The Spinners are known in the United Kingdom as The Detroit Spinners or The Motown Spinners because a Liverpool-based folk band had taken the name "The Spinners" in Britain during the 1960s.
History
In 1954 a group of friends in Ferndale High School in Detroit came together to make music. Billy Henderson, Henry Fambrough, Pervis Jackson, C.P. Spencer, and James Edwards called themselves The Domingoes. James Edwards lasted only a few weeks; he was replaced by Bobbie Smith, who sang lead on most of the Spinners early records. C.P. Spencer left the group shortly afterwards, and would later go on to be a member of the Voice Masters and The Originals. He was replaced by George Dixon. The group would also rename themselves The Spinners at this time.
1961-1971: A decade in the wilderness
The Spinners first hit the charts in August of 1961 on Harvey Fuqua's Tri-Phi Records, with "That's What Girls Are Made For," peaking at number 27. Fuqua sang lead vocal on this track, the Spinners' and Tri-Phi's first single. The group's followup, "Love (I'm So Glad) I Found You" (with lead voacls by Smith), would reach number 91 that November, but none of their other Tri-Phi singles charted.
James Edwards' brother Edgar ("Chico") would replace Dixon in the group in 1963, at which time Tri-Phi and the entire artist roster was bought out by Berry Gordy of Motown Records. The Spinners were then assigned to the Motown label.
In 1964, they made their debut at the Apollo Theater and won instant acclaim, a rare feat at the time. But with the exception of "I'll Always Love You," which hit #35 in 1965, success mostly eluded them during the 1960s. After "I'll Always Love You", they relased one single a year from 1966-1969 inclusive, but none charted on the Billboard Hot 100.
With commercial success virtually non-existent, during much of this decade the Spinners would be used by Motown as road managers, chaperones and chauffeurs for other groups, and even as shipping clerks. G.C. Cameron replaced Dixon in 1967, and in 1969, the group switched to the Motown-owned V.I.P. imprint. (The label name is somewhat ironic, given that V.I.P. was generally considered a substandard imprint behind Motown, Gordy, Tamla, and Soul).
In 1970, after a five-year chart absence they hit #14 with writer/producer Stevie Wonder's composition, "It's A Shame," and charted again the following year with another song Wonder wrote and produced, "We'll Have It Made" from their new album Second Time Around. However, these were their last two singles for V.I.P.
Shortly after the release of Second Time Around, legend has it that Atlantic Records recording artist Aretha Franklin suggested the group finish out their Motown contract, and sign with Atlantic. The group made the switch -- except for Cameron who elected to leave the group and remain with Motown as a solo artist. Singer Philippe Wynne then joined The Spinners as Cameron's replacement and the group's new lead singer.
The Hit Years with Philippe Wynne
When The Spinners signed to Atlantic in 1972, they were a commercially unremarkable singing group who had never had a top ten hit. But under under the helm of producer and songwriter Thom Bell, The Spinners would chart five top 100 singles (and two top tens) off their album The Spinners, released in 1972, and go on to be one of the biggest soul groups of the 1970s.
"I'll Be Around" was their first top ten hit, but it was actually the B-side of the first single, "How Could I Let You Get Away". Radio airplay for the B-side led Atlantic to flip the single over, with "I'll Be Around" hitting #3 and "How Could I Let You Get Away" reaching #89.
Follow-up singles "Could It Be I'm Falling in Love" (#4, March 1973), "One of a Kind (Love Affair)" (#11, June 1973), and "Ghetto Child" (#29, September 1973) would cement the group's sudden hit-making reputation -- as well as Bell's, who was beginning to be recognized for his contributions to Philly soul or "Philadelphia Sound", a precursor to disco.
Following their Atlantic successes, Motown also issued a "Best of the Spinners" LP which featured selections from their Motown/V.I.P. recordings. They also remixed and reissued the 1970 B-Side "Together We Can Make Such Sweet Music" as a 1973 A-Side. In the midst of all their Atlantic hits, it crawled to number #91 US.
