Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes were a leading force in 1970s Philadelphia soul, blending soul, R and B, doo-wop, and disco. Originally formed in Philadelphia in the mid-1950s as The Charlemagnes, they rose to fame with a string of hits on the Philadelphia International label between 1972 and 1976. While Harold Melvin founded the group and was its original lead singer, the group’s most notable member was Teddy Pendergrass, whose powerful vocals helped define their biggest successes. The group continued performing and recording into the 1990s, and members have occasionally reunited for special events like the Soul Train Cruises.