The Spinners, known to some as the Detroit Spinners, stand as titans in the realm of R&B vocal groups. For nearly seven decades, they’ve graced the music world, crafting an impressive catalog of hits that have resonated across generations. Picture: Getty
By Thomas Edward
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Recognized as one of the greatest vocal groups ever, The Spinners have cemented their place in music history. Initially navigating a somewhat unsteady path under Motown Records, the 1970s marked their ascendance. They blossomed into one of the most celebrated R&B acts of the decade, earning accolades and adoration worldwide.
Their contributions were formally recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1976, and more recently, in 2023, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, solidifying their legendary status. The ceremony was attended by Henry Fambrough, the last surviving original member, who sadly passed away shortly after at the age of 85.
Even without any founding members, The Spinners’ legacy continues as the group tours, ensuring their timeless music continues to touch hearts for years to come.
Here, we celebrate their enduring impact by ranking ten of The Spinners’ greatest songs, counting down to their ultimate masterpiece:
10. ‘Working My Way Back To You’
‘Working My Way Back To You’ bursts with a funky, disco-infused energy, making it a standout track in The Spinners’ discography and a strong contender for their greatest song. This song particularly resonated with UK audiences, climbing to the top of the charts for two weeks in 1980, a few months after its initial release in 1979.
While it conquered the charts in the UK, it faced stiff competition in their native US, notably from Pink Floyd’s iconic ‘Another Brick In The Wall’, preventing it from reaching the top spot. Featured on their 1979 album Dancin’ and Lovin’, ‘Working My Way Back To You’ was actually not a Spinners original.
Originally penned by Sandy Linzer and Denny Randell, it was first recorded by Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons in 1966, achieving a respectable number nine on the US charts. The Spinners, however, transformed ‘Working My Way Back To You’ into a definitive classic, reminding fans old and new of their vocal prowess and musical innovation.
9. ‘It’s A Shame’
Stevie Wonder performing and songwriting credit for It's a Shame by The Spinners
With its unforgettable guitar intro, flawless vocal delivery, and poignant lyrics, ‘It’s A Shame’ easily ranks among the best R&B tracks of its era, and certainly among The Spinners’ finest. Despite not being an immediate chart-topper upon its release in 1970, peaking at number four on the R&B charts, it has since grown into one of their most cherished songs.
Interestingly, this gem was crafted by the legendary Stevie Wonder. During a period of immense creativity, Wonder lent his songwriting talents to The Spinners for this exceptional track. ‘It’s A Shame’ marked a significant milestone as it became their first and only hit during their tenure with Motown Records. More importantly, it laid a crucial foundation for the phenomenal success they would achieve in the following decade.
8. ‘I’ll Be Around’
The Spinners performing I'll Be Around on Soul Train in 1972
‘I’ll Be Around’ stands out as one of The Spinners’ most emotionally resonant and heart-wrenching songs. It narrates a tale of longing and unconditional love from someone left behind by a partner. The lyrics, ironically, were penned by Phil Hurtt, who admitted that he hadn’t personally experienced such romantic despair.
Despite its melancholic theme, ‘I’ll Be Around’ became a massive hit for The Spinners, reaching number three on the US Billboard Hot 100 and claiming the top spot on the R&B chart after its release in 1972. Phil Hurtt later reflected on the song’s enduring appeal, saying, “I’m just so proud and happy and blessed that that song has crossed over into that company of being referred to as ‘classic.’ You hear a great melody and a great idea for a song, and then all you’ve got to do is write the story. I mean, wow, what an opportunity.”
7. ‘Could It Be I’m Falling In Love’
Bobbie Smith lead vocals in Could It Be I’m Falling In Love by Detroit Spinners
‘Could It Be I’m Falling In Love’ marks a shift in The Spinners’ lyrical themes, as they embrace the joyous side of love, in contrast to their songs about heartbreak. Featuring founding member Bobbie Smith on lead vocals, this track exudes warmth and affection.
Released in 1972 as their third single after transitioning to Atlantic Records, it quickly became a smash hit, topping the R&B charts. This success was particularly sweet after a decade of relative obscurity at Motown Records, where they watched contemporaries like The Temptations and The Four Tops achieve stardom. ‘Could It Be I’m Falling In Love’ signaled a turning point, finally bringing The Spinners into the limelight they deserved.
6. ‘Then Came You’ with Dionne Warwick
The collaboration on ‘Then Came You’ in 1973, pairing The Spinners with the incomparable Dionne Warwick, proved to be a stroke of genius for both artists. For Warwick, who had been seeking a hit since joining Warner Records in 1972, and for The Spinners, an act on the rise, this partnership was mutually beneficial, amplified by Warwick’s established star power.
