Mike Posted October 14, 2010 Share Posted October 14, 2010 View full article Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Munchkin Posted October 22, 2010 Share Posted October 22, 2010 Have heard but not confirmed that Weldon has passed away can anyone confirm. Dave moore perhaps ???? Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Guest Paul Posted October 22, 2010 Share Posted October 22, 2010 I'm sorry to say that it seems to be true. I'm trying to get some information. Weldon was a client and a friend for many years, a unique character with a warm sense of humour. I'll miss him. Paul Mooney www.millbrand.com Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Agentsmith Posted October 22, 2010 Share Posted October 22, 2010 I'm sorry to say that it seems to be true. I'm trying to get some information. Weldon was a client and a friend for many years, a unique character with a warm sense of humour. I'll miss him. Paul Mooney www.millbrand.com yes paul, try and get this story sorted if you can. i think the soul world will be waking up to this in the next few hours if its confirmed, just spoke to kev roberts and he wasnt aware...ive just logged on and am gobsmacked. he was a giant and true pioneer of soul music through his work in detroit and philadelphia, so many of his productions/compositions familiar to the northern soul scene...will be greatly missed. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Dave Thorley Posted October 22, 2010 Share Posted October 22, 2010 (edited) Somewhere on Soulful Detroit, there is a link to a good radio interview he did in the U.S. within the last year or so. Sad loss a east coast powerhouse, original member The Larks where he sang bass. Weldon went on to be an east coast promotions manager with Motown, along with being part owner of Harthon records. He gave Barbara Mason her first break, asking her to join the group on stage to sing one night at a local club where she sang moon river, she got a standing ovation. He then arranged for her to cut her first record at Arctic. Later working with Kenny Gamble he had no small hand in helping develope Philadelphia International. He was a great showman, writer, producer alround talented guy and one of the people that founded what was to become The Philly Sound. Edited October 22, 2010 by Dave Thorley Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Guest Paul Posted October 22, 2010 Share Posted October 22, 2010 yes paul, try and get this story sorted if you can. i think the soul world will be waking up to this in the next few hours if its confirmed, just spoke to kev roberts and he wasnt aware...ive just logged on and am gobsmacked. he was a giant and true pioneer of soul music through his work in detroit and philadelphia, so many of his productions/compositions familiar to the northern soul scene...will be greatly missed. I couldn't get hold of Weldon recently, he lives alone so there wasn't anyone to tell me anything. I assume he was in the hospital. Weldon was 74 and he'd had some health issues but had recovered and was doing pretty good. I'll try calling some of his friends to find out what happened. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Guest veep1296 Posted October 22, 2010 Share Posted October 22, 2010 From Soulful Detroit Forum STEVE CALDWELL (THE ORLONS) Just called me with the news. Rest in piece my friend CEASAR THE ORIGINAL TYMES Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Dave Moore Posted October 22, 2010 Share Posted October 22, 2010 Tis true. I'll be back later with thoughts. Regards, Dave Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
45cellar Posted October 22, 2010 Share Posted October 22, 2010 Extremely Sad News R.I.P. Weldon Mcdougal Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Guest Mark Holmes Posted October 22, 2010 Share Posted October 22, 2010 (edited) What sad news. Meeting Weldon at Hitsville in Orlando with the rest of the Harton team was incredible and humbling. He was a true gentleman, a fantastic raconteur of the many experiences of his life and was so excited to sit around and chat. (I especially enjoyed his story about keeping Edwin Starr and Blinky Williams apart in a limo) Dave, I am sure you are very sad as I know you spent many hours on the phone and in this great mans company. Rest In Peace Weldon McDougal III your legacy and memory will be cherished Edited October 22, 2010 by Mark Holmes Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Marc Forrest Posted October 22, 2010 Share Posted October 22, 2010 Uh, thats another sad news! RIP. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Guest Paul Posted October 22, 2010 Share Posted October 22, 2010 Even at age 74 Weldon was still very sharp, very hip and always funny. His memory was excellent, full of fascinating stories from the golden days. He was "rich" in the sense that he had an interesting and exciting life and he made an awful lot of friends. Now he's at peace and he won't be forgotten. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Munchkin Posted October 22, 2010 Share Posted October 22, 2010 Even at age 74 Weldon was still very sharp, very hip and always funny. His memory was excellent, full of fascinating stories from the golden days. He was "rich" in the sense that he had an interesting and exciting life and he made an awful lot of friends. Now he's at peace and he won't be forgotten. R.I.P really sad news yet again....... Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Staceys Dad Posted October 22, 2010 Share Posted October 22, 2010 met weldon in philadelphia on kev roberts soul trip, was a really nice man and had time for everybody who met him ....r.i.p. big fella... Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
