Blue Notes Leader Harold Melvin Dies

Harold Melvin, who as leader of the Blue Notes molded a rough-voiced drummer named Teddy Pendergrass into a lead singer on the hits “The Love I Lost” and “If You Don’t Know Me By Now,” has died. He was 57.

The singer and bandleader died at his home Monday probably as a result of a stroke, his second since one in July that left him bedridden and unable to speak, his longtime doctor, Dale Sinker, said.

“I’m glad he is at peace,” said Melvin’s daughter, Trudy. “But I’m sorry that he’s not here anymore.”

Melvin’s group had several hits, including “My Hero,” “Get Out” and “I Miss You.” But his greatest success came after he put Pendergrass out front for the Blue Notes in the early ‘70s.

Pendergrass led such songs as “Bad Luck,” “The Love I Lost,” “If You Don’t Know Me By Now,” and “Wake Up Everybody.”