Philadelphian Allan Wayne Felder was a songwriter and producer who worked with artists comprising a veritable who’s who of rhythm & blues and pop. His songs can be found on countless records created during the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80. His frequent collaborators were Norman Harris, Bunny Sigler, Ron Baker and Earl Young.

Born Allan Wayne Felder on May 26, 1943, in Philadelphia, PA, he was one of nine children of Sylvia and Harold Felder. He began singing in church at Miller Memorial Baptist Church and in 1968 Felder co-wrote his first commercial song with neighbor Tommy Keith. It was recorded by Felder’s sister Nadine and her popular group, Honey and the Bees.

Later, Felder teamed with Norman Harris, a guitarist and arranger. They wrote the hit, “Walk Right Up To The Sun,” recorded by the Delfonics. Felder and Harris’ first R&B/Pop chart hits were, “Armed and Extremely Dangerous,” “Smarty Pants,” “Newsy Neighbors,” and “The Player” all recorded by popular disco/soul group First Choice and released by Philly Groove Records.

Felder signed with Gamble-Huff-Bell’s Philadelphia International Productions as a staff writer and producer. While on the staff he worked with Lou Rawls, the O’Jays, Nancy Wilson, Dusty Springfield, Harold Melvin and the Bluenotes and Teddy Pendergrass among others. During this time he also wrote hit singles for Blue Magic, The Dells, The Trammps, Ecstasy, Passion & Pain, Love Committee and Eddie Kendricks.

Felder was the principle songwriter for the production team of Baker-Harris-Young. He wrote the huge disco hits “Ten Percent,” “Everyman” and my “My Love Is Free” for Philly group Double Exposure’s gold selling debut LP release in 1976.

Later, Norman Harris formed Gold Mind Records, which was distributed by Salsoul. The Felder penned dancefloor favorites “Armed and Extremely Dangerous” and “The Player-Part 1,” were such a success that First Choice left Philly Groove Records and signed with Gold Mind. Their first release for the label, the ultra-catchy “Doctor Love,” was co-written by Felder.
Felder’s songs have been sampled by Mariah Carey, Nas, The Fugees, The Game, Mary J. Blige, Young Jeezy and many other contemporary artists.
After a long illness, Allan Felder died on November 7, 1999, in his native Philadelphia. On that date, Philadelphia radio station WDAS-FM held an all-day tribute to the prolific songwriter, playing the many songs he penned.

His widow Evelyn and daughter Allison are the beneficiaries of his estate.