Scales was born in
Osceola, Arkansas, and grew up in
Milwaukee,
Wisconsin, where he attended Roosevelt Middle School and
North Division High School. Harvey Scales & The 7 Sounds initially recorded for
Cuca Records, and later for
Magic Touch Records, a Wisconsin-based label owned by
Lenny LaCour. The band's one hit was "Get Down", backed with "Love-Itis", The band signed with
Chess Records in 1969, recording for the
Cadet Concept Records division, with LaCour continuing as producer. selling over two million copies. It was certified platinum on April 22, 1976. As a result, Scales became -- and will always be -- one of the co-writers of the first platinum single record in America. Scales is also notable as being the co-writer of "
Love-Itis", a 1967 release by Harvey Scales & The 7 Sounds, which later was covered and was a hit for the Canadian band
Mandala in 1968, and the
J. Geils Band in 1975. The song was also covered by
The Sonics, originally recorded in 1967. Scales also co-wrote, with
Bunny Sigler, "Once Is Not Enough", recorded by
The O'Jays and, as sole composer, "Be For Real With Me", which was recorded by
The Dells. The success of "Disco Lady" enabled Scales to obtain a recording contract with
Casablanca Records. At Casablanca, Scales recorded the first two albums of his career,
Confidential Affair (1978) and
Hot Foot: A Funque Dizco Opera (1979). == Discography ==