Chesapeake Beach, MD – A vocal group formed 62 years ago continues to keep its name, founder and signature sound alive. A sizable crowd was on-hand Sunday, Aug. 28 when Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes performed at Chesapeake Beach Resort and Spa. The show was the latest in the famed hospitality complex’s 2016 “Rock the Dock” series.
The late Harold Melvin started the group in 1954. The Blue Notes stayed together and evolved. In 1970, the talented Teddy Pendergrass became the group’s lead singer.
Today the quartet is comprised of Anthony Brooks, Donnell “Big Daddy” Gillespie, Rufus Thorne and John Morris. Gillespie’s emotional vocals helped recapture the days when the Philadelphia Sound was a prominent staple of Top 40 radio. The group’s list of hits includes “The Love I Lost,” “Badluck,” “Reaching for the World” and the very familiar “If You Don’t Know Me By Now.”
Rock the Dock was held in abundant sunshine and the Blue Notes coped with the heat. The day certainly had its warm moments. While there was no opening act, attendees waiting for the Blue Notes got to witness an outdoor wedding, which was held in a bayside area just south of the band shell.
The Blue Notes have performances coming up in Bristol, PA; Charlotte, NC; Boston, MA, Hersey, PA and The Festival of Soul in Newark, NJ.
Another 70s musical legend is coming to the Chesapeake Beach venue Sept. 2. Singer-songwriter Don McLean will be the headliner as the Rock the Dock series begins to wind down for 2016.
For more information on Chesapeake Beach Resort and Spa and Rock the Dock click here.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com
