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Willie Winfield Obituary
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62 Entries
Annmarie Cavaliete
July 27, 2025
Mr. Winfield was a wonderful man with a beautiful voice, and a true gentleman. Everyone loved him.
I met him and the Harptones as a young teen,and never stop playing their songs. His voice will live on in our hearts. My deepest condolences to the Winfield family. ❤
Victor Montalvo
March 19, 2025
What a beautiful voice. Together with the harptones we’re amazing.
Adam Boswell
January 26, 2025
Willie Winfield and The Harptones were one of the most influential and beloved Doo-Wop and vocal groups of all time. They inspired me in many ways. When I was in 4th grade, I had a small Doo-Wop group. At the time, the guys and I sang songs by Dion and The Belmonts, Little Anthony and The Imperials, and The Duprees. We were nothing professional, rather instead we did it for fun.
The Harptones had several songs I can relate to in my life, but one that stood out to me the most was "Life is But a Dream" and I found the lyrics to be so true about life. I believe many times we tend to listen to the vocal arrangements and harmony within a Doo-Wop song, but may not always catch the lyrics. I watched their live performance from the "Rockin' the Blues" movie from 1956. I was fascinated by their dance moves, choreography, and foot work consisting of Willie, William Dempsey, Freddie Taylor, Billy Brown, and Raoul Cita.
During the time of Willie's passing, I was in middle school. Unfortunately, I was not aware of this, nor was I listening to music from the era during that time. I regret that I never had the chance to meet Willie, nor the Harptones. I wish I would have. I was able to find live performances of the group on Youtube and was able to see and hear Dicey Galloway singing bass with the group which I really enjoyed. Too bad I was not able to find any footage of all of the original members singing together again, I would love to see that if it exists.
I not only admire and respect Willie Windfield's music and voice, but I also admire him as a human being. As mentioned, I never got the chance to meet him but from all the videos I've seen of him on Youtube, he appears to be a very warm, loving, welcoming, and friendly gentleman. I look up to him and The Harptones, including several other groups from the 50s era. It's unfortunate that I'm growing up in a time and era where this style of music is rare if not, nonexistent any longer as I believe this music truly brought people together and that people fell in love with.
The Harptones have recently become one of my favorite groups of all time. I listen to their music on a weekly basis, and I enjoy singing along to their music. I once saw a UGHA video with Ronnie I on Youtube, and Willie stated that Rudy West and The Five Keys were a group that influenced him to sing. The Five Keys are also very high on my list alongside The Harptones. I would also like to mention that Willie's cousin George, who sang with Rudy West's Five Keys did a wonderful job and also has a great voice. I watched TJ Lubinsky's Doo Wop 51 Show from 2000 where The Five Keys sang live on stage where George was present on stage and his second lead/baritone vocals during that performance was outstanding alongside with Maryland Pierce, Thomas Treatt, Dickie Smith, and Bernie West.
I hope the Windfield family are happy and well today, including William Dempsey James as he appears to be the last and only original surviving member of The Harptones. Chances are low of me meeting them, but it would be a lifetime dream for me to have the ability to meet them one day.
Best wishes and regards,
Adam Boswell
Bill Blattner
January 22, 2025
He was great enjoyed his voice so much
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Paul Blackstead
March 2, 2024
Rest in peace Mr. Winfield, your song Sunday kind of love was my dad`s favorite doo-wop song growing up in the 1950s we appreciate your music
February 23, 2024
I born March 5. 1953 but I remember hearing songs by the group my mom would play there songs all the time she love laughing on the outside she is gone now so when hear Mr Winfield and the group I'm happy to have heard sing and with that I am so sorry for your lost Ronald Price
Thomas Melchiorre
July 4, 2023
Thank you Mr. Winfield for the joy you gave to me in my youth and till now when I'm an "old head!" You were a class act. I'm sorry that you really didn't receive the national fame you and The Harptones deserved. The Philadelphia and south Jersey area is lucky to have known you.R.I.P. and God Bless you.
William Blattner
December 11, 2022
I enjoyed so much of Mr. Winfleld singing and still do. Wish we could bring those days back. Thank you Willie.RIP
Debbie Terracciano
August 19, 2022
I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Mr. Winfield. He came to my house for coffee and cake. I gave him a wheelchair and a walker for his wife. He was the kindest, most gently humble man I ever met . May he rest in Peace in the Arms of the Angels.
Hiram Jr Colon
March 27, 2022
God bless you. I learned to sing by following your keys. I hope I can get to sing a song or two with you in Heaven. I wanted to thank you personally, but I got sick. See you soon. Enjoy your rest. Jesus would love to hear you sing again.
