Song of the Day 9/20: Billy Harner, “Sally Sayin’ Somethin”
If you didn’t live in the Philadelphia area, you might not know this Northern Soul classic, but it was all over WIBG in the summer of ’67. It also charted in New York and LA, but failed to break out nationally. It probably didn’t help that Harner was such a big draw at the Jersey Shore that he didn’t have to tour outside the region (he was the last headliner at Atlantic City’s Steel Pier). BTW, nobody seems to know anything about the obviously pseudonymous songwriters credited on the single as Sunshine-Poltergeist.
Harner was a Philly boy who took up singing and released his first record in 1964. An energetic live act that earned Harner the nickname “The Human Perkulator” proved hard to capture on vinyl, and despite a string of strong singles for Kama Sutra, he released only one LP, “She’s Almost You,” in 1969. This is the title track.
By the early ’70s Harner threw in the towel and opened a barbershop in Camden, N.J., where he was still working as of a couple of years ago, but he kept active on the oldies circuit from the ’90s onward.
Used to spend my weekends in Margate and Billy Harner was the staple at the Elbo Room. Jerry Blavat would run a show there also.
John Kowalko
In 1969 Billy’s “She’s Almost You” was on the bubbling under chart with this Joe South composition. Joe was also high up in the charts simultaneously as an artist with “Games People Play”. It got lotsa airplay on CKLW Radio, the Big 8 in Windsor, ON-Detroit.
Billy’s hair cutting place is actually located on Haddon Ave. in Westmont, NJ. It’s called Perk’s Place and is run by his daughter. Billy’s nickname is The Human Percolator coined by Hy Lit. I’ve never been there but a friend took her husband there about 10 years ago for his birthday. He serenaded him with his hits as he cut his hair. Besides singing, barbering was also a labor of love.
Billy was interviewed in the South Jersey Edition of the Inquirer a couple of years ago. He and his kids all live nearby in the same SJ town. He’s had some health issues but I wish him the best. I’d probably compare his stature to that of Canadian artist Robbie Lane and the Disciples. He had some minor hits up there in the 60’s. He was hired by American transplant Ronnie Hawkins who sensed his backup band The Hawks were about to go the separate ways. They did and became The Band. Ca. 1967 Robbie lead the house band on an national afternoon music show “It’s Happening”. That was the Cdn. equivalent of Dick Clark’s “Where The Action Is”. Robbie now plays oldies M-F from 6 to 10 p.m. ET on CFZM (740) in Toronto. That’s C-F-Zed-M, it’s Canada.
I hope I didn’t ramble on too much. I just happen to be a Rock and Roll Savant.
I was pretty sure when I posted this that you’d have some stories. They are always welcome.
Speaking of Northern Soul (Brits really love it) I was told by a record store owner early in the Millennium that “Sally Saying Something” was discovered by dance club DJ’s in London and was a big hit in the club circuit. I might be wrong but I don’t think Billy ever crossed the pond to perform it. Pity.
True about the Northern Soul. The Brits really prefer ’60s American soul songs that weren’t big hits in the states. I’ve got others but appreciate any suggestions.
Also the Three Degrees came from Philly but have been living there since the mid 70’s. I saw them in concert about 15 years ago in Atlantic City and they all spoke the Queen’s English.
They are billed in the UK as Prince Charles’ Favourite Northern Soul group.
One singer who translated to a much bigger hit in England was Charlie Gracie (Cute Butterfly). I believe he toured there extensively.
John Kowalko