The Spinners and Rodney Stepp

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.