In 1954 local friends, Billy Henerson, Henry Fambrough, Pervis Jackson, C.P Spencer and James Edwards formed a singing group and called themselves The Domingoes. After Spencer (replaced by George Dixon) and Edwards (replaced by Bobby Smith) left the group, they renamed themselves The Spinners in 1961. By August of that same year, the group found success when they signed with Tri-Phi Records and releasing the single “That’s What Girls Are Made For.” In 1963 Edgar “Chico” Edwards then replaced Dixon and the group was also transferred to Motown Records.
Unfortunately the group didn’t find much commercial success throughout the late 60s, but in 1970 they found chart success once again with their single “It’s A Shame,” peaking at Number 14, followed by their second album, “2nd Time Around.” With the success of the album, Atlantic records convinced the group to sign with their label, however due to contractual obligations, Cameron was not able to make the switch, so he was replaced by Philippe Wynne, and Bobby Smith also returned to lead vocals.
With the signing to Atlantic Records in 1972, the group went on to become one of the best selling R&B vocal groups of the 70s; despite having a very slow start. The group’s album, “Mighty Love,” featured three Top 20 hits, including the biggest hit of the year with Dionne Warwick, “Then Came You.” The band’s continued success unfortunately didn’t last once Wynne left the group in 1977.
Despite the lack of chart success, the group did continue to successfully tour in to the 80s, 90s and 2000s; and in 2011 they were short listed as one of the final nominees for the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame.
As a Detroit native myself, I have a soft spot for all the great artists of the Motown era, and The Spinners are certainly one of the greats. They’ve been around for almost 60 years, so you know these guys have perfected the art of giving a great performance.
The group looks a lot different than they did back when Motown was at its peak, not only because of age but because only one member of the current band, Henry Fambrough, was one of the founding members. Many of the others have since passed away and been replaced in the band, but not a lot has changed as far as their live show goes.
As the group was known for their incredible soulful voices, it was natural for me wonder about the quality of the new members’ singing, but they were able to sing the songs in a way that if I closed my eyes I’d be sure I was hearing the original group. They played all of their classics – and there are a lot of them – Working My Way Back to You, It’s a Shame and The Rubberband Man are just a few that stick out.
I was happy to see that the other aspects of their show haven’t changed either. They came out looking very dapper in matching white suits and their traditional choreographed spins and claps made a great show and kept true to their performing roots.
It’s great to see such a renowned group maintaining their performing quality over the years. If you’re looking for a seamless trip back in time, this show is not to be missed.
Motown fan or not, it is hard to deny that The Miracles have had a lasting impact on music. Timeless tracks such as ‘Tears of a Clown’, ‘Love Machine’ and ‘Tracks of my Tears’, will be forever celebrated as some of the best songs of the 60s. Chances to see the band live have been few and far between over recent years, yet every chance I get to see them live, I take it.
Their success reinforced by inductions in to the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, Grammy Hall of Fame and more controversially the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, the band’s live show transports you back to the 1960s, the height of Motown. Proving that they’ve still got the moves and looking ever so dapper dressed in matching suits, The Miracles deliver their carefully choreographed routines with the same precision they did all those years ago, whilst not distracting from the smooth, soulfulness of their perfectly blended voices.
If you want to revive the sounds of the 60s and celebrate the sounds of the Motown era with some of the greats, go and see The Miracles. I can guarantee you will not be disappointed.