The group's 1974 followup album, Mighty Love, would contain three Top 20 hits, "I'm Coming Home," "Love Don't Love Nobody," and the title track. Their biggest hit of the year, however, would be a collaboration with Dionne Warwick (then billed as "Dionne Warwicke"). Their joint effort "Then Came You" would reach #1 in October -- the first chart-topper for either artist. Bell later noted, "Dionne made a face when we finished [the song]. She didn't like it much, but I knew we had something. So we ripped a dollar in two, signed each half and exchanged them. I told her, 'If it doesn't go number one, I'll send you my half.' When it took off, Dionne sent hers back. There was an apology on it."
The band would hit the Top 10 twice in the next two years with "(They Just Can't Stop It) Games People Play" (which would lead to a nickname of "12:45" for bass singer Jackson, after his signature vocal line on the song), and "The Rubberband Man."
The Post-Wynne Years
Wynne left the group in 1977, to be replaced by Jonathan Edwards. Though this version of the group had minor hits from 1977-79, they failed to hit the pop Top 40 for two years, and parted ways with producer Bell.
The group did manage several big hits in 1980, charting with medleys of "Working My Way Back to You/Forgive Me, Girl" (#2 in March) and "Cupid/I've Loved You for a Long Time" (#4 in July), but a third trip to the well proved one time too many, when "Yesterday Once More/Nothing Remains the Same" failed to break Top 40. The group's last Hot 100 pop hit was a remake of Willie Nelson's "Funny How Time Slips Away," peaking at #67 in 1983. The following year, the group had their last R&B hit with "Right or Wrong".
After some years spent collaborating with Parliament/Funkadelic and working solo, former Spinners member Wynne would die of a heart attack while performing in Oakland in 1984.
After their chart career ended, The Spinners continued touring for decades. Even though their last hits were over 20 years ago, the bright lights of their 1972–1976 run of the charts continues to provide for the current members. They are big draws on the oldies and nostalgia concert circuits, and continue to play the music that made them famous.
A voice from their past, G. C. Cameron, would rejoin the group as lead vocalist from 2000 to 2002, (replacing Jonathan Edwards, who left due to illness) but he left them in 2003 to join The Temptations. Frank Washington, formerly of The Futures and The Delfonics, is now the lead vocalist. Around the same time, long-time member Billy Henderson also departed and was replaced by Harold "Spike" Bonhart.
In their recently released box set The Chrome Collection, The Spinners were lauded by David Bowie and Elvis Costello. The Spinners were inducted into The Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1999. On July 27, 2006, The Spinners performed on The Late Show With David Letterman to several standing ovations.
I'll Be Around
Detroit Spinners Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Can I speak to Fo
One moment please, he's around
Yo, wassup
Wassup, Fo, I know you finished that cut for the radio
As a matter of fact Fly I just finished it baby boy
No worry about nothin', I'll be around
With my homie Young Fly even Al B. sure
Never hesitate to call me after I'm done
Cause homie I'm real and always true to my loved ones
Too many wakes and funerals full of tears
You say there's something on your mind, well hey, I'm all ears
Cause ain't nobody thinking about the funk that you're choosin' it
A lot of my homies stuck in the pen for life or losin' it
Call up your folks you keep thinkin' about home
Recorder keeps a peep and there's a block on the phone
And all of this is enough to make a brother's nerves bad
Reminds me of a situation that I once had
Spent that, spent this endless relentless tremendous women on my jock
And don't nobody mind their business
He say she say throwin' salt about it
And chooses to talk about you cause there's no one else to talk about
Talk about the show and the flow and all the clout
Then be real with yourself and talk about and turned it out
It's not hard to compete when his name is poppin'
