The Spinners Live

[MusicXman]

Well said Detroitspinner1. Thanx

[detroitspinner1]

Vintage Spinner's...."Truly Yours'...my all time fave from the Motown era...Bobbie at his best. Bobbie had that unique voice. Some singers lose their voice, some don't. We should be happy that we heard bobbie in his prime, and also sharing his gift with us to this day. How soon we forget.! Why be so hard.! I still enjoy Bobbie and the Spinner's. Bobbie and Phillipe traded leads as did Ruffin & Kendrick, Levert & Williams, Banks & Reynolds.....Lets all appreciate what they have shared with us.!

[rrrickster3137]

I grew up loving the Spinners The 1972-1976 Spinners, keeping it real Bobby's voice in later years is terrible you would think being a professional somebody would have said hey man somebody has to do lead your voice has gotten a little wacky over the year sorry.....The R&B Beast

[ilalfisto]

.

Sorry, but Bobby Smith is a TERRIBLE live singer. I'll bet it took a couple thousand takes to get it right in the studio!

The Spinners were just great backing vocalists before and after Phillipe Wynne.

[ewiz06]

@ilalfisto your comments show that you really don't know much about the Spinners. Of course at 70 yrs old Bobbie's voice is not great. If you ask anyone who saw them in the 70s he was GREAT. How can you say that they were only great backing vocalists--HELLO--Bobbie led "I'll Be Around, Games People Play", co-led on Mighty Love and Then Came You. Philippe was/is my favorite Spinner but he was not carrying the group on his own. It was his combination with Bobbie that made them magical.

[ilalfisto]

@ewiz06 Nope, Bobby Smith was always just... PLEASANT, to me, even in the studio (from the MoTown days) and I've NEVER heard a good live performance by him. Never ON IT, somehow, and he seems to struggle with the timing sometimes - I might do some research for evidence of engineers / producers having problems getting it right in the studio, where all you need is ONE good take!

Post a link (altered re "dotcom") of a good Bobby Smith LIVE performance - I'd love to see it.

[ewiz06]

@ilalfisto Well I have talked to a number of friends/family who saw the Spinners live during the height of their popularity in the mid 70's, and to a person they said Bobbie was great in concert. Of course you aren't going to see video footage of a concert 30+ years ago though. If you want to hear him live, why don't you just check out the Spinners Live album. That should give you a pretty good idea of how he sounded before he began having voice issues

[SHGlover007]

@ilalfisto You know there's some great old footage on here of Bobbie singing live. Check out Could it Be I'm Falling In Love Live 1973, Mighty Love Live 1970's. He sounds great on those and I don't think he was having timing issues or anything. He's over 70 at this point, I just think his voice isn't as strong now but still a great performer in my book.

[LovesTrueSoul]

This song finally gets good when (2:48) John Edwards starts singing. I am just not sold on Bobby. Wynne and Edwards were tops.

[ruedydude]

The Spinners really had only one hit prior to Atlantic (It's A Shame) so despite what kind of backstage problems Philippe Wynne brought, he sang lead on some memorable hits including Rubberband Man. Bobbi Smith once great soulful voice has deteriorated with time so it might be time for someone else to take lead vocals.

[ncmelusa]

who sang leaad on the most top ten songs; bobby or phillip? /// I hate this version, its way too fast

[tigerbull77]

geez the spinners singing it so fast they goin to spin off the turntable-lol-like the slower version better-they save it though--shows how good they are.

[williamg2552]

Bobby was the one that got the group signed and put with Thom Bell. No one had even heard of Phillippe back then. He was basically an unknown who was suggested to them by G.C. Cameron, who couldn't leave Motown with the group because he was still under a separate contract to Motown, which hadn't expired when the group's contract did. Philippe was his cousin.G.C. suggested him , and the group added him as G.C.'s replacement.

[Beatles6919]

i dont think it was an accident as soon as wynne came aboard the spinners started to take off.. what did the spinners do in the 60s?

