Effective period / Period of releases: 1956 - 1982

Members: Harold Melvin, Bernie Williams, Roosevelt "Donald" Brodie, Franklin "Brother" Peaker

The Blue Notes were formed by Harold Melvin in Philadelphia, PA in 1954. The group, which featured Harold Melvin, Donald Broody and Bernie Williams signed with the small New York-based label Josie Records in 1954. In 1960 under the Val-ue Records label, they went onto record their first hit to reach the R&B charts with the single "My Hero".
The group became Harold Melvin And The Blue Notes in the mid-60s; Bernie Williams then formed his own The Original Blue Notes.
Harold Melvin And The Blue Notes split again circa 1975 and the original bandname has been revived by four members backing ex-drummer/new lead singer Teddy Pendergrass: see The Blue Notes.