Wilbert 'Wil' Hart, born on October 19, 1947, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is an American soul and R&B singer, songwriter, and producer, best known as a founding member of the legendary group The Delfonics. His career spans over five decades – from the beginnings of the Philadelphia soul movement to today's productions and live performances. In this article, we highlight his career, his successes, his current activities, and the impact he still has in the music field.
Early Years and Band Formation
Wilbert Hart grew up in Philadelphia as one of eight children. Wikipedia He attended Overbrook High School, where he gained singing experience alongside his older brother William Hart. Famous Birthdays+1 Together with William Hart and Randy Cain, Wilbert founded The Delfonics in 1965 – originally after predecessors like The Four Gents and The Orphonics. wbssmedia.com+1
The group worked closely with producer and songwriter Thom Bell – a key to the Delfonics' sound: smooth falsetto vocals, orchestral arrangements, and the typical Philadelphia soul style. Soul Train Cruise+1
Highlight with The Delfonics
With The Delfonics, Wilbert Hart achieved a major breakthrough. Classics like
- ‘La-La (Means I Love You)’
- ‘Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time)’
- ‘Ready or Not Here I Come (Can’t Hide From Love)’
shaped the era from the late 1960s to the early 1970s.
Wilbert had various roles: he was not only a singer but also worked as a songwriter, producer, and musical creator. Reservoir Media+1 The success was rewarded, among other things, with winning a Grammy Award - The Delfonics received the 1970 Grammy for "Best R&B Performance by a Group or Duo" for "Didn't I (Blow Your Mind This Time)". Wikipedia+1
Change, solo activities, and production work
After the peak of their popularity, upheavals in the band structure of The Delfonics began in the mid-1970s: members changed, the sound evolved, and Wilbert Hart and William Hart each led their own touring groups under the name 'Delfonics'. wbssmedia.com
At the same time, Wilbert Hart started his solo career and production work:
- In 1999, he released the album Hold on for Love.Wikipedia
- In 2005, 'Fonic Zone' was released. wbssmedia.com+1
- In addition, he founded the label or production company In the Game Entertainment (ITG), through which he also supported other artists and managed productions. Soul Train Cruise+1
His repertoire expanded beyond soul and R&B towards pop and hip-hop - a testament to his musical versatility and adaptability. Reservoir Media
Today: Life, Work & Influence
Wilbert Hart is considered today as the last surviving founding member of the original Delfonics formation. Wikipedia He lives in Willingboro, New Jersey. Wikipedia
Currently, he is still active:
- He tours with his group 'Wil Hart of The Original Delfonics' or similar names and brings the classics to the stage live. Wikipedia+1
- His company ITG continues to produce music, he mentors emerging talents, arranges, and writes songs for various genres. Reservoir Media+1
- His works are still cited and used: For example, his song 'Hey Love' was sampled by The Notorious B.I.G. on the album Life After Death.Wikipedia+1
Significance for music history and SEO perspective
Wilbert Hart exemplifies the typical Philly soul sound of the late 1960s and 1970s: smooth vocals, elegant arrangements, emotional depth. His work with the Delfonics continues to influence sampling cultures, film and series soundtracks, as well as nostalgia tours. From an SEO perspective, the following keywords are relevant:
- Wilbert Hart Biography
- Wil Hart The Delfonics
- Philadelphia Soul Legend
- Wil Hart Tour Dates 2025
- In the Game Entertainment Wil Hart
- Hey Love samples Notorious B.I.G.
The connection of such keywords with high-quality content makes him interesting for both music fans and researching readers.
Conclusion
Wilbert Hart is much more than just the singer of a soul band: as a creative mind, producer, and entrepreneur, he has established himself in the music business over decades. His voice and style have shaped generations – and even today he captivates live as well as in the studio. For music lovers, soul fans, and platforms like mSoundbook, Hart is an ideal subject: rich in history, full of personality, and with unbroken relevance.
Discography (Selection)
Albums (Solo or under own name)
- The Delfonics Return (1981) — with the formation of the Delfonics under Hart's leadership. Wikipedia+1
- Hold on for Love (1999) — Solo album by Wilbert Hart. Wikipedia+1
- Fonic Zone (2005) — Another solo release by Hart, with contemporary productions. Wikipedia+1
Important Songs / Songwriter Contributions
- „Hey! Love“ – written by Wilbert Hart, a big hit with the group The Delfonics. musicvf.com+1
- „Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time)“ – with the Delfonics, led to a Grammy win. Wikipedia+1
- Further contributions: Hart works as a songwriter and producer, including for other artists in the R&B/Pop/Hip-Hop area. Reservoir Media
Notes & Special Features
- His discography as a leading figure (not just as a member) is relatively manageable compared to his work with the Delfonics.
- Many of his older hits were created with the Delfonics, so it's worth including the Delfonics discography for a complete overview. Discogs+1
- His current activities also include production, songwriting, publishing – for example, through his company In the Game Entertainment. Reservoir Media
Tour Dates & Live Activities
- According to Setlist.fm, there are entries for Wilbert Hart – e.g., performance on May 12, 2024 at the Union County Performing Arts Center, Rahway, NJ, USA. Setlist.fm
- The artist is mentioned in connection with events like the Soul Train Cruise – e.g., mention that he will participate in the cruise (as announced for 2026) under 'Wilbert Hart formerly of The Delfonics.' Soul Train Cruise
- An article reported that on November 7, 2024 the Lifetime Music Achievement Award was presented in Philadelphia, where Wilbert Hart & The Delfonics were honored. FunTimes Magazine
- For the original band The Delfonics, it says: 'Unfortunately, no concert dates listed for 2025' on Songkick.