Erroll Foldes
March 8, 2022
I grew up in the '70s in NY, listening to 1950's doowop music via the Nite Train and Doowop Shop radio shows on WCBS-FM, and later the Time Capsule Show on WFUV-FM. Due to my preference for '50s music over the music of my own generation, classic recordings like "Sunday Kind of Love", "Life Is But A Dream", and "Memories Of You" were as much a part of my youth as they were for those who actually grew up in the '50s. I eventually became a jazz musician and singer, and so the influences of my early years, including groups like the Harptones, are still with me. I learned of Mr. Winfield's passing today while listening to Joe Marchesani's 2022 Time Capsule Discoveries program. My condolences to Mr. Winfield's family.
Robert Snyder
December 10, 2021
Willie Winfield was and is still today one of my most adored voices along with the harp tones. I was from philly and though I was young when the harptones started I was a fan of the creativity of street corner sound. Even though most of the group has past. Their sound still remains. RIP Willie.
charles levenson
November 13, 2021
Mr.Winfield sang like an angel while he was with us here on earth...Now,God bless him,he sings with the angels in heaven
Victor Hall
November 3, 2021
Every now and then I would check the internet to see how and what you were doing. I had not checked in awhile so you can imagine how devastated I am to now hear of your passing. I am in tears because I was always one of your biggest fans. I'm 65 and grew up on your music. Your voice was pure velvet and stood out from every other artist. My condolences to your family. Rest in paradise sir.
Deborah Fishman
October 28, 2021
I had the privilege of teaching his grandson Lamar in bklyn he used to sing in class and sang like a dream
Rob Oliva
October 18, 2021
Your voice was impeccable I have all your records rest in peace Willy
Anthony Hughes
September 30, 2021
I had the pleasure of hiring Willie for 2 events. The greatest tenor in American history. I am sad to hear of his passing, truly a gentleman and a joy just to be near. We are now less of a culture without him, until we meet again kind Sir.
Preston
September 26, 2021
What a Singer! What a Person!! So sad the time came around for Goodbye. Thanks for everything Willie. Missing you.
Hiram Jr Colon
September 5, 2021
God bless you. You inspired me to sing lead. Your voice touched everyone's heart. I wanted to visit you and thank you, I got sick and have lost my ability to hit your beautiful notes as I once did. I long to perhaps sing some of your songs in heaven. Today, I had told me daughter to play your songs at my wake. You will always be remembered in my heart and in the heart of tens of millions. God bless you. No one has ever replaced you.
Anthony Boone
August 29, 2021
As a 15 year old in Queens in 1976, I heard Willie Winfield sing for the first time. And I was hooked. Thank you Willie for a lifetime of memories and beautiful music. God bless your family.
Peter Cullen
August 16, 2021
Willie Winfield was a fine performer ,a gentleman ,and a class act! He will be greatly missed by his fans !God bless and R.I.P.
John Monaghan
August 15, 2021
Willie the Group and yourself helped me gain the girl I loved, my Wife. If not for that I would not have had the happiness I've enjoyed for the past 58 years. Thank you, Willie, now please rest peacefully in the Arms of God. A fan.
Matthew Porter
August 15, 2021
Mr. Winfield was a tremendous talent and left a lasting legacy that will always be with us.
August 14, 2021
One of the best voices of an era! We were lucky to have enjoyed his music. RIP. Willie!
Samuel Ortiz
August 14, 2021
Mr Winfield is singing with the Angels. I had the pleasure of hearing him with the Harptones at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut. Loved this group and his lead singing voice. Rest In Peace . Life is but a dream.
Tony
August 14, 2021
Sincere condolences to the Willie Winfield's Family. May Almighty God in the Heavens comfort your hearts with peace and loving kindness as you cope with this precious loss in your lives. Thanks for Mr. Winfield's contribution to the music industry. His legions of fans to whom he brought much joy from his music group the Harptones.
terence mckenna
August 10, 2021
He left many fans and admirers.
vernette tomer
August 9, 2021
You will be missed my friend. I didn't know you as long as others did but; I knew you long enough to know you had the sweetest spirit to match that sweet ionic voice. Rest In Peace Mr. Winfield
Louis Barbaria
August 8, 2021
Sad news. American music lost another icon. One of the best ever. RIP.
Hettie Little
August 8, 2021
He will be missed, when I first heard his group the Hamptons, I feel in love with doo wop music. Willie voice was unique, his song will be on my play list.god bless him and his family.rest in peace willie.
One of the great singers ever Bishop
August 8, 2021
One of the great singers ever
Jeff Levine
August 8, 2021
I met Willie about 20 years ago when his group [along with William Depsey, Raoul Cita and Vicki Burgess] did a show for a friend of mine in Hollywood, FL. A true gentleman, a class act and a wonderful singer. May he rest in peace eternally.