[SleepyBrownEyes1]

@Beatles6919

[williamg2552]

@Beatles6919 The Spinners "taking off" had nothing to do Phillipe. Motown shafted them for YEARS, failing to give them proper promotion, so once their contract ended , they got outta Dodge. They followed their friend Aretha Franklin's suggestion, and came to her label, Atlantic Records.Producer Thom Bell was given permission to produce any act on the label he wanted, and he chose the Spinners , because he remembered seeing them live , and remembered Bobby's exceptional phrasing of songs

[Beatles6919]

@williamg2552 what did they do after phillipe left? couple of hits.. wow

[KingMellow11]

@Beatles6919 Well, The Spinners had songs from Motown like:That's what girls are made for, I'll always love you, Truly yours, and it's a shame. Bobby was the lead singer for most of these songs. The only one that he didn't lead on was "It's a Shame. Now Phillippe took it to another level.

[KingMellow11]

@Beatles6919 Well, The Spinners had songs from Motown like:That's what girls are made for, I'll always love you, Truly yours, and it's a shame. Bobby was the lead singer for most of these songs. The only one that he didn't lead on was "It's a Shame. That lead was G.C.Carmen. Now Phillippe took it to another level and on some songs it was was just Bobby, some were just Phillippe, Some were Bobby and Phillippe. Now John Edwards was no slouth either. He did HIS thang and did it well.

[williamg2552]

BOBBY has ALWAYS been the main lead of the Spinners. He led on all of their biggest hits. He also led on "TRULY YOURS" , my all- time favorite Spinners song. Phillipe was good also, but given the choice, I prefer BOBBY'S voice.

[plato369]

that is so funny to hear you say that...i agree. i was having convo with a buddy of mine, and he simply goes crazy about Wynne...but after listening to all the big hits..it is Bobby's voice that says 'this IS the Spinners'......Phillipe no doubt will take u to church though! haha

[zeljr]

OK... Here's my 2 cents.... I like both of them........ They both are credited for singing many classics...... HOWEVER in the year 2065!!!!!!! Our great grand kids will wake early one sunday morning to that mothers day national anthem............. SADIE!!!!

[williamg2552]

Let's just hope on that day YOU'LL be able to say ...."I'LL BE AROUND" (lol).

[bigreef2007]

Bobby voice is bad now. His voice in the early years came close to wynnes. They made a great pair. 1 opener Bobby the other Wynne the closer.

[AlexTube2006]

such a feeling !!! how much this music is missed

[denverexec2000]

they had more than one great singer which helped them have so many hits. Few groups had more than one. They had at lkeast three great leads all with multiple hits. Wynne did not put them on the map, they were already there and he made them greater and more diverse. I love him but I would not have to listen only to his leads.

[MusicXman]

What's with the who's better Phillipe or Bobby? It was the perfect ingredients that made it work. It all worked better together than apart. As for how Bobby sounds now, he's been singing frontman for over 50 yrs and he's over 70 years old. I still love his stage flare. Phillipe was a bad motha... A hit ain't always the best song. Henry Fambrough sang on some great songs. I wish they would use some of them in their shows. Pervis & Billy Rest in Peace.

[SleepyBrownEyes1]

@MusicXman THANK you. I've been saying that for a while now. Bobby actually sang lead on most of my personal faves by the Spinners. Phillipe had a great voice and great presence, but he alone did not make the Spinners. They each brought their own "flavor" to the group. Just saw these guys in concert less than a month ago, and they're STILL bringing down the house after all these years!

[LovesTrueSoul]

@SleepyBrownEyes1 If we're talking about sining, not amount of leads I don't think Bobby is even a conversational point. Sure Bobby may be the force behind the Spinners. Otis Williams is the force behind the Temptations, but he isn't winning any singing competitions. Yes, Bobby sang leads. Phillipe sang better. John sang better.

