Lawrence L. Brown Sr., member of the Blue Notes

Lawrence Lloyd Brown Sr., 63, an original member of the rhythm-and-blues group Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, died Sunday of a respiratory condition.

Mr. Brown, who lived in North Philadelphia, was still performing with the Blue Notes until January, when he became ill while singing at a show in Chester.

The Rev. Dr. Ernest McNear, pastor of True Gospel Tabernacle Church of God in Christ in South Philadelphia and a nephew to Mr. Brown, yesterday said all his uncle ever wanted to do was sing.

"He was a very talented and gifted entertainer. As a singer, he sang second tenor and baritone, but his forte was as a choreographer," McNear said. "He was a great choreographer. He was the dancingest person you would ever see."

"He was 7 years older than me - he was like my big brother," the pastor said. "He took me to some nightclubs when I was too young to be there. He was too young to be there, too. He started singing when he was 14 years old."

Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes are known for songs including "I Miss You," "If You Don't Know Me by Now," "The Love I Lost," "Bad Luck" and "Wake up Everybody."

Despite frequent changes in personnel - including Teddy Pendergrass becoming the group's lead singer in the 1970s - Mr. Brown remained the second tenor.

He began singing and dancing as a child in Philadelphia.

"Lawrence's dreams as a performer truly became reality," his family said in an obituary. "Although he will be sorely missed, this talented, funny, life-loving man will live on in the hearts of all those who knew and loved him - and the magic that inspired him."

Mr. Brown is survived by his wife, Patricia Brown; and his son, Lawrence Jr.; and three sisters.

Services will be held at 8 p.m. Monday at True Gospel Tabernacle Church of God in Christ, 1601 Mifflin St. Friends may call at 6 p.m. Burial will be in Mount Lawn Cemetery the next morning.