William “Poogie” Hart

The Daily Banner sat down for short conversation with Wilbert Hart. Firstly, Wilbert is the younger brother of William Hart, two years his junior.  We discussed his sudden passing and talked about the past.  Read on for interview with Soul Survivor of The Delfonics Wilbert Hart talks exclusively with The Daily Banner about the death of his brother William Hart.

Older Brother

Wilbert Hart tells The Daily Banner that William was 2 years his senior. In 1964 William “Poogie” Hart and his brother, Wilbert Hart, formed a group called The Orphonics. This group consisted of themselves plus Randy Cain and Richie Daniels. The name came from a stereophonic machine the Harts had in their basement. From  Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the band was most popular in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. Their most notable hits include “La-La (Means I Love You)“, “Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time)“, “Break Your Promise”, “I’m Sorry“, and “Ready or Not Here I Come (Can’t Hide from Love)”

The Delfonics

In 1966 The Orphonics were renamed “The Delfonics.” Their first recording, “He Don’t Really Love You” b/w “Without You”, was arranged and produced by Thom Bell.

 At the end of 1967 Thom Bell took the Delfonics into Cameo-Parkway’s recording studio to record a William Hart composition, entitled “La-La (Means I Love You).”  That song was destined to become The Delfonics first hit which featured Hart on falsetto lead. With Cameo-Parkway about to be defunct, Stan Watson started up his own label entitled Philly Groove Records.  In December 1967, “La-La (Means I Love You)” was first released to the local Philadelphia music market.  The single became a hit in 1968 selling over one million copies. It reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, and was awarded a gold disc.

Passing of William Hart

We asked Mr. Hart how his brother passed away.  He said that his brother had “complications during surgery and didn’t wake up.” Understandably, Wilbert Hart is grieving the loss of his brother and only wanted to talk about the good times.

Remembering William Hart

Q: How would you like William to be remembered? He told us this:

“He was very blessed with his musical ability and a good person all around. He was a good man and I loved him very much.”

Giovanni Rogers, the son in law to Wilbert Hart and co-lead vocalist of the band Raydio had this to say about William Hart.

William Hart The Delfonics inspired every generation of music. Teona Taylor just remade “For The Love,”  in 2021 and it a huge hit. Williams voice is iconic and not easily replicated. He is going too be missed dearly, He, My Father in Law & Thom Bell wrote music that should go on as along as this world turns. I’m appreciative and thankful too learn from them and too see my father in law keep the legacy going.

Funeral Arrangements

In Conclusion

Certainly, it is never easy when a family member passes away.  In addition, when someone that has been known by the public has passed, it has to be even more difficult.  Accordingly, it is important to give famous families the time and space they need to grieve.