Taking a Minute to Talk The Spinners

As Martha Reeves sang in her hit “Can’t Forget the Motor City,” it’s time for another Motown Minute, our tribute to the best sound in all of music. Berry Gordy borrowed $800 in 1959 from his uncle to start a new record label, and the rest as they say is history.

Out Motown Minute today shines the spotlight on The Spinners.

Growing up around 9 Mile and Woodward (north of downtown Detroit) in Ferndale, MI were Billy Henderson, Edgar Edwards, Bobby Smith, Henry Fambrough, and Pervis Jackson. They were friends and talented singers who initially began singing as the ‘The Domingoes.’ In 1961, they renamed themselves The Spinners, and had their first charted hit with “That’s What Girls Are Made For.”

In 1964, The Spinners made their national debut at the Apollo Theater. Unlike many of the Motown acts, The Spinners enjoyed their chart success, not in the 60s, but rather the 70s with songs like “I’ll Be Around,” “Could It Be I’m Falling In Love,” and “One of a Kind (Love Affair).”

With a few lineup changes along the way, non-original member Philippé Wynne led The Spinners vocally to fame and fortune. The Spinners have been nominated but not yet inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The only original member of The Spinners alive today is Henry Fambrough.

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