A scared man can never win that's why I stay clockin'
Fools be huffin' and puffin' don't wanna see me about nothin' I'm down
And if you ever need me Fly, I'll be around
Whenever you call me, I'll be there
Whenever you call me, I'll be there
Whenever you call me, I'll be there
I'll be around
Life ain't based on peaches and cream
This new generation lost a whole lot of dreams
Future doctors, producers, and mothers
The list goes on but now we killin' our brothers
And if we killin' our brothers that means we killin' our own kind
These kids is watchin' now it goes to their mind
Rattatatat cause you got a gat
Then they want a gat you livin' like that
Moms ain't cookin' she worked the week straight
If anything she's the one deserves a hot plate
The ghetto, the ghetto ain't nothin' to dream about
Tryin' to get out now that's somethin' to think about
Fools might disagree but I'm a stay sucka free
Now I'm so black and so strong they can't fade me
Blacks are blacks worst enemy there's still no remedy
You got me for a grip do you call yourself kin of me
Jealousy, envy, I see it in your eyes
Tell me what's wrong with seeing a black man rise
I keep it funky it's pretty hard to miss it now it is not explicit
A message for the mind, and a moral for statistics
So I'm doin' what we call a roll call
Talkin' about the ones who won't rap then take a downfall
I spit the street life and then I go underground
You silly, it's called versatility and I'll be around
Whenever you call me, I'll be there
Whenever you call me, I'll be there
Whenever you call me, I'll be there
I'll be around
Things are gettin' crucial you gotta exercise your mind
Or learn about life before you're left behind
But how you gonna get it right when you're not doin' right
When you get mad all you want is a gunfight
This tension causes a gang of madness
Now you want funk that results to sadness
Sadness results to a lot of revenge
And your so called friends really ain't your friends
So how do you know who you're able to trust
If you think about the past look what happened to us
I never trust no one, I only trust myself
Or I would've been a victim like everyone else
In friendship or hardship whenever you need me
Just give me a call G I won't deceive thee
These fools be shakin' best believe they're fakin'
Just tryin' to get a grip of all the money you're makin'
This ain't race a mind is a terrible thing to waste
I drop the rap and J drops the bass
To the flow cause ain't nobody get with Fo
I'm a down young brother comin' straight outta Frisco
Droppin' a message out of love to your town
Love your brothers and sisters and I'll be around
Whenever you call me, I'll be there
Whenever you call me, I'll be there
Whenever you call me, I'll be there
I'll be around
The lyrics of "I'll Be Around" by Detroit Spinners convey a message of loyalty and support to a loved one or a friend. The singer assures his friend that he will always be there for him, whether he is on tour or backstage. He urges his friend to talk to him if there is something on his mind, emphasizing the importance of being open and honest with loved ones. He acknowledges the challenges of life, including jealousy, envy, and violence, but encourages his friend to exercise his mind and learn about life. He also talks about how too many young lives are being lost due to senseless violence, and how the so-called friends are not always trustworthy. Therefore, he advises his friend to love his brothers and sisters, and he assures him once again, "I'll be around."
The song was released in 1972 as a single and became Detroit Spinners' first big hit, reaching number three on the US Billboard charts. It was written by Thom Bell and performed by the Spinners, a vocal group from Detroit. The song has been covered by many other artists in subsequent years, including Randy Crawford, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Michael McDonald.
Line by Line Meaning
Ragtop records, may I help you
Hello, this is Ragtop records, how can I assist you?
Can I speak to Fo
May I have a conversation with Fo?
One moment please, he's around
Please hold on, he is nearby and available
Yo, wassup
Hello, what's going on?
