The Spinners

:This article is about the soul music group. For the car accessories, see wheel.

History

In 1957 a group of friends in a Detroit, Michigan high school came together to make music. Billy Henderson, Henry Fambrough, Pervis Jackson, George W. Dixon, and Bobbie Smith called themselves the Domingoes. Early on, The Spinners established a pattern of rapidly going through lead singers. Dixon was the first to go.

Related Topics:
1957 - Henry Fambrough

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The Spinners first hit the charts in 1961, with "That's What Girls Are Made For." In 1964, they made their debut at the Apollo Theater and won instant acclaim, a rare feat at the time. They also signed to Berry Gordy's Motown label, based in Detroit.

Related Topics:
1961 - 1964 - Apollo Theater - Berry Gordy - Motown

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Success mostly eluded them until 1970, when they had a hit with Stevie Wonder's composition, "It's A Shame". They did not achieve another commercial hit until singer Philippe Wynne joined the group, and (as legend has it) Aretha Franklin suggested the group finish out their Motown contract, and change to Atlantic Records.

Related Topics:
1970 - Stevie Wonder - Philippe Wynne - Aretha Franklin - Atlantic Records

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The Spinners began a climb up the charts that put 11 songs in the Top 40 pop charts between 1972 and 1976. With songs like "I'll Be Around", "Sadie", "Could It Be I'm Falling In Love", "Rubberband Man", "One Of A Kind (Love Affair)", "They Just Can't Stop It (Games People Play)" and "Then Came You" (with Dionne Warwick), The Spinners had cemented their place in pop music history.

Related Topics:
1972 - 1976 - Dionne Warwick

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The Detroit band's popularity was contributed to by their producer, Thom Bell, who was beginning to be recognized for his trademark Philly soul or "Philadelphia Sound". This turned out to be a precursor to disco, a contemporary dance genre.

Related Topics:
Thom Bell - Philly soul - Disco

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When Wynne left the group in 1977, the hits dried up. The Spinners appeared on the charts only twice more, both in 1980.

Related Topics:
1977 - 1980

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