About
There have been at least three groups called The Spinners: 1. a soul group, 2. a 1960s folk group and 3. a Turkish female punk band. 1. A soul group of the early '70s, creating a body of work that defined the lush, seductive sound of Philly soul. In the UK they were known as "The Detroit Spinners" to avoid confusion with British band The Spinners. The band's roots lay in Detroit, where they formed as a doo wop group during the late '50s. Throughout the '60s, the Spinners tried to land a hit by adapting to the shifting fashions of R&B and pop. Read more on Last.fm
Genres
- classic soul
- disco
- funk
- motown
- philly soul
- quiet storm
- soul
- southern soul
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was the Spinners' biggest hit?
- The Spinners' biggest hit is widely considered to be "I'll Be Around."
- How many of the original spinners are still alive?
- As of 2024, none of the original members of The Spinners are still alive. The original lineup, formed in the late 1950s, included Henry Fambrough, Billy Henderson, Pervis Jackson, C. P. Spencer, and Bobby Smith. Over the decades, the group underwent several lineup changes, but Henry Fambrough remained the last surviving original member, continuing to perform with the group until his retirement in 2023. Fambrough's passing in early 2024 marked the end of the original Spinners' era. Despite this, The Spinners' legacy endures through their classic recordings and the current touring lineup, who continue to bring the group's timeless R&B sound to audiences around the world.
- What kind of music do the Spinners play?
- The Spinners are renowned for their smooth, soulful R&B music, characterized by tight vocal harmonies and lush orchestration. Emerging from Detroit in the 1950s, the group initially found success with Motown but truly flourished in the 1970s with the Philadelphia soul sound. Their music seamlessly blends elements of R&B, soul, and pop, creating a signature style that is both timeless and universally appealing. Songs like "Could It Be I'm Falling in Love,"
- Which one of the Spinners passed away?
- Several members of The Spinners have passed away over the years. Notably, Bobby Smith, one of the group's original lead singers and a key voice behind many of their biggest hits, died in 2013. Other original members who have passed include Billy Henderson (2007), Pervis Jackson (2008), and C. P. Spencer (2004). Most recently, Henry Fambrough, the last surviving original member, passed away in early 2024. Each of these members played a crucial role in shaping the group's sound and success, contributing to classic songs that have stood the test of time. Their legacy lives on through The Spinners' timeless music and the continuing performances of the current lineup.
- Who was the original lead singer of the Spinners?
- The original lead singer of The Spinners was Bobby Smith. Smith's smooth and expressive tenor voice became a defining element of the group's sound, leading on many of their most iconic hits, including "Could It Be I'm Falling in Love"