Wassup, Fo, I know you finished that cut for the radio
Hey Fo, I am aware that you have completed that record for radio
As a matter of fact Fly I just finished it baby boy
Actually Fly, I have just completed it, my friend
No worry about nothin', I'll be around
Don't worry about anything, I will always be available
Regardless if I'm chillin' backstage or on tour
Even if I'm relaxing backstage or traveling for performances
With my homie Young Fly even Al B. sure
In the company of my friend Young Fly and even Al B. for sure
Never hesitate to call me after I'm done
Always feel free to contact me once I have completed my tasks
Cause homie I'm real and always true to my loved ones
Because my friend, I am genuine and loyal to the people I care about
Too many wakes and funerals full of tears
There have been numerous funerals and memorial services accompanied by tears
You say there's something on your mind, well hey, I'm all ears
If you have something troubling you, I am here to listen attentively
Cause ain't nobody thinking about the funk that you're choosin' it
Because nobody is concerned or paying attention to the trouble you're involving yourself in
A lot of my homies stuck in the pen for life or losin' it
Many of my friends are either imprisoned for life or losing control of their lives
Call up your folks you keep thinkin' about home
Contact your family members if you are longing for home
Recorder keeps a peep and there's a block on the phone
Someone is monitoring the calls and there are restrictions on communication
And all of this is enough to make a brother's nerves bad
All these circumstances are sufficient to cause considerable stress and anxiety
Reminds me of a situation that I once had
This situation brings back memories of a similar experience I went through
Spent that, spent this endless relentless tremendous women on my jock
I have been involved with numerous women, spending time and energy on them
And don't nobody mind their business
And unfortunately, nobody respects personal boundaries
He say she say throwin' salt about it
People gossip about it, spreading negative remarks
And chooses to talk about you cause there's no one else to talk about
They focus on talking about you because they have nothing else to discuss
Talk about the show and the flow and all the clout
They discuss the performance, the style, and the influence
Then be real with yourself and talk about and turned it out
But be honest with yourself and recognize the success and impact
It's not hard to compete when his name is poppin'
It is not difficult to challenge someone when their reputation is flourishing
A scared man can never win that's why I stay clockin'
Fearful individuals can never achieve victory, which is why I remain vigilant
Fools be huffin' and puffin' don't wanna see me about nothin' I'm down
Braggarts boast and threaten, but they do not wish to encounter me when I am peaceful
And if you ever need me Fly, I'll be around
And in case you ever require my presence, Fly, I will be available
Life ain't based on peaches and cream
Life is not always easy and pleasant
This new generation lost a whole lot of dreams
The current generation has lost many aspirations
Future doctors, producers, and mothers
The dreams of becoming doctors, producers, and mothers
The list goes on but now we killin' our brothers
The list of dreams is extensive, but now we are destroying our own people
And if we killin' our brothers that means we killin' our own kind
By killing our own people, we are ultimately killing our own community
These kids is watchin' now it goes to their mind
These young individuals are observing and internalizing these actions
Rattatatat cause you got a gat
The sound of gunfire because you possess a gun
Then they want a gat you livin' like that
Then they desire to acquire a gun, imitating your way of life
Moms ain't cookin' she worked the week straight
Mothers are not able to cook as they have been working continuously throughout the week
If anything she's the one deserves a hot plate
If anything, she is the one who deserves a warm meal
The ghetto, the ghetto ain't nothin' to dream about
The impoverished neighborhood, the ghetto, is not something to aspire for
Tryin' to get out now that's somethin' to think about
Striving to escape from that environment is a worthy consideration
Fools might disagree but I'm a stay sucka free
Some individuals may disagree, but I will continue to distance myself from foolishness
Now I'm so black and so strong they can't fade me
Now I am proud of my heritage and resilient, nobody can diminish my presence
Blacks are blacks worst enemy there's still no remedy
African Americans are their own worst enemy, and unfortunately, there is no solution yet
You got me for a grip do you call yourself kin of me
You have a firm hold on me, do you really consider yourself my relative?
Jealousy, envy, I see it in your eyes
I can detect jealousy and envy in your eyes
Tell me what's wrong with seeing a black man rise
Please explain what is wrong with witnessing the success of a black man
I keep it funky it's pretty hard to miss it now it is not explicit
I maintain an authentic and distinctive style, which is now recognizable without explicit explanation
A message for the mind, and a moral for statistics
This is a thought-provoking message and a lesson for society
So I'm doin' what we call a roll call
Therefore, I am conducting a roll call
Talkin' about the ones who won't rap then take a downfall
Referring to those who refuse to participate and suffer the consequences
I spit the street life and then I go underground
I share stories of the street life, but I also retreat from the mainstream
You silly, it's called versatility and I'll be around
You are foolish, it's called being versatile, and I will always be present
Things are gettin' crucial you gotta exercise your mind
The situation is becoming critical, you must engage and strengthen your intellect
Or learn about life before you're left behind
Otherwise, educate yourself about life before you are left behind
But how you gonna get it right when you're not doin' right
However, how can you achieve success if you are not behaving properly?