[macd455]

This song got messed up. The tempo is far too fast. Almost like they had to get off the stage fast.

[11661210]

Phillipe never sang lead on this song. On the original song he sang less than 30 seconds at the end on the fadeout! His talent cant be denied but the Spinners had hits before Phillipe and after Phillipe.

Phillipe had no solo hits before he joined the Spinners and none after he left!

[bigreef2007]

Bobby was the lead opener and wynne was the lead dynamic closer. He sang Sadie,Love don't love nobody,1 of a Kind Love Affair, Love or leave, I'm coming home, Honest I do,The Rubberband man, Living just a little, I'm coming home. He was the best closer ever. Edwards (in this video) took Wynnes place.

[SoNasty58]

I like the way phillipe song this song I think he was the best singer the spinners had

[chazzr50]

Obviously everyone here are great fans of the Spinners. Deep inside we didn't really care who was singing because they had great chemistry and the music was magical.

[bilalbilah]

Good performance. Edwards does great job with Phillipe's part. The Bobby/Phillipe thing shouldn't be a competition. The best groups have multiple people who can sing lead. I enjoyed Bobby, Henry, Pervis and all of them. Having said that, Phillipe is probably the main reason people listened to or watched the group during the 70's run. No different than any group that winds up with an all-star singer (Ruffin/Temps; Teddy/Blue Notes). Rest of group winds up taking back seat.

[JakeJax]

I agree. every member of the spinners has been awesome.

Even all the guys now are great. Charlton washinton can handle all these leads easily...he's amazing.

[11661210]

The spinners are my favorite group of all time! I am sick of Phillipe getting the credit

for being the main lead singer when Bobby was there from the beginning. Many people mistake Phillipe for Bobby because they're both tenors and often sound very much alike. One of a kind love affair is a perfect example of this. One last point I agree that Bobby doesn't sound good anymore, but neither would any of you if you've been singing 2-300 days a year for 40+ years!

[harveykl]

Phillpe dominated on all the song's when coupled with Bobby. When Wynne died only 8 family member's showed up for his funeral. None of the Spinners attended. He put them on the map!

[williamg2552]

That's because Phillipe's monstorous ego caused a lot of conflict in The Spinners, constantingly arguing with them, and their producer, Thom Bell, demanding top billing over the rest of the group. Sure he was very talented , but caused too many problems ,

In the liner notes of one of the group's greatest hits CD's it was said that he was "mentally ill". They didn't elaborate on how, but his "David Ruffin" complex was constantly a source of trouble in the group.

[plato369]

wow....williamg2552 that is sad to hear, not surprising in a way tho. seems alot of groups go thru these challenges...in the end, we as consumers (fans) lose....

[williamg2552]

Just a question: How could Phillippe have put the Spinners "on the map", when the group's first two million- sellers were led by Bobby?

[rrrickster3137]

The simple fact remains when Phillippe came on board in 1972-77 they had 6 #1 R&B hits and 5hits in top 10 on the pop charts just a fact that they really blew up when he arrived, with his Patti LaBelle style holy ghost on stage performance, he was worth the trouble, Helluva talent...RIP...Mr. Wynne...Tha R&B Beast...

[williamg2552]

But 4 of those #1 hits were led by Bobby ,not Phillippe: I'LL BE AROUND, COULD IT BE I'M FALLING IN LOVE, GAMES PEOPLE PLAY, AND THEN CAME YOU. Phillippe only led on 2...RUBBERBAND MAN, and ONE OF A KIND LOVE AFFAIR.

[rrrickster3137]

@williamg2552 Don't get me wrong I loved all of the Spinners Bobby had an excellent voice Phillippe's had his own unique style...but as you can attest to with this video's help Bobby's voice has been going south in his later years...during the live show's Phillippe was the fan favorite...Tha R&B Beast....

