Harvey Scales

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. Harvey Scales is also responsible for co-writing the hit "I can do bad all by myself" with Johnny Mills, also of Milwaukee. The song was recorded by Jesse James now of GunSmoke Records.

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 Scalez (formerly JR Da Supastar), is a rapper based in Milwaukee. Harvey's Godson, Robert Buchanan, Jr. is a Music Producer, Singer & Entertainment Professional, better known as Kristopher Lloyd. Robert who is based out of Atlanta will have future collaborations with Harvey Scales on upcoming projects.

Discography

Solo Albums

Somebody Else’s Somebody (1997) "Four Sight"

Hot Foot: A Funque Dizco Opera (1979) "Casablanca"

Confidential Affair (1978) "Casablanca"

Singles

Cuca
J-1132 Harvey (Twistin' Harvey) "The Clock/ Every Step Of The Way"
J-1155 Harvey & The Seven Sounds “Glamour Girl/New York City”
J-1271 Harvey & The Seven Sounds "Independency/ I Want To Apologize"
1311 Harvey Scales & the Seven Sounds “Bootleg/ Monkeytime ‘67”

Magic Touch
16001 Harvey Scales & the Seven Sounds “Broadway Freeze/ I Can’t Cry No More” 1968
2007 Harvey Scales & the Seven Sounds “Get Down/ Love-Itis”
2069 Harvey Scales & the Seven Sounds “(It’s Too Good) Too Good To Be True/ Love Is A Gas” 1969
2072 Harvey Scales & the Seven Sounds “Don’t You Ever Let It End/ The Sound Of Soul” 1969
2077 Harvey Scales & the Seven Sounds “Welcome Home/ Trackdown” 1969
3002 Harvey Scales & the Seven Sounds “Bump Your Thing/ Trying To Survive”
7006 Harvey Scales “Groove On Sexy Lady/ Rock The World”
9003 Harvey Scales “Follow The Disco Crowd/ Love Thief”

Earthtone
508014X Harvey Scales “Single Girls/ Spend The Nite Forever”

He also released singles on Cadet Concept, Chess, Mercury, Stax, & Casablanca

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.

Walt Love and You-(2005 May4-17) Interview with Walt Love (Milwaukee) on Urban Network Radio ( [http://urbannetwork.com] ). PD Harold Whaley [http://haroldwhaley.com]

Please see Harvey's performance in the UK (2007) on www.HomeMusicTV.com

External Links

Harvey Scales [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:5n881vjjzzza~T1] at All Music