December 28, 2010 14:14

Soul singer Bernard Wilson dies aged 64

Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes vocalist dies after suffering a stroke and heart attack

Photo: Getty

Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes singer Bernard Wilson has died at the age of 64.

Wilson passed away following a stroke and a heart attack in Voorhees, New Jersey on Boxing Day (December 26).

Among the band's biggest hits were 'If You Don't Know Me By Now' which was famously covered by Simply Red and 'Don't Leave Me This Way', which The Communards later covered in 1986.

His death follows lead singer Teddy Pendergrass' passing earlier this year.

Wilson left the band in 1977, a year after Pendergrass's departure.

The singer's cousin Faith Peace-Mazzccua told The Associated Press he kept performing until a few years ago and hoped to return and sing gospel music.

"Bernard was a very funny person, he should have been a comedian," she added. "He didn't take no stuff and he loved people."