– Henry Fambrough, Original Spinners member, passes away at 85
– Last of the Original Spinners, Henry Fambrough, dies at age 85.
Henry Fambrough, Last Original Member of R&B Group The Spinners, Passes Away at 85
Henry Fambrough, the last surviving original member of the beloved R&B vocal group The Spinners, has sadly passed away at the age of 85. His death occurred on Wednesday at his home in Herndon, Va.
The news of Fambrough’s passing was confirmed by Tanisha Jackson, a spokesperson for the group. However, the cause of death has not been specified.
A Legacy of Musical Excellence
Mr. Fambrough’s passing comes less than a year after his retirement announcement and just a few months after the Spinners’ iconic 1970s lineup was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Alongside Billy Henderson, Pervis Jackson, Bobbie Smith, Philippé Wynne, and John Edwards, Fambrough contributed to the group’s immense success.
In 2023, the Spinners generously donated 375 of their performance outfits to the Motown Museum in Detroit, showcasing their enduring impact on the music industry. Reflecting on their earlier years, Fambrough revealed that he used to dream about Motown’s Studio A before the Spinners began recording there. He even shared anecdotes about convincing his wife that his late-night outings were studio visits.
A Journey Through Musical Evolution
Originally known as the Domingoes, the Spinners were formed in 1954 in Ferndale, Mich. It wasn’t until a decade later that they joined the Motown roster. Their biggest hit under the label was “It’s a Shame,” a song co-written and produced by Stevie Wonder, which peaked at No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1970.
However, it was their collaboration with producer Thom Bell after signing with Atlantic Records in 1972 that truly propelled the Spinners to artistic and commercial success. Hits like “I’ll Be Around,” “Could It Be I’m Falling in Love,” and “Then Came You” solidified their position as one of R&B’s most iconic groups. In 1974, their collaboration with Dionne Warwick on “Then Came You” even reached No. 1 on the Hot 100.
Despite their achievements, the Spinners were nominated for six Grammy Awards but never secured a win. However, their contributions to the music industry were recognized when they were inducted into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2015.
While Mr. Smith and Mr. Wynne primarily handled lead vocals, Fambrough occasionally took the spotlight on songs like “Ghetto Child,” a notable R&B hit in 1973.
A Life Well-Lived
Henry Lee Fambrough was born in Detroit on May 10, 1938. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Norma Fambrough, his daughter Heather Williams, and his sister Martha.
Following Mr. Fambrough’s retirement announcement in April 2023, he assured fans that The Spinners would continue to delight audiences. He stated, “The Spinners are still here and still singing for our people who want to hear us. And that’s not going to change. We’ll still be there for them.”
The passing of Henry Fambrough marks the end of an era for The Spinners and the music industry as a whole. His contributions to the group’s success and his unforgettable performances will forever be cherished.
Rest in peace, Henry Fambrough.
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1. “Henry Fambrough, Last of the Original Spinners, Dies at 85”
2. “Henry Fambrough, Original Spinners Member, Passes Away at 85”.
