THe Spinners

TOUR DATES

Biography

The Spinners are among the most iconic and enduring groups in the classic soul pantheon. With a towering legacy spanning over six decades, The Spinners enjoy universal appeal owing to a classic catalog of songs that have earned their place in the Great American Songbook.

The group’s classic lineup —- Henry Fambrough, Billy Henderson, Pervis Jackson, Bobbie Smith, and Philippé Wynne — epitomized The Sound of Philadelphia. Thom Bell, the architect of the group’s sound, deployed their signature harmonic blend and compelling lead vocals, to channel the highs and lows of romance and heartbreak into a catalog of classic hits. The collaboration with Bell kicked off in stellar fashion with “I’ll Be Around,” which topped out at #3 on the Billboard Top 100 charts. The Spinners maintained residency atop the Pop, R&B, and Adult Contemporary Charts throughout the 1970s and early 80s, with smash singles like “I’ll Be Around,” “Could It Be I’m Falling In Love,” “Then Came You,” “The Rubberband Man'' and many more – earning six Grammy nominations, 18 Platinum and Gold Albums, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and selling millions of records sold worldwide along the way. The Spinners extraordinary accomplishments earned them Music’s Highest Honor when they were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2023. Their legendary repertoire has earned a permanent place in the American songbook.

Prior to their Atlantic Records years under Thom Bell’s aegis, the Spinners notched their first hit at Tri-Phi Records (run by their first manager and mentor, Harvey Fuqua of the Moonglows and his then-wife, Gwen Gordy). “That’s What Girls Are Made For” a throwback doo-wop ballad, demonstrates their mastery of the Moonglows’ signature “blow” harmony technique.

They became a part of the legendary Motown family when Tri-Phi was absorbed by the preeminent label. They underwent the label’s famously rigorous in-house Artist Development program, honing their slick choreography and the fundamentals of group harmony under experts like Maxine Powell, Cholly Atkins, and Maurice King. They scored modest hits through the 1960s on Motown’s before scoring their breakthrough hit, “It’s A Shame,” penned by Stevie Wonder, Syreeta Wright, and Lee Garrett. Produced by Wonder, “It’s A Shame” peaked at number #14 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and #3 on the R&B charts.

The late 1970s brought changes to the group - Philippé Wynne left to pursue a solo career (enter the dynamic gospel powerhouse vocals of John Edwards) and the pairing with Bell came to its natural conclusion. The group pivoted from the smooth soul sound of Philadelphia and embraced disco with Michael Zager at the production helm. The shift proved successful and the Spinners notched another hit in 1978 with their infectious cover of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons’ “Working My Way Back To You,” topping the Pop and R&B charts and earning the group its twelfth gold record. The “Love Trippin" album (1980) also included “Cupid,” one of the fastest-selling records in The Spinners’ illustrious career. The follow-up LP, “Labor of Love,” featured such stand-out tunes as “Yesterday Once More,” and “Long Live Soul Music.”

The Spinners remain in demand as a touring act over the decades. As members of the classic lineup transitioned, Bobbie Smith and Henry Fambrough made good on the promise to keep the Spinners alive. In the years prior to his death on February 7, 2024, Fambrough (the group’s last surviving founder member) continued to tour with a reconfigured lineup now comprised of Jessie Peck, Marvin Taylor, Ronnie Moss, and CJ Jefferson.

With Fambrough’s blessing, Peck, Taylor, Moss, and Jefferson continue to advance the Spinners legacy, drawing on the lessons they’ve learned directly from Fambrough (whom they lovingly refer to as the “Captain of our ship”).

Perennial fan favorites, the Spinners continue to perform to sold out crowds at home and abroad while maintaining a loyal coterie of die-hard aficionados. The DNA of the Spinners, founded in 1954 as “The Domingoes,” is evident in the iconic Cholly Atkins choreography, signature harmonic blend, and a brotherhood that persists through the inevitable ups and downs. The Spinners have left an indelible impact in the annals of music history, and perhaps most importantly, on the hearts of millions of fans throughout the world.