be unto you and i will see you in the Morning.
Lois Reid
November 14, 2012
Tall, Brown and Handsome. I'm so glad to have had to pleasure of seeing you when you were with the Delfonics. R.I.P. God Bless
November 14, 2012
He was a true talent. This is truly sad news!
Phyllis Johnson
November 14, 2012
Major, you will be truly missed. What a great singer. May your soul rest in peace.
November 14, 2012
Catherine I am sorry to here that your Brother Mr.Major Harris has passed away. Mr Harris will be remember and so will his music. Catherine we all has Loss a Loved one in death and we all look forward in seeing them again. on earth in the near future.Carolyn Johnson, Brooklyn, New York
P. Patterson
November 14, 2012
I am sorry to hear of you loss. May the special time spent with Major as you draw strength from the love of family and friends. Also, may you draw close to God and he will draw close to you. (James 4:8)
jessie vaughn
November 14, 2012
Hey major. You bought the best out to everyone with your music. Me and my friends and husband loved your music. Keep singing above your gone to be miss.
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