| The Spinners |
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Page 1 of 2 THE SPINNERS  Few groups have successfully changed their lead singer 4 times and gone on to obtain Top 40 hits with each one of them. Going from ‘50s doo-wop, to ‘60s Motown soul, to the ‘70s R&B “Philly Sound,” to two Disco hits in 1980, the Spinners fall into an unusual category. But as they changed musically with the times, seamless harmonies were always their most prominent trademark. Languishing under the super-groups (The Four Tops, Temptations, & Miracles) for years at Motown, they finally broke through in the 1970s establishing themselves as the leading R&B group of that decade. SAD NOTE: Original member Pervis Jackson (top right), who recently was touring with the group—last appearing July 19--passed away at age 70 on August 18. Known for his deep bass voice, he was nicknamed 12:45, after the phrase he sang in one of the Spinners’ biggest hits, “Games People Play.” In 1957, Detroit suburb high school students, Bobbie Smith, Pervis Jackson, Henry Farmbrough, Billy Henderson, and George W. Dixon formed a quintet called the Domingoes. Several years later (after they had changed their name to The Spinners), former “Moonglow” member, turned record producer, Harvey Fuqua signed them for his new Tri-Phi record label.  Their first release in 1961,“That’s What Girls Are Made For,” written by Fuqua and wife Gwen Gordy (sister of Berry), was typical of the doo-wop of the time. The song hit #5 on the R&B charts and peaked nationally at #27 in the summer of ’61. Bobbie Smith sang the lead (however, some reports say it was actually their producer Fuqua). This hit launched the Spinners on a touring schedule including a successful appearance at the Apollo Theatre. But their follow-up records flopped. By 1964, Tri-Phi Records had merged with Motown, bringing the Spinners to the legendary label. But this proved not to be in their best interest. Motown had already established their star groups. The Spinners were relegated to second string--not being assigned the first-rate Motown writers and assuming the mantle of opening act for the real hit-makers. Their name was changed to The Detroit Spinners to avoid confusion with the English folk group of the same name. Their first release in October 1964 was “Sweet Thing” and it failed to chart. Years passed, unsuccessful singles followed, and the group watched while the other “more important” groups flourished. The Spinners had one single in the Top 40 in the 1960s for Motown—the 1965 “I’ll Always Love You,” peaking at #35.  The 1970s would be a totally different story. G.C. Cameron joined the boys as lead singer. Future superstar, Stevie Wonder, approached the group to record a composition that he had co-written, “It’s A Shame.” With surprisingly little Motown support, the record became the first big hit for the Spinners. The years of performing together had paid off as the single showed the ease of their harmonies and benefited by Cameron’s voice. The song climbed to #14 in the summer of 1970 and established their soul-pop direction. An album, “2nd Time Around” was released in conjunction with the single. But Motown did not build on the success. The Spinners were not elevated to prime artists for the record company. With their contract expiring soon at Motown, friend Aretha Franklin suggested they move to Atlantic Records. The original members decided to take the plunge but their new lead singer, G.C. Cameron, opted to stay at Motown. He suggested his friend, Philippe Wynne, as his replacement. The new lead singer (#3) with a great falsetto (who would actually share the lead on many songs with Bobbie Smith) and a new record label worked out perfectly. |