[11661210]

Williamg2552 is completely right! The Spinners already had hits when they bought Phillippe in in1972. They became the best soul group of the 70"s in spite of Phillippes on shows, bad behavior and total disrespect of the group. Edwards was a great replacement and overall a better fit for the group. Phillipes talent cant be denied but ive read professional writers give Phillipe credit for songs that Bobby sang lead on. Bobbys been the man from the start and is still going! God bless him!

[chicagogetta74]

I agree Phillipe was the badest one in the group unfortunetly they never could replace him

[monikati51]

Hi Bobbie!

Here is an your fan from Brazil!

Your charisma is for shine forever in my heart!

Monica de Catella

Spinners fan

[SONAA9811]

Truly one of the BEST live shows EVER back in the day.......

[tylersfs]

After listening to the Spinners for decades, in my opnion Phillipe was CLEARLY the more gifted NATURAL singer over Bobby. Also more charismatic and better stage presence.

Bobby's voice peaked about 1966-72 for live performances, and declined afterwards. He managed to pull off some decent live shows in the mid-70s, but the vocal deterioration is very obvious.

He managed to sound nearly as good as Phillipe in studio recordings but could never match him live. Again, my opinion.

[peabo12]

@tylersfs I'd have to agree. I'm only 23, but have been watching the clips.

[anemieasy]

great finger poppin' here. thanks!

[williamg2552]

Phillippe only led on 2 of the group's million- sellers, ONE OF A KIND LOVE AFFAIR, and RUBBERBAND MAN.

[williamg2552]

Bobby Smith has ALWAYS been the MAIN lead of The Spinners since the START.. He sang lead on the MAJORITY of the group's million- sellers and MOST of the other hits too. 1) I'LL BE AROUND (the first million seller) 2) most of COULD IT BE I'M FALLING IN LOVE (the 2nd million seller ) 3) GAMES PEOPLE PLAY (another million-seller) 4) THEN CAME YOU ( another million- seller) 5) THAT'S WHAT GIRLS ARE MADE FOR (their first hit ever.1961) 6) TRULY YOURS-1966. 7) I'LL ALWAYS LOVE YOU-1965 .

[shydmples]

I want someone to post the song "SADIE LIVE"

[mssquirrely]

THE BADDEST SINGER IN THE SPINNERS WAS: ********** FELIPE ********** R. I. P.

HE SANG ON MAJORITY OF THE SPINNERS SONGS

From 2:48 til the end of the song FELIPE would have tore this part up... SIMPLY UNMATCHED, NO ONE CAN REPLACE HIM...

[tyronelovejoy]

Bobbie Smith sang a majority of the Spinner's songs. Philippe sang lead on Rubberband Man, I'm Coming Home and a few others.

[tylersfs]

Bobbie Smith (the guy leading most of the song here) sang lead, or the majority of the lead, on many of the spinners major hits.

He solo lead on: I'll Be Around & Games People Play. Did 90% of the lead on "Could it Be I'm Falling in Love" & "Then Came You", and shared lead on "Mighty Love".

I think he was one of those guys who did great in the studio, and not nearly as good live. His voice has gotten horrible as he's aged, and he seems to struggle to keep up.

[sapas09101952]

The reason that the songs that Bobbie sang lead on were bigger hits, is because his voice has a more crossover sound than Philippe's. Philippe sang lead on more songs on their albums though. Because he had a more soulful voice, he appealed more to R&B lovers. I saw the Spinners 6 times in concert, and Philippe Wynne was the one who stole the show. Listen to the Spinners Live concert recorded in 1975. You'll hear what I mean. Sadie and Love Don't Love Nobody are the standouts.

[RRRR86]

felipe was the man for the spinners. that's the lead singer folks. he's was another one like david ruffin. music genius with a bunch of issues.

[poniran]

Problems with his voice ?....

[peabo12]

Bobby Smith sung lead on this song

[Quantanthead]

I love this song but the 45 rpm version is a bit much.

