Millions of people have danced at parties, shared romance or cherished loved ones with music made by The Spinners.
One of the most successful R&B vocal groups in history, The Spinners will make a special visit to Indianapolis when they perform during the Indiana State Fair on Aug. 9. The group will appear on the Free Stage at 7:30 p.m., and can be seen with general admission to the fair.
The Spinners are best known for 1970’s classics such as “I’ll Be Around,” “Could It Be I’m Falling in Love” and “Mighty Love.” They also continue to be a popular live act due to their flawless vocal harmony and choreography.
The current lineup of the legendary quintet features two original members, principal lead singer Bobby Smith and Henry Fambrough, who provides high tenor harmony vocals. They will be joined by newer members Jessie Robert Peck, Marvin Taylor and Charlton Washington.
Formed by high school friends in Detroit, the group took its name from chrome Cadillac hubcaps, called “spinners,” which were placed on customized cars.
“At first we were amateurs and would just sing for fun – we’d sing at high school dances, in the parks, but ultimately we did plan to make a career out of it,” Smith said recently.
The Spinners scored two Top 10 hits in the 1960s, “That’s What Girls Are Made For” and “I’ll Always Love You.” But major commercial success eluded them until 1970 when “It’s a Shame,” led by G.C. Cameron, became a big radio hit.
The Spinners were at first signed to Motown Records, but felt overlooked by its machinery and joined Atlantic Records.
After replacing Cameron with new singer Philipe Wynne, The Spinners launched what became the most commercially successful phase of their career with songs like “One of a Kind Love Affair,” “Could It Be I’m Falling in Love” (1973), 1974’s “Then Came You” (with Dionne Warwick), the tribute favorite “Sadie” and 1976’s “Rubberband Man.”
Wynne left the group in 1977 to sing with George Clinton and Parliament, and was replaced by John Edwards, who led The Spinners’ last two major hits, 1980’s “Working My Way Back to You” and a remake of Sam Cooke’s “Cupid.”
It must be noted that throughout the group’s history, various singers have come and gone, but Smith’s voice has been the mainstay and is featured on what many consider to be their most popular songs, “I’ll Be Around” and “Could It Be I’m Falling in Love,” which are often mistakenly credited to Wynne.
Recently, The Spinners were honored in an episode of the TV One program “Unsung,” and was nominated for placement in the prestigious Rock & Roll Hall of Fame last year.
“We’ve been fortunate to make what I call ‘everlasting music,’” Smith said.
After more than 50 years as a professional unit The Spinners are still going strong with a busy touring schedule.
“We will continue to give the fans those great songs they want to hear,” Smith said. “They made us what we are, and we are glad they still enjoy our music.”
Indianapolis connection
Some local fans may be interested in knowing that The Spinners have significant ties to Indianapolis. One of the group’s original members, the late Billy Henderson, was born here and moved to Detroit with his family as a child.
Also, Allen Burke, the group’s musical director from 1972 to 1974, and again from 1982 to 2002, as well as Rodney Stepp, their musical director and keyboardist from 1974 to 1981, are from Indianapolis.
“I really enjoyed working with The Spinners, and we were pretty much a family in terms of helping each other,” said Burke, who has also worked with legendary artists such as Marvin Gaye, and Patti LaBelle. “We were together not only professionally, but also close personally. We really looked out for each other.”
Stepp said, “It was truly a blessing for me to learn about the music industry being with that group.”
Stepp appeared with The Spinners on famous shows such as “Soul Train,” “American Bandstand,” “Midnight Special,” the “Tonight Show with Johnny Carson” and the Rumble in the Jungle boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in Africa.
“The group and the musicians were all friends out there on the road,” Stepp added. “The Spinners are not just great performers, they are also great guys.”
The ‘unknown’ Spinners tapes
In 1995, The Spinners visited Indianapolis to record tracks for a new album, working with local producer Rodney Stepp, longtime music director Allen Burke and Bill Simmons of the group Midnight Star.
The songs feature longtime lead vocalist John Edwards®, who was forced to retire after a 2000 stroke.
“He may not perform again so it would be nice for people to hear the songs,” Stepp said.
Unfortunately, legal and management complications kept the tracks from being released.
“We still have the masters and are looking at ways to get this material out because it is still good. People will enjoy the songs and they are needed even more today,” Stepp said.
To support Steppe’s efforts, email him at info@rodneystepp.com.
Support the legends
Who: The Spinners
When: Aug. 9, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Free Stage, Indiana State Fairgrounds
Cost: Fair admission is $10 for adults and free for children under 5.
For more information: Visit www.in.gov/statefair/ and spinnersmusic.com
Support their alumni
Former Spinners music director Allen Burke is now director of music at Speedway United Methodist Church and works with the popular Souled Out Band. Visit souledoutentertainment.biz.
Rodney Stepp operates Rodney Stepp Music Productions (formerly Brooks Street Music), a successful production studio. He is producing albums for artists Joon Walker and Abri Mills that will be released later this year. Visit Rodneystepp.com.
