The Philadelphia-based Delfonics got their big break when they tied up with writer/manager Stan Watson who placed them on his fledgling Philly Groove label. Watson was impressed with the tenor voice of William Hart who, together with his brother Wilbert and Randy Cain, effectively set the template for the Stylistics and the Philadelphia soul sound of the 70s. Unlike many of their contemporaries, the Hart brothers were good writers, and the group benefited from excellent arrangements from the young Thom Bell. They hit quickly in 1968 with the memorable ‘La La Means I Love You’, enjoying further success with ‘I’m Sorry’, ‘Ready Or Not, Here I Come’ and ‘Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time)’. ‘La La Means I Love You’ and ‘Didn’t I’ charted in theUKin the early 70s. The group eventually split into two touring units, with both maintaining careers.
For full details see releases/products below.
