Major Harris

Major Harris

Major Harris Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Nov. 9, 2012.
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Major Harris, a former member of the "Philadelphia sound" soul group the Delfonics and singer of the 1975 hit "Love Won't Let Me Wait," has died in Richmond. He was 65.

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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Sign Major Harris's Guest Book

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March 17, 2023

Ronnie Hooker posted to the memorial.

November 2, 2022

LaJaye Britt posted to the memorial.

May 19, 2022

Tennyson L. Price posted to the memorial.

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..

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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March 17, 2023

Ronnie Hooker posted to the memorial.

November 2, 2022

LaJaye Britt posted to the memorial.

May 19, 2022

Tennyson L. Price posted to the memorial.