Elly Colon
August 7, 2021
my sincere condolences to tina and the family another Angel sent to Heaven rest in peace my friend
Gary Merkel
August 7, 2021
God bless you Willie,you and Rudy West were the best doo wop singers ever.Love every minute of your vocals.R.I.P
August 7, 2021
My condolences to the family of Mr. Willie Winfield.
August 7, 2021
Thank you for your Beautiful music
Robert Krakowsky
August 6, 2021
Willie Winfield and the Harptones, in any and every survey, is considered one of the greatest vocal group harmony groups of all time. He is a legend and will be sorely missed. My condolences to his family and all who knew or just heard him.
Steve T.
August 6, 2021
Thank you. Willie ....you and the Harptones are and will remain my all time favorite Dowop group. God Bless you and your family. Your music will remain in my heart forever. You will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace.
Clark Messec
August 6, 2021
When I count the Blessing in my life , Willie Winfield and the Harptones are on the top of the list. Thanks,
TD
August 6, 2021
What a talented singer! My sincere condolences to the Winfield family. May the God of all comfort provide you all the strength to cope with your loss
Elsa Lopez
August 6, 2021
Willie, you were the greatest!! What a beautiful voice!! You will live on forever in my heart.
Mae Greene
August 5, 2021
My condolence to the family
Carol Jenkins
August 5, 2021
I saw the Harptones in 1989 when they performed at the Peppermint Lounge in Orange, NJ. I sat with Willie and conversed with him about do wop groups of the ‘50’s. I loved the Harptones, they were my favorite! Willie will be truly missed.
matthew williams
August 5, 2021
willie, was one of the best doowop singers that ever lived, thank you willie, for the music, and records, and cds, the best voice is now in heaven singing with the angeles rest in peace willie winfield,
Harry Simpson
August 5, 2021
Godspeed Willie, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us. Wonderful voice and music memories from long ago.
My sympathies to Willie's family, friends and loved ones. Now performing eternally in the Ultimate Venue.
Barbara Piazza
August 5, 2021
I was so heartbroken to hear of the passing of Willie Winfield....His music was something so beautiful. The words were amazing. God Bless Him and I know he is making beautiful music in Heaven..........Rest In Peace
August 5, 2021
A talented singer and performer, a joy to listen to. Sincerest sympathies to the Winfield family, may God be with you as you endure this very difficult time of loss.
Frank Shapiro
August 5, 2021
The harptones have been a part of my life for over 50 years. Thank you, god bless you, GOODNIGHT, SWEETHEART, GOODNIGHT.
Mark Wilson
August 5, 2021
Super, timeless talent. Condolences to the family as well as all his fans. I’m certainly one of them. A 55+year fan thanks to Gus Gossert and Don K. Reed.
August 5, 2021
Thoughts and prayers to the Winfield family, so sorry for your loss, may God give you strength and comfort to help you in your time of sorrow.
Felice Kors
August 4, 2021
I loved going to a concert knowing that Willie and the Harptones were singing. Have missed seeing and hearing him since he retired and I will always, always continue to miss him. Condolences to the Winfield family.
BIG CARL ZARCONE
August 4, 2021
WILLIE HATE TOO SEE YOU GO --- YOU HAD A HECK OF A GROUP= JUST WONDERFUJ
Jim Hopkins (Just a Fan)
August 4, 2021
I grew up with this music in Philly and I just reconnected with the song "Cry like I Cried" since my car can play USB's. They created beautiful music and now they can sing for the Man Upstairs.
Gloria Moylan
August 4, 2021
Mr. Winfield had a most beautiful, distinctive voice. I saw him perform a year before he retired from the stage. He was absolutely marvelous! He & the Harptones were a wonderful group who gave us beautiful music. I send my deepest condolences to his entire family & know that he holds a special place in the hearts of those who love & appreciate Doo Wop music. He will be missed
Jerry Areoyo
August 4, 2021
Our deepest condolences to the family. Mr. Willie Winfield aka Dad to me. I feel blessed to have had Dad in my life. He was and always will be a blessing to us all.
Juanita Henson
August 4, 2021
My mother loved this amazing group. This was her time and I loved their music and harmonies, too. Rest in Power, Nt. Willie Winfield.
Lindsey
August 4, 2021
I cannot emphasize enough how I absolutely love the Harptones and the many Do Wop groups from that time period. Willie had a unique voice. That music is still our music of choice. May God continue to be with the family as I offer my sympathy.
Karen & Micherie Brown
August 4, 2021
Your father was a very special extraordinary person/friend who would do anything you asked of him. I along with many others will miss his kind sprit. We will never forget his great smile.
james w. richardson
August 4, 2021
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.
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