jazzyjas Posted October 22, 2010 Share Posted October 22, 2010 I just found out about this earlier today and I'm deeply saddened. Weldon was absolutely one of the nicest guys you'd ever want to meet. I had the pleasure of meeting him at the Hitsville Weekender in 2006 and also got to hang out with him in Philly. He called me every once in a while just to keep in touch and was always upbeat. Even from the first moment I met him, he greeted me with a bear hug and was all smiles. When Dave and I were doing There's That Beat! magazine, Weldon was one of the people who was always doing his best to promote the publication, to contribute to it and do whatever he could to spread the word and boost it up. He was also willing to call in favors and try to connect us with other people in the music World. The man was absolutely the salt of the Earth and a true giver-just a generous person in every way. He was the kind of guy that kept track of your personal life and showed concern and remembered things, too. One of my great regrets is not returning a recent phone call from him and now that will never happen. It was something that I was getting around to doing and for personal reasons I just couldn't. It just goes to show that you could be talking to people one day and the next day, they're gone. You can't take anyone for granted. Weldon meant a lot to the Hitsville / There's That Beat! gang and so many others. I shed some tears for him today and he sure deserves them because the World was so much better with him in it. I'll really miss him and always remember the good times. His spirit and his musical legacy will be with us forever. R.I.P. Weldon...I'm gonna miss you buddy. -Jason Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Tabs Posted October 22, 2010 Share Posted October 22, 2010 And another sad loss. RIP Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Guest Paul Posted October 22, 2010 Share Posted October 22, 2010 (edited) ...One of my great regrets is not returning a recent phone call from him and now that will never happen. It was something that I was getting around to doing and for personal reasons I just couldn't. It just goes to show that you could be talking to people one day and the next day, they're gone. You can't take anyone for granted... Jason, that sums up the way I feel today... guilty that I didn't return every call or enquire more often as to how he was doing, putting things off until another day. I think it's a natural reaction when someone dies. Time is very precious so we should all try to make a little more time for our friends and even try to forgive our enemies. Tomorrow may be too late. Paul Weldon with Martha & The Vandellas in 1967 Harthon Productions 230805 Edited October 22, 2010 by Paul Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Guest Paul Posted October 22, 2010 Share Posted October 22, 2010 For those who want details, Weldon's prostate cancer had returned and had spread to his stomach. He had been in remission for years. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Kris Holmes Posted October 22, 2010 Share Posted October 22, 2010 RIP Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Soulman Posted October 23, 2010 Share Posted October 23, 2010 Sad, sad news... but I have to say that I'm annoyed. No doubt we will see many submissions on here regarding Weldon's sad passing. What a shame I didn't get the same response only a month ago when I posted a request for questions to put to Weldon for inclusion in a Manifesto article. I was hoping to get people involved and all I got was one comment about Weldon's photographs. Nobody could obviously be bothered at the time. Well I hope you all can now! Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Mike Posted October 23, 2010 Author Share Posted October 23, 2010 very sad news site note if you do wish to have a dig about members responses to your own previous posts then start a thread in feedback, this is not the thread for such Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Agentsmith Posted October 23, 2010 Share Posted October 23, 2010 Sad, sad news... but I have to say that I'm annoyed. No doubt we will see many submissions on here regarding Weldon's sad passing. What a shame I didn't get the same response only a month ago when I posted a request for questions to put to Weldon for inclusion in a Manifesto article. I was hoping to get people involved and all I got was one comment about Weldon's photographs. Nobody could obviously be bothered at the time. Well I hope you all can now! its a sad but not unusual trait of ours as human beings that we DO take everything and everyone for granted, we forget we're not immortal. the saying goes that the good ones go first and by god, this scene has seen some wonderful people from all walks of life leave the stage and all we're left with is the memories and the regret we didnt make the effort more often to keep in touch...we just have to accept that. while we're alive we're just another part of the furniture and weldon is a name synonomous with the culture we have grown up with, we just dont appreciate the enormity of the loss until it happens and, as has been said here already, we really should learn to cherish more who, and what weve got. