Died On This Date (January 17, 2012) Walter Gaines / Motown’s The Originals
Walter Gaines
DOB Unknown – January 17, 2012
Walter Gaines was the founder of, and baritone singer in the Motown vocal group, the Originals. Formed in 1966, the outfit released several albums and hit singles including, “Baby I’m For Real,” “God Bless Whoever Sent You,” and “The Bells,” which sold over 1 million copies. The group can also be heard handling back-up duties on early records by the likes of Marvin Gaye, the Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Edwin Starr, and David Ruffin. It was during the late ’60s that the Originals found the bulk of their success, but they did well during the disco era as well. They ultimately broke up in 1982 but reformed in a different configuration for the oldies circuit during the 2000s. Walter Gaines passed away on January 17, 2012. Cause of death was not immediately released.
Thanks to Henk de Bruin at 2+ Printing for the assist.

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