Special Delivery (singing group)

Special Delivery
Origin	Washington, D.C., United States
Genres	R&B, soul
Years active	1970s
Labels	Mainstream Records
Past members	Terry Huff Reginald Ross Joe Reaves Charles Boyd Clarence "Tiger" Davis Glenn Ricks

Special Delivery was an American R&B group based in Washington, D.C., active primarily during the 1970s. Special Delivery’s music was rooted in soul and R&B traditions, and they were part of the broader D.C. music scene during that era. The group recorded under Mainstream Records and featured musicians with backgrounds in both secular and gospel music.

History

Special Delivery emerged in the mid-1970s out of the Washington, D.C. soul and funk scene. The group included lead vocalist Terry Huff, along with Al Johnson, Norris "Butch" Williams, and other musicians who had previously performed in local bands.

In 1975, the group released the single "I Destroyed Your Love," which became a regional hit and reached number 62 on the Billboard R&B chart. The following year, they released their only full-length studio album, The Lonely One, on Mainstream Records. The title track from the album became their most commercially successful single, peaking at number 11 on the Billboard R&B chart and number 75 on the Billboard Hot 100.

In 1977, Special Delivery released another single, "This Kind of Love," which reached number 93 on the Billboard R&B chart. The group disbanded shortly thereafter, though its members continued to be involved in various solo and collaborative projects in the R&B and funk genres.

Music style

Special Delivery’s music was rooted in soul and R&B, drawing on traditions common to Washington, D.C.'s local music scene in the 1970s. Their arrangements often featured smooth vocal harmonies, slow-tempo ballads, and melodic instrumentation, consistent with the stylistic tendencies of contemporary soul groups of the period. The group incorporated elements of gospel-influenced vocal delivery and romantic lyrical themes, particularly in their best-known single, "This Kind of Love." Their sound was reflective of the broader evolution of soul music in the post-Motown era, with an emphasis on emotive vocal performance and polished studio production.

Discography

Title	Year	Label	Chart positions	Notes
That's When Love Hurts	1976	Mainstream Records	—	Appears on The Lonely One
The Lonely One	1976	Mainstream Records	Billboard R&B: 11 US Hot 100: 75	Title track; most successful single
Why Doesn't Love Last	1976	Mainstream Records	—	Appears on The Lonely One
When You're Lonely	1976	Mainstream Records	—	Appears on The Lonely One
Where There's a Will (There's a Way)	1976	Mainstream Records	—	Appears on The Lonely One
Poochie	1976	Mainstream Records	—	Appears on The Lonely One
I Destroyed Your Love (Part 1)	1975	Mainstream Records	Billboard R&B: 62	Regional hit; released prior to album
I Destroyed Your Love (Part 2)	1975	Mainstream Records	—	B-side to Part 1
Just Not Enough Love	1976	Mainstream Records	—	Appears on The Lonely One
This Kind of Love	1977	Mainstream Records	Billboard R&B: 93	Later single
Come Back With Love (Part 1)	1977	Mainstream Records	—	Bonus track on CD reissues
Come Back With Love (Part 2)	1977	Mainstream Records	—	Bonus track on CD reissues
The Lonely One (single version)	1976	Mainstream Records	See above	Edited for radio play
The Lonely One (instrumental)	1976	Mainstream Records	—	Included on reissues

Associated acts

• Terry Huff – Terry Huff was the lead singer and primary songwriter for Special Delivery. He joined the group after leaving the police force in 1974. Huff's falsetto vocals were a defining feature of the group's sound, particularly on the hit "I Destroyed Your Love." Prior to joining Special Delivery, Huff had been part of the group Act 1.

• Act 1 – A Washington, D.C.-based soul group that included Terry Huff before he joined Special Delivery. The transition marked a significant evolution in Huff's musical career.

• Mainstream Records – Special Delivery was signed to Mainstream Records, a label known for its roster of soul and jazz artists in the 1970s.

• George Parker – Founder of Special Delivery, Parker was instrumental in recruiting Terry Huff and shaping the group's musical direction.

• Andy and Jimmy Huff – Terry Huff's brothers, who provided backing vocals on tracks like "The Lonely One," adding depth to the group's sound.

Legacy

Following the dissolution of Special Delivery, Terry Huff experienced a series of personal and professional challenges. He held various jobs, including managing a carryout restaurant and working as an insurance salesman. Despite these endeavors, Huff struggled financially and faced periods of homelessness. He also engaged in efforts to recover royalties from his music career, though these attempts were largely unsuccessful.

In the early 2000s, Huff made sporadic appearances at local music events, such as the 2002 School Tickets soul opera tribute to the Howard Theatre. However, by 2006, he had largely retreated from the public eye, leading to speculation about his whereabouts within the Washington, D.C. music community.

In 2010, Huff was diagnosed with colon cancer, which had spread to his abdominal wall. Despite his illness, he remained hopeful about reviving his music career and was working with producer Dana Mozie on a potential comeback. Huff passed away from colon cancer on December 14, 2012, at the age of 65, in a hospice in Clinton, Maryland.

A memorial concert titled A Special Delivery for Terry Huff was held on January 4, 2013, at the Hampton Conference Center in Capitol Heights, Maryland. The event featured performances by artists including Peaches & Herb, Sarah Dash, Al Johnson, H.A.L.O., and Skip Mahoney & the Casuals, celebrating Huff's contributions to the D.C. soul music scene.