Classic R&B group The Spinners has held onto its timeless sound and universal appeal over the years, and will be sharing it with the South Puget Sound region Dec. 11.
The hit group has 12 gold records under its belt since 1972, when they signed with Atlantic Records and have topped the pop and R&B charts on several occasions.
Today, original members Bobbie Smith and Henry Fambrough are joined onstage by lead singer Charlton Washington, Jessie Peck, Marvin Taylor and a soul-infused five -piece band.
The original group consisted of Henry Fambrough, Billy Henderson, Bobby Smith, Pervis Jackson and G.C. Cameron.
The mighty Spinners have six Grammy nominations and have performed twice during the awards ceremony. They received a Black Gold Award from Dick Clark for their many achievements in the recording industry, and they have been awarded the Rhythm and Blues Foundation Award for their contribution to R & B. The group has performed for presidents, received a star on the Hollywood “Walk of Fame,” and has appeared in numerous network and cable television specials paying tribute to the music of the ‘70s.
A partial list of their hit singles on Atlantic include “Mighty Love,” “Then Came You,” “I’ll Be Around,” “One Of A Kind (Love Affair),” “Games People Play,” and “Could It Be.” In 1979 The Spinners completed their first collaboration with producer Michael Zager, and by early 1980 the single “Working My Way Back to You” was topping the charts, giving the group its 12th gold record. The “Love Trippin’” album’s release included “The Cupid Medley,” one of the fastest selling records in The Spinners’ career. The follow-up album, “Labor of Love,” featured such standout tunes as “Yesterday Once More” and “Long Live Soul Music.” With the release of “Can’t Shake This Feeling,” their fourth LP in just over two years, the quintet entered a brand new phase of their remarkable career as they joined the award winning producing/writing/playing team of James Mtume and Reggie Lucas. Other past releases include songs on the motion picture soundtracks of “Twins” and “Spaceballs,” and a single on Arista Records, a duet with Dionne Warwick entitled “Then Came You.”
Today, this legendary group maintains a full touring schedule, performing for fans of all ages in sold out venues around the world.
Even though their last hits were a quarter of a century ago, they continue to play the music that made them famous, drawing large crowds of fans on the oldies circuit.
Check out one of soul music’s greatest treasures at 8:30 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Emerald Queen Casino’s I-5 Showroom. Tickets range from $22-$55. Call (888) 831-7655 or visit http://www.emeraldqueen.com for ticket information.