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Guest Paul Posted October 23, 2010 Share Posted October 23, 2010 Sad, sad news... but I have to say that I'm annoyed. No doubt we will see many submissions on here regarding Weldon's sad passing. What a shame I didn't get the same response only a month ago when I posted a request for questions to put to Weldon for inclusion in a Manifesto article. I was hoping to get people involved and all I got was one comment about Weldon's photographs. Nobody could obviously be bothered at the time. Well I hope you all can now! You can't expect such a post to get the same response as Weldon's passing, it's a completely different thing. I didn't see your posting anyway. But it's fair to say that many people are busy and probably assumed others had responded, it's not always a case of not being bothered. Many posts on soulsource get overlooked. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Ian Seaman Posted October 23, 2010 Share Posted October 23, 2010 RIP Big Fella, many many memories and your music will live on forever. Ian. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Dave Raistrick Posted October 23, 2010 Share Posted October 23, 2010 Weldon.....What a character! l first met him in 1979 and spent most of the 80s trekking around Philly with him, checking out various locations and sources including Sigma and Joe Tarsia, Virtue and Frank Virtue, Frankford Wayne etc.....He knew everybody and was a real fun guy to be around. We kind of lost touch in recent years but l am proud to have known him. Weldon a pioneer, music maker and all round Soul Gent - R.I.P. Buddy. Respect David. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Guest GARV Posted October 23, 2010 Share Posted October 23, 2010 RIP big man I remember that Philly video on here recently & Weldon was talking & sharing his thoughts & memories, he stopped to wipe the sweat from his brow & said " i don`t want to shine on you folks" & beamed the biggest, warmest smile. The term legend is over used ....................... not in this gentleman's case Sad sad loss Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Dave Moore Posted October 24, 2010 Share Posted October 24, 2010 'Hi, You've reached Weldon Arthur McDougal the Third, I can't get to the phone at the minute but leave a message and I'll get back to you....HOOOOOOHAAAAAH!!' The words above are what greeted you if you called Weldon on Friday afternoons. He had an almost ritualistic routine of going to the movies every Friday to see the latest escapism movies and I think he used to still, at over 70 years old, wonder at the movies and he felt they were the access to a whole new world. To speak about movies with Weldon wes like listening to a nine year old who was always enamoured by the cinema experience. I'll miss those chats. Weldon's contribution to the world of music is well documented and he provided access to many of Philly's revered soul locations for many on this forum I'm sure. Record hounds, music fans, soul detectives, or just passing visitors, Weldon had the same enthusiasm for everyone. He could cajole, bluff, beg, borrow and steal his way into and out of many situations that would perplex lesser folks! Here's a few personal memories of mine : The Scam Artist: On a trip to Philly with Dave and Janet Ferguson 'Hey Dave (Dave Ferguson), give me your room number in case I need to call you later.' As Dave settled his hotel bill he realised Weldon had put all his valet parking on his bill! The Enabler ME: 'Weldon, Can you get us in to see Pete Humphries?' (Legendary Sigma Sound Engineer and current owner of MasterWorks (Frankford Wayne)). 2 hours later Dave F and I were sifting Gamble and Huff master tapes and listening to Pete's pet project with the TSOP catalogue library on the Fat Controllers chair in his private listening room. The Raconteur Many people featured in Weldon's tales of a musical life, many of them not too complimentary! But he always had a way of finishing the stories off with a funny down to earth comment. When Kev Parker and I were being 'entertained' by him at Red Lobster (Man, Weldon could chomp down those prawns like they were going out of fashion!), he finished off one story with the immortal punchline....'Man...I ain't gonna be with no woman ain't got no personal hygiene'. The story will have to remain under wraps but if you catch me out I'll tell you the whole story The Musical Maestro Playing Virtue acetates and Harthon records in a hotel room....'I like the way you can tell a good record fom the first few seconds Dave, Like me....You got good ears Man! The Friend Weldon - 'The real heroes of Philly Sound were Luther and Johnny. Luther was the magic music maker, Johnny was the magic organiser and it all made my job easy I just had to sell the magic'. Weldon (on phone) - 'Hey Dave, is Bev there? I wanna wish her a Happy Birthday!' (We used to call him on his birthday and sing Happy Birthday to him then put the phone down. Weldon (To Jason and I) - Guys, You've done a wonderful thing. Not many people in Philly know exactly what we did at Frank's place, (Frank Virtue's studio), but they sure do now! You really did a