One of the Last Surviving Members of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes Dies at 64

In a shocking turn of events, Bernie Wilson died in Voorhees, New Jersey following a stroke and a heart attack early Sunday. Wilson sang baritone in the R&B group Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes. This group was responsible for such hits as “If You Don’t Know Me by Now,” “Bad Luck” and “Wake Up Everybody.” The group’s former recording company, Philadelphia International Records says that Wilson’s death leaves Lloyd Parks as the sole surviving member of legendary band. Wilson’s cousin, Faith Peace-Mazzccua remembers that her cousin “left home at 16 as a pauper and came back home a millionaire.” She also recalls that Wilson had been performing faithfully until only a few years ago and was planning to return to gospel music. What many may not know is how comedic Wilson was. Peace-Mazzccua says, “Bernard was a very funny person. He should have been a comedian.” The deep soulful vocals of Bernie Wilson caused his group to produce hit after hit as they dominated the charts in the ‘70s. Wilson world renowned vocals immortalized an era of soul, funk, doo-wop, and blues. He will truly be missed.