‘Then Came You’ was an instant sensation, soaring to the top of the US Billboard charts. This marked Warwick’s first time reaching the summit and remains The Spinners’ only song to achieve this feat on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s success underscored the power of collaboration and the combined appeal of two exceptional musical forces.
5. ‘The Rubberband Man’
The Spinners performing The Rubberband Man on Midnight Special TV show in 1976
‘The Rubberband Man’ tells the whimsical tale of a street performer who captivates audiences by playing a rubber band stretched between his toes, mimicking a bass guitar. This imaginative concept originated from producer Thom Bell, who initially conceived it as ‘The Fat Man’ for his children. Bell explained, “It was written for big people who were hip, to change the whole idea of a person being large being sloppy, slow.”
In their live performances of the 1976 hit, The Spinners often incorporated large, custom-made elastic bands into their choreography, enhancing the song’s playful spirit. ‘The Rubberband Man’ holds a special place in their history as it was the last time The Spinners reached number one on the R&B charts in the US, signifying the peak of their chart dominance in their home country.
4. ‘One Of A Kind (Love Affair)’
The Spinners performing One of a Kind (Love Affair) in a TV show
‘One Of A Kind (Love Affair)’ marked an impressive hat-trick for The Spinners, becoming their third consecutive number one single on the R&B charts after their departure from Motown and signing with Atlantic Records. This successful transition was encouraged by Aretha Franklin, a fellow Detroit music icon who notably never signed with Motown herself. Franklin’s advice to leave Berry Gordy’s label, where their career had stagnated, proved to be a pivotal and wise decision.
Despite the song’s title suggesting a unique romance, the narrative takes a sorrowful turn. The lyrics describe a love affair that ends abruptly, with the narrator’s lover leaving without a proper goodbye, only leaving a letter behind. This storyline was inspired by a real-life experience of songwriter Joseph B. Jefferson, who was left by his girlfriend while touring as a drummer for The Manhattans.
3. ‘Mighty Love’
The Spinners performing Mighty Love with Bobbie Smith and Philippé Wynne sharing lead vocals
‘Mighty Love’ showcases The Spinners’ enduring optimism. The lyrics touch upon the beginnings and potential endings of young love, yet maintain a positive outlook by emphasizing that there is a ‘Mighty Love’ waiting for everyone. Released in 1973, during a golden era for the group, virtually every song they released turned to gold.
‘Mighty Love’ became their fourth consecutive number one hit on the R&B charts, all produced by the acclaimed Thom Bell. Lead vocals on this track are shared by Bobbie Smith and Philippé Wynne. Although Wynne contributed significantly to The Spinners’ sound, he departed in 1977 to pursue a solo career, which, unfortunately, did not replicate the success he found with the group.
2. ‘Cupid’ / ‘I’ve Loved You For A Long Time’
The Spinners Cupid / I've Loved You for a Long Time album cover
In a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Sam Cooke, The Spinners recorded ‘Cupid’ in 1980. This song had been previously covered by numerous artists, including The Supremes, Otis Redding, and more recently, Amy Winehouse, highlighting its timeless appeal.
The Spinners infused ‘Cupid’ with their signature tight harmonies and an upbeat funk rhythm. Their rendition became the most successful chart version of ‘Cupid’ in the US, reaching number four. They ingeniously combined it with a cover of Michael Zager’s ‘I’ve Loved You For a Long Time’, creating a memorable medley that blended Cooke’s innocent and wistful love song with an infectiously catchy tune. This medley not only honored Cooke’s legacy but also showcased The Spinners’ versatility and innovative approach to music.
1. ‘Games People Play’
The Spinners performing Games People Play in a live show
‘Games People Play’ achieved certified million-seller status for The Spinners in 1975 and became one of their signature hits. It peaked at number five on the US Billboard Hot 100 and topped the US Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart, demonstrating its broad appeal across genres.
Produced by Thom Bell, a key figure in the Philly Soul movement, ‘Games People Play’ was a crossover success. The song uniquely features each member of The Spinners taking turns on lead vocals, highlighting their collective talent. Bell, in The Billboard Book of #1 R&B Hits, recounted his innovative approach to the bassline on this track: “Basses are not usually designed to do anything but hold the root. He’s the bottom and they’re not really known for being soloists. So I said I’m going to come up with something for that guy. And from the moment I gave him that part, his whole personality, his whole everything changed.” This anecdote underscores the meticulous craftsmanship and groundbreaking arrangements that defined The Spinners’ greatest hits, making ‘Games People Play’ a deserving number one in their illustrious catalog.
