David Ebo (9 Nov 1950 - Nov 30 1993) had the unenviable task of
replacing Teddy Pendergrass as lead singer of Harold Melvin & The Blue
Notes when Pendergrass left for a solo career in 1976. They were old school
friends in Philadelphia. Ebo would have celebrated his 72nd birthday
today.
When Pendergrass departed, the group left Philadelphia International
Records and signed for ABC Records releasing an album "Reaching The World" in 1977. The title track became a R&B top 20 hit. Ebo sang lead
on four albums starting with "Reaching for the World" (ABC 1977), "Now Is The Time" (ABC 1977), "The Blue Album" (Source 1980 from which the big Northern Soul play "Prayin'" came featuring Ebo on lead) and ending with "All Things Happen In Time" (1981).
Their second ABC album "Now Is The Time", produced by Harold Melvin,
wasn't a commercial success but included the gem "Feels Like Magic" written by Jerome Jones.
He left the group in 1982 being replaced by
Gil Saunders and in 1985 released his only solo album
"I'd Rather Be By Myself" on Domino Records under his last name, Ebo, produced and arranged
by Philly legend Allan Felder. Three singles materialised from the
album with the title track peaking at #37 on the charts followed by
"Count the Days" (an 80s style dancer) and finally a cover of Heatwave's "Always And Forever".
Sadly, Ebo died on 30 Nov 1993 just 21 days after his 43rd birthday
from bone cancer.
Post inspired by, and contributed to, by Gary Van Den Bussche.
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