Sound of Philadelphia’s Bernie Wilson Dead at 64

PHILADELPHIA, PA— Bernie Wilson, a baritone member of the rhythm and blues group Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, has died reports Cousin Faith Peace-Mazzccua (Mah-ZOO-Kah)

Wilson, 64-year-old died shortly after midnight the day after Christmas at Kresson View Center in Voorhees, NJ., following a stroke and a heart attack.

Wilson was part of the lineup that produced a string of hits in the 70s that helped define the Sound of Philadelphia. The group’s 1972 song “If You Don’t Know Me by Now” topped the R&B charts and made the top five on the pop charts.

His cousin said Wilson kept performing until a few years ago and hoped to return to sing gospel music.

Funeral arrangements are pending.