The Delfonics will headline the 25th Annual Down Home Family Reunion

On Saturday, August 15, the 25th Annual Down Home Family Reunion will happen, 4:00 – 11:00 p.m., at Abner Clay Park, Belvidere and West Leigh Streets, downtown Richmond, VA in Historic Jackson Ward.

The Delfonics caught the rising tide of R&B music at just the right time in the late 1960’s. The group’s unique style of singing and their patented dance steps captured the attention of popular music followers, making them an attraction at concerts, theaters and clubs. The motivating force for the group was William (Poogie) Hart. Hart, inspired by Frankie Lyman & The Teenagers and Little Anthony & The Imperials, organized his first singing group at the age of fourteen. Their first single, like all The Delfonics future hits, was penned by Hart and entitled He Don’t Really Love You. The Delfonics, which included Wilbert Hart and Randy Cain, were well on their way to success when Hart wrote La La Means I Love You, which reached the Top Ten charts across the country. Before long, the song was winning favor in Europe, especially in England.

The group followed with a steady string of hits including, You Get Yours I’ll Get Mine, I’m Sorry, Break Your Promise and Ready Or Not.

In 1970, Didn’t I Blow Your Mind This Time, also written by William Hart, reached the number one position on Billboard Pop Chart. The song sold over one million copies in the same year, winning the band its first platinum record and a Grammy.

The Delfonics’ sexy soulful style of singing grew in appeal, and the group was featured heavily on TV at home and abroad. The group continued with such popular singles as For The Love I Give To You, Trying To Make A Fool Of Me and When You Get Right Down To It. In 1973, after the release of the LP, The Delfonics Super Hits, Richmond, Virginia native, Major Harris (Love Won’t Let Me Wait), replaced Randy Cain. Harris died in 2012.

The next chart climbing album was entitled Tell Me This Is A Dream. Original member Randy Cain returned to perform with the group until his death in 2009. The Delfonics’ lead is original member and lead vocalist, William Hart. Garfield Fleming, the newest member of the group, adds a style that has been compared to David Ruffin, and veteran vocalist, Johnnie Johnson completes the group.

The VIP Gold Circle

The VIP Gold Circle returns this year. Festival attendees may obtain special seating at the stage throughout the day, complimentary food and beverages and a private meet and greet with the 25th Annual Down Home Family Reunion’s headliner, The Delfonics. Tickets are $30.00 and available at below or by calling or visiting Elegba Folklore Society’s Cultural Center, 101 E. Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, 804.644.3900