number on us! At Hitsville 2 in Florida, the Harthon Trio were treated like royalty by the Hitsville Gang, Limousines, autographing 45s, CD sales, posters, interviews etc etc. This culminated in us playing a solid hour of their music with the dancefloor full throughout. It was the first time they'd ever seen people dancing like that to their music and it was all a little overwhelming for them. A great memory shared by us all and one of the highlights of my time as a black music fan. Weldon's illness took him but it didn't beat him. He made the decision to move on rather than go through the tubes etc that may have extended his time here. That's the measure of the man, a full blown, larger than life, effervescent character who's beaming smile lit up many a conversation. You could never be 'down' with Weldon, he always left you feeling upbeat. And that's how I'll always remember him. Taking on the world, excited by the next opportunity that was going to make hima millionaire. But he knew how rich he really was, you only had to llisten to him talk about his Grand daughters to realise that. I return to Spain on Tuesday and that evening Bev and will dig the Dyno Dynamics 45s out and celebrate Weldon's music, while remembering the man and the special times we spent together. Sleep well my giant friend, you take many people's best wishes with you and of course.....Congratulations on a job EXTREMELY well done Sir. Regards, Dave PS. If anyone is not fully familiar with Weldon's work click on the video below that Jason put together. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Guest Keep the Boy Happy Posted October 24, 2010 Share Posted October 24, 2010 Think you have captured the memories we have of Weldon brilliantly in that post Dave-you certainly have a way with words!! 'Tis true that the tale telling from the 'Red Lobster' will live with Kev for always.....he certainly relates it to me often enough and I was there!!! RIP Weldon. Bev & Kev P Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Chris L Posted October 24, 2010 Share Posted October 24, 2010 (edited) Interviewed him, met him, have an extended version of Groovin' at the go go from him, top bloke, a tad flaky, just how I like them................................. Edited October 25, 2010 by Chris L Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Mrtag Posted October 25, 2010 Share Posted October 25, 2010 Another Sad,Sad Loss! R.I.P. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Guest veep1296 Posted October 25, 2010 Share Posted October 25, 2010 'Hi, You've reached Weldon Arthur McDougal the Third, I can't get to the phone at the minute but leave a message and I'll get back to you....HOOOOOOHAAAAAH!!' The words above are what greeted you if you called Weldon on Friday afternoons. He had an almost ritualistic routine of going to the movies every Friday to see the latest escapism movies and I think he used to still, at over 70 years old, wonder at the movies and he felt they were the access to a whole new world. To speak about movies with Weldon wes like listening to a nine year old who was always enamoured by the cinema experience. I'll miss those chats. Weldon's contribution to the world of music is well documented and he provided access to many of Philly's revered soul locations for many on this forum I'm sure. Record hounds, music fans, soul detectives, or just passing visitors, Weldon had the same enthusiasm for everyone. He could cajole, bluff, beg, borrow and steal his way into and out of many situations that would perplex lesser folks! Here's a few personal memories of mine : The Scam Artist: On a trip to Philly with Dave and Janet Ferguson 'Hey Dave (Dave Ferguson), give me your room number in case I need to call you later.' As Dave settled his hotel bill he realised Weldon had put all his valet parking on his bill! The Enabler ME: 'Weldon, Can you get us in to see Pete Humphries?' (Legendary Sigma Sound Engineer and current owner of MasterWorks (Frankford Wayne)). 2 hours later Dave F and I were sifting Gamble and Huff master tapes and listening to Pete's pet project with the TSOP catalogue library on the Fat Controllers chair in his private listening room. The Raconteur Many people featured in Weldon's tales of a musical life, many of them not too complimentary! But he always had a way of finishing the stories off with a funny down to earth comment. When Kev Parker and I were being 'entertained' by him at Red Lobster (Man, Weldon could chomp down those prawns like they were going out of fashion!), he finished off one story with the immortal punchline....'Man...I ain't gonna be with no woman ain't got no personal hygiene'. The story will have to remain under wraps but if you catch me out I'll tell you the whole story The Musical Maestro Playing Virtue acetates and Harthon records in a hotel room....'I like the way you can tell a good record fom the first few seconds Dave, Like me....You got good ears Man! The Friend Weldon - 'The real heroes of Philly Sound were Luther and Johnny. Luther was the magic music maker, Johnny was the magic organiser and it all made my job easy I just had to sell the magic'. Weldon (on phone) - 'Hey Dave, is Bev there? I wanna wish her a Happy Birthday!' (We used to call him on his birthday and sing Happy Birthday to him then put the phone down. Weldon (To Jason and I) - Guys, You've done a wonderful thing. Not many