William “Poogie” Hart, lead singer of legendary Philadelphia soul act the Delfonics, has died, his son Hadi tells TMZ. According to the report, Hart was taken to Philadelphia’s Temple University Hospital after suffering breathing difficulties and died Thursday due to complications from surgery. He was 77.
Powered by Hart’s high, sweet falsetto, the Delfonics were one of the leaders of the Philadelphia’s vibrant soul scene of the early 1970s, lighting up FM radio with somes like “Didn’t I Blow Your Mind This Time,” “La-La Means I Love You” and many others. They were introduced to later generations by Quentin Tarantino’s 1997 film “Jackie Brown,” where their music appears several times and was even used as a plot device in the film.
The group was one of many who worked with legendary writer-producer Thom Bell, whose smooth, heavily orchestrated arrangements created a new genre of soul music that dominated radio in the era.
The group, originally called the Orphonics, was co-founded by Hart with his brother Wilbert. The two were later joined by singers Randy Cain and Major Harris. Their debut album, “La La Means I Love You,” was released in 1968 and not only featured the group’s first hit in the title track, but also the songs “Break Your Promise” and “I’m Sorry.”
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