Today we lost one of the most recognizable voices of all time. R&B vocalist and founder of the Philadelphia soul group Delfonics, William “Poogie” Hart has died. Hart’s son, Hadi, confirmed his death to TMZ, revealing he had complications during surgery on Thursday. He was 77 years old.

Hadi shared special words about his father. “He was a great leader, he believed in helping people, and he really believed in showing people some good, clean music,” said his son. “If you’ve ever listened to his music, it was very clean, no dirty lyrics. He took pride in that.”

William, who was considered to have one of the craziest falsettos voices of all time, co-founded the Delfonics with his brother Wilbert Hart, along with other members Randy Cain, Ritchie Daniels and Thom Bell in Philly. In 1968, the band was known for making the hit song entitled “LA-LA-Means I Love You.” Shortly after that love-ballad hit, the Delfonics won a Grammy for their hit single “Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time).

Brilliant songs such as, “Break Your Promise” and “I’m Sorry” were written by Thom and William. 

“Ready or Not Here I Come (Can’t Hide from Love)” was famously sampled by the Fugees in 1996. The Delfonics music was also featured in the 1997 movie “Jackie Brown” by Quentin Tarantino. Their songs additionally appeared in the movies “Crooklyn” and “The Family Man.”

In 2014, they were inducted into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame.

William is survived by his wife of 53 years, Pamela; sons Hadi, Yusuf Ali, and William Romance.

We would like to offer our condolences to the grieving family, friends, and fans.

Check out the phenomenal classic La La – Means I Love You.