I learned about this earlier in the week. However, as nothing has been posted yet, I thought I should. I understand that there are a number of Facebook messages, however, there are a many folks, including me, who are not on Facebook, and may not be aware. 

Paul Harpin, aka Harpo, has sadly passed on. He was 66 years old with the verve and enthusiasm of a 16 year old! When we met at Bilston late last year, he told us of a number of health issues.

Paul was the one who got me into in the whole Northern Soul thing. This was in about 1976, when we were both at school. However, he had been into it for a while before. From 1977 on, there were regular outings to all-nighters and all-dayers, places such as Wigan, Yate, Redditch, Locarno and others. 

Over a period of 4/5 years, we had a number of “adventures” and “misadventures”! It would be easy to write a long post recounting some of these. However, those of you that knew him will no doubt have similar memories. 

He was always very good company, an excellent DJ who always entertained, and had great taste in music. 

At the time of the Cavendish Suite in Wolverhampton, he could put together an amazing playlist that would stand up today. 

His Soul Source photo albums include pictures that sum him up and worth a quick look.

Condolences to Sandy and his other family members

R.I.P Harpo.

@harpo1

So sorry to hear this terrible news. I remember Harpo from back in the day as you say Wigan and Locarno.

Also we"d see each other at The Lafayette in Wolves on Pep"s Tuesday nights.

A lovely man with a huge soulful knowledge which he was only too happy to share.

Regards Paul

Very sad news to learn of the passing of Harpo. It was always a pleasure to be in his company. Our sincere condolences to all R.I.P dear friend

Gutted, true legend of the scene, passionate beyond words about our music, the kind of guy the scene was built on 😔

I did mention it earlier in the week in this section of the forum after Soul Spam posted a tribute photo of some of the Katz Soul Club team which included Harpo though admittedly it could easily be missed being as it wasn’t a dedicated thread.

I didn’t know him as well as many other folks on here although we were acquainted with one another as we both used to play at Katz Soul Club. Sadly due to his health issues he had to give up his residency there before the move and rebrand to ‘Soul at the Sheaf’.

Last time I saw him was at the Dave Hulmes memorial night @ The Clarendon Suite on May 31st where he DJ’d and danced the night away. Excellent DJ and a genuinely nice person who will be sadly missed by all that knew him R.I.P.

RIP Harpo, a top man 😢

Mark R

Sad news, I had only known him these past thirty years, always enjoyed his sets, he would always pull out a few underplayed gems, and throw in the odd jazz funk / 70's one to keep Carol happy. He was a genuinely nice guy who was passionate about his music.

Condolences to his family and close friends

Martyn & Carol x

Yes, It was awful to hear of his passing, and I can't imagine how Sandi and family must be right now.

Rest in peace Paul.

Really sad news x

Rip Paul sorry to hear of your passing. I first met Paul in 1981 at the last oldies all-nighter at the Casino, which I had gone to with my friend Dave Shaw also sadly passed away, they were firm friends Dave introduced me to him It was the first time I had been to the Casino for about two years and decided to visit for one last time. Although Paul was what I would call an aquantance at best he always took the trouble to say hello and shake hands. Unfortunately the last time I saw him was at Rugby all-nighter about two years ago. Condolences to his family

Only knew him to say hello to. But still want to send regards to his family and friends.

Too many soulies going to that big allniter in the sky as we get older x

Very sad news, he was a midlands ledged...!

I've been told that Paul's funeral will be 3pm Monday 13th October 2025 at Bushbury Crem, West Chapel.

There will be a wake at the Ashmore Pub, Griffiths Drive, Ashmore Park, Wednesfield, Wolverhampton.

Harpo got the fantastic send off he deserved… great turnout especially by the old Wolves crowd with a touching service + superb wake afterwards. Some fantastic tunes spun by Mark, Paul H, Martin S + Sandi at The Ashmore pub afterwards + even though I maybe a little the worse for wear now after a long session, it was good to see so much love and genuine affection for one of the soul scenes true characters sadly now gone… R.I.P. Paul “Harpo” Harpin…