Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes' Vocalist Bernie Wilson Dies

Sampled on hits by Raekwon, Common and Jay-Z, another core member within "The Sound of Philadelphia" died this past Sunday.

Bernie Wilson, of legendary 1970s Soul/R&B group Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes has died on Sunday, December 26, according to Philadelphia International Records. Wilson passed away at Kresson View Center in Vorhees, New Jersey, and cause of death has not been made public.

The baritone vocalist was a founding member of the group, when they signed to the iconic label in 1972, with Melvin and Teddy Pendergrass. Lloyd Parks is the only surviving member of the group.

Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes have been widely sampled in Hip Hop, on such records as Jay-Z's "This Can't Be Life," Common's "Food" and Raekwon's "Rainy Days."