people in Philly know exactly what we did at Frank's place, (Frank Virtue's studio), but they sure do now! You really did a number on us! At Hitsville 2 in Florida, the Harthon Trio were treated like royalty by the Hitsville Gang, Limousines, autographing 45s, CD sales, posters, interviews etc etc. This culminated in us playing a solid hour of their music with the dancefloor full throughout. It was the first time they'd ever seen people dancing like that to their music and it was all a little overwhelming for them. A great memory shared by us all and one of the highlights of my time as a black music fan. Weldon's illness took him but it didn't beat him. He made the decision to move on rather than go through the tubes etc that may have extended his time here. That's the measure of the man, a full blown, larger than life, effervescent character who's beaming smile lit up many a conversation. You could never be 'down' with Weldon, he always left you feeling upbeat. And that's how I'll always remember him. Taking on the world, excited by the next opportunity that was going to make hima millionaire. But he knew how rich he really was, you only had to llisten to him talk about his Grand daughters to realise that. I return to Spain on Tuesday and that evening Bev and will dig the Dyno Dynamics 45s out and celebrate Weldon's music, while remembering the man and the special times we spent together. Sleep well my giant friend, you take many people's best wishes with you and of course.....Congratulations on a job EXTREMELY well done Sir. Regards, Dave PS. If anyone is not fully familiar with Weldon's work click on the video below that Jason put together. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
21 Again Posted October 25, 2010 Share Posted October 25, 2010 Loved the part in the making of the stange world of northern soul dvd when he was helping to show the crew round a record store in Pilly. The owner was talking when Welton butted in Hey you guys from England would get a hardon in here. Priceless stuff seemed to come over as a witty and very cheery guy. God bless the big man. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Pauldonnelly Posted October 25, 2010 Share Posted October 25, 2010 we exchanged emails about his part in one of my favourite all time Northern records, SHING-A-LING... made me feel that my love for the record and the fact that I purchased it was more important this his input...the man is true gent Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
nrc Posted October 26, 2010 Share Posted October 26, 2010 Any obits anywhere? Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
macca Posted October 26, 2010 Share Posted October 26, 2010 mr. ferguson has a lovely thing going on facebook. weldon arthur macdougall III and richard popcorn wylie, joint pole stars for most of us. the fact that they touched so many lives is a tribute in itself. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Guest veep1296 Posted October 26, 2010 Share Posted October 26, 2010 Just received a message from Donzella Berry aka Nella Dodds Donzella Berry October 26 at 9:02pm Report I'm so sorry to hear that Weldon passed away. He was a great guy. We had so much fun in the studio and on stage. He stayed in touch. Lately I hadn't heard from him. I will surely miss him Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Djmelismo Posted October 27, 2010 Share Posted October 27, 2010 A sad loss indeed. Currently revisiting some of his best work, at the moment the "modern soul classic" Universal Love´s "It´s You Girl", one of my all time favourite soul moments. R.I.P. Weldon Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
macca Posted October 27, 2010 Share Posted October 27, 2010 Interviewed him, met him, have an extended version of Groovin' at the go go from him, top bloke, a tad flaky, just how I like them................................. What does flaky mean? Is this another yank usage? Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
nrc Posted October 29, 2010 Share Posted October 29, 2010 Just read an Obituary from the Philadelphia Daily News. Nice that he is still remembered well in his home city. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Guest veep1296 Posted October 29, 2010 Share Posted October 29, 2010 https://www.philly.com/dailynews/obituaries/20101029_Weldon_A__McDougal_III__singer__musical_producer__dies_at_74.html Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Dave Moore Posted November 2, 2010 Share Posted November 2, 2010 Weldon talking about the birth of "The Philly Sound". Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Tfk Posted November 8, 2010 Share Posted November 8, 2010 Was very fortunate to meet up and spend an afternoon with Weldon in Philadelphia about 3 years ago, a true true gentleman... Weldon McDougal 111 RIP Andy and Susanne Whitmore Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Blackpoolsoul Posted June 16, 2019 Share Posted June 16, 2019 (edited) As a new member to this site I missed the sad passing of Mr McDougal I have found this lovely interview ( I sincerely apologise if it's been linked before) and thought would share it https://www.blogtalkradio.com/sfradio/2013/10/29/tribute-to-weldon-arthur-mcdougal-iii Edited June 16, 2019 by Blackpoolsoul Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
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