One of the unsung heroes of rhythm and blues was a singer, songwriter and producer, who was born in Louisville, Kentucky on July 27, 1929. Harvey Fuqua was a nephew of Charlie Fuqua, one of the original members of the Ink Spots, a popular group in the 1940s.
In the early 1950s, Harvey formed his own group. And got the attention of Cleveland radio DJ, Alan Freed, who named them The Moonglows.
After years of success with The Moonglows, Harvey joined Motown Records during their early years. and then formed his own labels in 1961. He was the first to record The Spinners, Junior Walker and the All Stars, and many of the artists who later gained fame over at Motown.
After more than a decade with Motown, Harvey joined RCA Records where he hit the jackpot with a group called New Birth from his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky.
A bit later in his career, Harvey Fuqua discovered Sylvester and the Weather Girls. And produced some of their biggest hit singles.
Harvey Fuqua, doo wop star with The Moonglows, one of the founding members of Motown and a successful 1970s R&B producer died in Detroit in 2010 at the age of 80.
Listen above.
Recommended Listening
With The Moonglows (as lead singer):
"I Was Wrong"
"219 Train"
"Ten Commandments of Love"
With Etta James:
"My Heart Cries"
From his labels Tri-Phi & Harvey Records:
"Love I'm So Glad I Found You" - Spinners
"Cleo's Mood" - Jr. Walker/All Stars
"Anyway You Wanna" - Harvey
As producer/songwriter:
"K-Jee" - Nite Liters/New Birth
"You Make Me Feel Mighty Real" - Sylvester
Deep Cut
"Tracks of My Tears" (duet with Smokey Robinson)
