John T. Atkins was a former member of the Blue Notes which once included Teddy Pendergrass and band leader Harold Melvin, they recorded some of the most memorable club hits of the 70’s including ‘Bad Luck” , “The Love I lost”, “Wake up everybody”, “If you don’t know me by now’ and many others. He died in Miami, Florida and was 54 years old.

OYE MACHADO, how on earth did you remember that? He was a Miami resident, and played at all the R & B clubs in town. Then with Harold Melvin, he was a BLUE NOTE. The 79th street strip was full of clubs and DISCOS, and on my arrival to North Bay Village, I found myself listening to the BLUE NOTES minus TEDDY and HAROLD at THE PLACE FOR STEAKS. That was treat, listening to them without their stars. They were still pretty good. John was a regular at the T.K. studios as well, when he wasn't busy with his group. He will be missed, GOD BLESS.

YO Pete! I still remember you as if it was yesterday :) You've been a busy Bee around here! Hahaha

I actually ran into John Atkins' obituary on The Miami Herald when he passed.

I also recently re-discovered this local labeled (Survivor) recording He did in '82 that was even remixed by Luis Martinez on the flip side, it was released under the group "Caviar" and it's called "Never Stop loving you".(Don't know exactly if He's the main vocalist here)

The original 12" has that sweet "Philly sound" long out of favor by '82, including a 70's Disco drum pattern.

The second 12" release was updated to a more contemporary sound. Don't recall if I got this one at the Pool or the clubs.

Never was a big hit but dig it out, it's great!

PS: Do a Google search here in this site and you may find an old post of mine where we discussed this record in the Forum. (with label scans too)