William Hart (January 17, 1945 – July 14, 2022) – Somebody Loves You (1968)

The Delfonics' lead singer and primary songwriter co-wrote their early hits with producer Thom Bell, including this love song masterpiece.

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William “Poogie” Hart was one of the founding members of the Delfonics, and the group’s lead vocalist and main songwriter. He sang in a distinctive tenor/falsetto voice and initially co-wrote their hits with producer and arranger Thom Bell, then later took over most songwriting duties on his own.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Hart and his brother Wilbert met Randy Cain at Overbrook High School. Cain joined their vocal quartet, then after high school the three friends came together again in another group, the Orphonics. They would soon change their name to the Delfonics after a chance encounter with Philly producer Stan Watson led to them being introduced to Thom Bell, who produced their stellar first single “He Don’t Really Love You,” released in August, 1966.

See our post from May on original member Randy Cain for more on the history of the Delfonics.

Wilbert Hart, William Hart, and Randy Cain

The Delfonics’ third single “La-La (Means I Love You)” was co-written by Hart and Bell and released on Watson’s new label Philly Groove Records. It was a massive success, peaking at #2 R&B and #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the spring of 1968. The song almost certainly would have topped the R&B charts if not for that year’s tumultuous historical events including the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. which kept Aretha Franklin’s poignant “(Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You’ve Been Gone” in the top spot for several weeks.

The Delfonics put out another four follow up singles during 1968, including a re-release of “He Don't Really Love You.” The last of these was the superb “Ready or Not Here I Come (Can't Hide from Love),” which was co-written by Hart and Bell, and co-produced by Bell and Watson. It should be noted that many say Watson’s co-production credits with Bell and other producers were pro forma, and in reality Bell was the sole producer on the Delfonics’ early tracks.

“Ready or Not Here I Come (Can't Hide from Love)” was released on Philly Groove on October 22, 1968, and hit #14 R&B and #35 on the Hot 100. Its B-side was the phenomenal love song “Somebody Loves You,” also co-written by Hart and Bell. Both sides were arranged and conducted by Bell. “Somebody Loves You” charted on its own, hitting #41 R&B.

Further info:

“William Hart, Delfonics lead singer and songwriter, dies aged 77,” by Laura Snapes, The Guardian, July 15, 2022.

“Delfonics leader William Hart dies; How a whirlwind of history killed his group’s best chance to hit No. 1 in 1968,” by DJ Rob, DJRobBlog, July 16, 2022.

#soul #Delfonics #ThomBell #WilliamHart