The Delfonics

The Delfonics were a ballad-driven Philadelphia soul group formed in 1965. They primarily featured songwriting brothers William Hart and Wilbert Hart along with Randy Cain.

One of their most sonically distinctive features was the emotive high-pitched voice of vocalist William Hart, juxtaposed against a choir of the other member’s own soulful voices. Their primary producer, Thom Bell of Philly Groove fame, would further built them a grandiose sound with an orchestra of brass.

On their debut album, Record World editor of Ted Williams defined them as “One of the hottest new vocal groups in the buisness… destined for big things via their big, big hit single “La La Means I Love You.”

By 1971, Cain was replaced by Major Harris, and the Delfonics’ would soon lose momentum. The Hart brothers couldn’t find a solid third member and their connection with Philly Groove fell through. The siblings eventually fractured off and pursued their own respective soul bands.