RIP Henry Fambrough

  Henry Fambrough was the last original member of the Spinners, one of the greatest R&B vocal groups ever.  He died at the age of 85, but happily lived long enough to see the Spinners finally inducted into the Rock Hall in November 2023.  

  As many who read this blog know I'm a huge Spinners fan.  Was pushing hard for them to get into the Rock Hall last year.  Ecstatic that they got in and even more happy that Henry and John Edwards, who joined the group in 1977, was also able to attend.

  The Spinners were a perfect vocal group that after years of laboring on the Motown label finally hit it big in 1972.  Part of that success was getting Thom Bell, who was a hot Producer in 1972 to work with them on their records.  He produced their classic hits in the 70's and even co-wrote many of their hits.  

  

  Henry didn't get to sing lead very often, but when he did his smooth baritone was a reassuring listen.  His best moment was on 1975's Old School classic "I Don't Want To Lose You" a wonderful ballad that still gets played on many Quiet Storm stations.  His biggest hit as a co-vocalist (with the incredible Philippe Wynne) was on "Ghetto Child" from 1973.  The song peaked at #29 Pop and #4 on the R&B chart. 

  After co-lead singer Bobby Smith died in 2013, Fambrough became the last living original member of the group.  He kept performing with the newest members until early 2023.  Fambrough always expressed his hope that the Spinners would be inducted into the Rock Hall and in 2023 they finally made it.  Along with John Edwards, Fambrough was in attendence at the ceremony in November 2023.  

With Henry's passing the Golden Age of R&B Vocal Groups has lost another special individual.