Philadelphia native Gil Saunders grew up singing in the church at an early age. He patterned his style after David Ruffin of The Temptations and Marvin Junior of The Dells. Encouraged by family and friends, Saunders pursued a career in music. He formed his first group as a teenager which eventually merged into the popular neighborhood act called New Day. During a live performance Saunders caught the attention of Philadelphia singer, songwriter and producer Harold Melvin. Following a tour of England, Harold Melvin recruited Gil Saunders to replace then lead singer David Ebo in his group Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes. Gil Saunders joined the legendary Sound of Philadelphia recording act Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes as lead singer in 1982. They toured extensively overseas with acts like Billy Paul, and The Three Degrees. During a London concert tour Harold Melvin dedicated the single "If You Don't Know Me By Now" to Pop group Simply Red. It was at this performance that Gil Saunders was introduced as the new lead singer of Harold Melvin & Blue Notes.