[MusicManKevin]

This was from the Atlantic Records 40th Anniversary celebration (held at Madison Square Garden in late May of 1988). It was an all-day affair where they had practically every living artist on the label - past & then-present - on the bill, and EVERYONE was rushing though their sets!

[RustySacks]

thats exactly what i wanted to know. is this show on dvd somewhere? it had a lot of good acts.

[what24ever23]

the spinners are trying to keep up with a fast band that's likely high as kites and outta control.

[sonicstep]

Too fast.. .

[soomka1]

Sorry, but no Philippé, no Spinners.

[motownmania]

Phillipe didn't even sing lead on them though...Bobbie sang this, could it be I'm falling in love, mighty love, and then came you...all the good stuff!

[motownmania]

and he sang lead on I'll be around!

[nola2laca]

yep ur right but nobody can deny the vocal talents of Phillpe on songs like::Sadie,Love Dont Love Nobody,How Could i Let You Get Away etc...plus he was an awesome showman as was the rest of the group...its no coincidence that when Phil became the lead singer and Thom Bell became their writer/arranger/producer,the Spinners had their most productive period

[Wafuller]

Check out the other live performance video on YouTube. Look up: "The Spinners - Could It Be I'm Falling In Love 1973 Live" It's with Philppe Wynne and it's just the right tempo, almost identical like the record. It's not sped up.

[CharlesNigro]

I know that songs are played faster at concerts, but this definitely sounds a little too sped up.

[Wafuller]

Shit for reals? I'm coming to go see them perform in July, along with Martha Reeves & The Vandellas. And I have a feeling The Spinners will speed up their performance probably even more faster than this to hurry up and get Martha Reeves on stage! LOL. I hope not, but I have a feeling it will happen.

[RustySacks]

i couldnt agree more

[plukie26]

hi, doug scott iam looking for this song call on the wings of love by the spinner do you remember it john edward was the one who was sing it.or if not if anyone know what am talking about let me know please let know thank you.

[mistofoles]

There is a song called "On The Wings Of Love", but it was sang by Jeffrey Osbourne, is that the one you mean?

[MRDOUGSCOTT]

man john edwards can throw down but he really can't do it like philippe' wynne

[marciawe]

Um espetáculo!!!!!!!!

[Vandekamps01]

God. The band is on meth or something. Slow the Fuck Down boys.

[MRDOUGSCOTT]

no there not they just doing that to keep that old from fucking with they ass lol'

[drjeangrey1030]

Thank you soooo much for this video. Superman, I totally agree with you. The Spinners are definately a first rate class act and today's soul is not the way it used to be. So disappointing.

[justincredible214]

its way too fast but great song

[aamt24]

I wish there were videos of them. I love the spinners! There is no music like this anymore.

[superman21980]

WONDERFUL VERSION, The Spinners are first rate class acts. Soul music like this is lost and gone in the midst of today's garbage

[xa25]

@superman21980 your an old ass loser!

[sunsvsbulls]

I love this song. I just wonder why any video of the spinners performing this song is in a up tempo version and not the version from the album.

[themtb2003]

people in the past always sped up songs. check out james browns songs! It was to make the songs HYPE. When I would here them, I was so happy, they seemed at the right speed. You had to be there! Today, people use samples and cd backing tracks.

Also the spinners bands had little soul. They were like these Cruise Line type orchestral bands. Can you picture Earth wind and fire or Chicago Backing them? WOW!

[nola2laca]

themth2003---so u r saying Sadie,Love Dont Love Nobody,How Could I Let you Get Away;DONT HAVE SOUL ??? thats funny..

check out the songs again..better yet listen to the Spinners Live from the '70s....

[motownmania]

I love those songs...Sadie rocks, and Rubberband man is still my favorite. Many people don't know Bobbie sang lead on a lot of the hits though. It's a shame...his voice is nothing like it used to be. They still put on a good show though. At least more than one original still in the group!