Harvey Scales

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Harvey Scales is known nationally for his writing contributions to the music industry. In fact, this R&B singer, songwriter, and producer has written most of the songs on his albums--from the 1978 release of Confidential Affairs recorded on Casablanca Records to the 1997 “Somebody Else’s Somebody,” released on Four Sight Records. Scales received his national recognition for co-writing Billboard Hot 100 chart-topping single for Johnnie Taylor titled, “Disco Lady.”

"Disco Lady" is the very first platinum single, selling over two million copies, in the history of the Recording Industry Association of America. It was certified platinum on April 22, 1976. Scales is the first African American song writer to receive this status.

Harvey was well known in his home town of Milwaukee, Wisconsin before his big break as a national songwriter. Known as “Twistin’ Harvey” in the early 1960’s by local fans, Scales, an Arkansas native, grew up in Milwaukee and attended Roosevelt Middle and North Division High School. Together he and his good pal and long time friend, Al Vance (1943-2003), formed the group, Harvey Scales and the Seven Sounds. Harvey once called Milwaukee’s own Godfather of Soul by a local reporter, credits James Brown and the sound of “funk” for influencing his music career.

Scales has been active in the music industry for over forty years and has composed songs for groups with a long standing history in the industry as well such as The Dells, The Dramatics, and The O'Jays, who are all still performing. As well, he performs at venues throughout the United States, including his “first” home in Milwaukee at popular events such as Summerfest, Wisconsin State Fair Park, and African World Festival.

His son, Harvey Jr., better known as JR Da Supastar, is a rapper based in Milwaukee.

[edit] Discography

Solo Albums

Somebody Else’s Somebody (1997) Four Sight

Hot Foot: A Funque Dizco Opera (1979) Casablanca

Confidential Affair (1978) Casablanca

Harvey Scales and the Seven Sounds

Selected Singles

Baby let's rock (1979)

Rock your body (1979)

Broadway Freeze (1968)

Love-itis (1968)

Get down (19??)

[edit] References

Carter, Nick A Homecoming for R&B's Harvey Scales. (2004, October 1). Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, p. 1.

Flyth, Shelton L. (2004, June 16). June is Black Music month: Saluting Harvey Scales. New Journal & Guide, p. 1.

Get Out - Best bets for the weekend and beyond. (2006, October 27). The Commercial Appeal, p. G.2.3.

[edit] External Links

Harvey Scales [1]at All Music