Ep 4. The Delfonics
- November 20, 2013
UnSung is a music documentary series that aims to celebrate the lives and careers of some of the most talented and influential musical acts that never quite achieved mainstream success. Season seven, episode four of the show focuses on The Delfonics - one of the most significant R&B groups of the 1960s and 1970s.
The Delfonics were a trio from Philadelphia consisting of William Hart, Wilbert Hart, and Randy Cain, known for their unique and mesmerizing sound, characterized by William Hart's falsetto vocals and the group's smooth harmonies. They were pioneers of the "Philly Sound," which was a melodic, orchestrated style of R&B that emerged from Philadelphia in the late 1960s.
The episode takes us through the group's journey from their early years to their rise to fame in the late 1960s and early 1970s. We get to hear from the surviving members of the group, William Hart and Randy Cain, as well as family members, fellow musicians, and industry insiders about their experiences and memories of working with The Delfonics.
We learn about the group's beginnings, the challenges they faced in the music industry, and the impact they had on the R&B landscape. The episode also delves into some of the group's most famous songs, including "La-La Means I Love You" and "Didn't I (Blow Your Mind This Time)," which became their biggest hit and won a Grammy award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 1971.
The episode also explores the group's personal dynamics and relationships, which were often fraught with tension and disagreements over creative direction. We get to see how the group's success took its toll on their personal lives and led to the eventual breakup of the group in the mid-1970s.
Despite their breakup, the group's legacy lives on, and we see how their music has continued to inspire and influence generations of R&B artists. We also get to see how the surviving members of the group have continued to perform and keep the music of The Delfonics alive for their fans.
Overall, this episode of UnSung is a fascinating look at one of R&B's most beloved and influential groups and their journey through the ups and downs of the music industry. It is a must-watch for anyone who loves R&B music and wants to learn more about its history and evolution over the years.