Died On This Date (March 16, 2013) Bobby Smith / Lead Singer Of The Spinners
themusicsover Bobby Smith / Bobbie Smith
April 10, 1936 – March 16, 2013
Bobby Smith, or as he sometimes went by, Bobbie Smith, was the lead singer of the Spinners since their inception in 1954. Born and raised in Ferndale, Michigan, Smith joined the group while they were still known as the Domingoes. They eventually changed their name to the Spinners based on a suggestion by Smith who, as a car buff, liked the use of the word for high-end hub caps. By 1961, the group was signed to Harvey Fuqua‘s Tri-Phi Records who put out their first hit single, “That’s What Girls Are Made From,” which reached #27 on the pop charts. What followed was a series of iconic hits with Motown and Atlantic records that included “I’ll Always Love You,” “I’ll Be Around,” “Games People Play,” and “Then Came You” with Dionne Warkwick. These and many more featured Smith on lead vocals, while Philippe Wynne sang on others. The Spinners were ultimately awarded with six Grammy’s as well as numerous gold records. Bobby Smith died of complications of influenza and pneumonia on March 16, 2013. He was 76.
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