The Spinners' Henry Fambrough, who helped take Detroit group to musical heights, dies at 85

The Spinners' Henry Fambrough, whose rich baritone and charismatic stage presence helped lead the Detroit group to musical heights, died Wednesday of natural causes. He was 85.

Fambrough was the last surviving member of the Spinners' founding lineup, and he was on hand in November for the group's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction in New York. Fambrough and the group were also honored in a series of hometown events last May in Detroit, including a celebratory weekend at the Motown Museum.

"He got to experience those accolades. He was able to bask in the accomplishment, and that was something he was really happy about," said Spinners spokeswoman Tanisha Jackson. "He was glad to represent the ones who had gone before him."

Fambrough, a U.S. Army veteran, entered hospice care in late January, a group representative told the Detroit Free Press, and he passed away at about 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in Herndon, Virginia. After seven decades with the Spinners, he retired from the group in early 2023, moving to Virginia from his longtime Michigan home with his wife, Norma Fambrough.

Fambrough, born in Detroit in 1938, was a gifted singer, a natural performer and a sensitive soul. He and the Spinners were ubiquitous atop the R&B and pop charts in the 1970s, landing hits including “I’ll Be Around,” “Could It Be I’m Falling in Love,” “One of a Kind (Love Affair),” “Then Came You,” “Games People Play,” “The Rubberband Man,” “Working My Back to You” and more.

While he was typically a part of the Spinners' tapestry of harmonies, Fambrough had his moments in the lead spotlight, including 1973's "Ghetto Child," a Top Five R&B hit.

Formed in Ferndale in 1954, the Spinners landed a deal with Tri-Phi Records, which was absorbed by Berry Gordy's Motown Records. At Motown, the group found a fruitful training ground though limited commercial success; the biggest hit came with the Stevie Wonder-penned "It's a Shame" in 1970.

But Fambrough and company had a second career chance awaiting: Signed by Atlantic Records in 1972 and now featuring lead singer Philippé Wynne, the Spinners went on a hot streak, becoming ubiquitous on the airwaves and a hot draw in concert. Wynne was the magnetic front man, but Fambrough — sporting a distinctive mustache — was unmistakable onstage.

The Spinners' music in the '70s was affiliated with the reigning Philly R&B sound of the time, in particular producer Thom Bell, who oversaw most of the group's big hits. But Fambrough and his group mates remained based in Detroit, building a local music legacy on par with many of the city's biggest acts.

"As a vocalist, he had a voice that never wavered. It never diminished through the years — it was still as smooth as butter," said Spinners bass singer Jessie Peck, a Detroit native who joined the group in 2008. "As a performer, he was always consistent. He set the standard for the rest of us about how the Spinners should be: always on point, with every step."

As hardworking behind the scenes as he was on a concert stage, Fambrough insisted on an upright, classy demeanor from his group mates as the Spinners enlisted new members through the decades. It was all about character.

Wednesday night, Peck reiterated Fambrough's message: "Being a Spinner is a responsibility and an honor."

At the Motown Museum last May, Fambrough linked up with former Spinners lead vocalist G.C. Cameron and several newer members for a several poignant performances, including an a cappella rendition of "It's a Shame" in Hitsville's Studio A — where they had recorded the song decades earlier.

Fambrough is preceded in death by several of his fellow Spinners, including his Ferndale group co-founders Pervis Jackson, Billy Henderson, Bobby Smith and C.P. Spencer.

"He had a desire above all else to keep this going no matter what. He said: 'Don’t stop. As long as we have fans, as long as people adore our music, keep it going, keep striving to give the music and uphold the Spinners’ legacy,' " Peck said. "That’s what he bestowed on us."

Fambrough is survived by his wife, Norma Fambrough; daughter Heather Williams; son-in-law Ronald; and a sister, Martha.

Contact Detroit Free Press music writer Brian McCollum: 313-223-4450 or bmccollum@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: The Spinners' Henry Fambrough, who helped take Detroit group to musical heights, dies at 85