Founding member and songwriter of Delfonics, William Hart dies aged 77

Delfonics founding member and songwriter, William Hart has died aged 77.

William ‘Poogie’ Hart, was the lead singer of Philadelphia soul group Delfonics and was the creator of classics such as ‘La-La (Means I Love You)’ and ‘Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time)’.

Hart passed away at Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia on July 14 after complications in surgery, his son, Hadi, confirmed to The Inquirer.

Delfonics began in the '60s as a band Hart formed with his brother, Wilbert Hart, alongside his high school friends Randy Cain and Richie Daniels.

Hart then met writer-producer Thom Bell through his later band manager Stan Watson.

Bell helped Hart produce their 1966 debut single ‘He Don’t Really Love You’ b/w ‘Without You’, and went onto work on their 1967’s ‘You’ve Been Untrue’ and 1968’s ‘La-La (Means I Love You)’.

‘La-La (Means I Love You)’ went to No.5 in the pop charts and later features in the Tarantino film ‘Jackie Brown’ which also included ‘Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time)’.

In 1971, the band was awarded a GRAMMY Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group.

As well as this, their 1968 track ‘Ready or Not Here I Come (Can’t Hide From Love)’ was later sampled in 1996 by the Fugees on their single ‘Ready or Not’.

Hart performed with Delfonics members Major Harris and Randy Cain into the 1980s.

Read producer Adrian Younge’s statement on Hart’s passing below.

Becky Buckle is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow her on Twitter