When you get mad all you want is a gunfight
When you become angry, your only desire is to engage in a gun battle
This tension causes a gang of madness
This tension leads to a great deal of insanity
Now you want funk that results to sadness
Now you seek conflict that ultimately leads to sorrow
Sadness results in a lot of revenge
Extreme sadness leads to a strong desire for revenge
And your so-called friends really ain't your friends
And your supposed friends are not truly loyal to you
So how do you know who you're able to trust
Therefore, how can you determine who is trustworthy?
If you think about the past look what happened to us
If you reflect on the past, consider what has happened to our community
I never trust no one, I only trust myself
I never place my trust in anyone else, I only rely on myself
Or I would've been a victim like everyone else
Otherwise, I would have become a victim like everyone else
In friendship or hardship whenever you need me
During times of companionship or difficulty, whenever you require my assistance
Just give me a call G I won't deceive thee
Just contact me, my friend, and I will not deceive you
These fools be shakin' best believe they're fakin'
These fools appear scared, but you should believe that they are pretending
Just tryin' to get a grip of all the money you're makin'
They are merely attempting to obtain a share of the wealth you are accumulating
This ain't race a mind is a terrible thing to waste
This is not a contest, but wasting one's intellect is a significant loss
I drop the rap and J drops the bass
I provide the rapping, and J delivers the bass beats
To the flow cause ain't nobody get with Fo
To the rhythm, because nobody can match my style
I'm a down young brother comin' straight outta Frisco
I am an authentic, genuine young individual from San Francisco
Droppin' a message out of love to your town
Delivering a meaningful message filled with love to your community
Love your brothers and sisters and I'll be around
As long as you demonstrate love and unity among your peers, I will be available
Whenever you call me, I'll be there
No matter when you need me, I will be present
I'll be around
I will always be available
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Phil Hurtt, Thom Randolph Bell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@HolmesfromMercury
This is our fork in the road
Love's last episode
There's nowhere to go, oh no
You made your choice
Now it's up to me
To bow out gracefully
Though you hold the key, but baby
Whenever you call me, I'll be there
Whenever you want me, I'll be there
Whenever you need me, I'll be there
I'll be around
I knew just what to say
Now I found out today
That all the words had slipped away, but I know
There's always a chance
A tiny spark will remain, yeah
And sparks turn into flames
And love can burn once again, but I know you know
Whenever you call me, I'll be there
Whenever you want me, I'll be there
Whenever you need me, I'll be there
I'll be around, yeah
Whenever you call me, I'll be there
Whenever you want me, I'll be there
Even if I have to crawl, I'll be there
I'll be around
Just call me on the phone, I'll be there
I'll never leave you alone, I'll be there
Just call out my name, I know I know you know
I'll be around
I'll be skippin' and a-jumpin', I'll be there
I'll be a-rippin' and running, I'll be there
I'll be calling out your name to let you know
I'll be around
@socialmaven3346
RIP Henry Fambrough. You were the last original member of the Spinners who passed away yesterday at 85. You lived in my neighborhood where I live now, and it was an honor to know you lived here. You were a member of an amazing group! I listened to every song the Spinners ever released. AMAZING TALENT!
@sandyfox9947
R.I.P. You and the band are much missed. I love all the music of the Spinners, it was super meaningful to me and always will be. Thank you.
@CRZOMBIE67
LEGEND!
@loyduncan3728
Rest with Jesus ❤
@mariechristinechopin4677
RIP
@troydaigle7902
@CRZOMBIE67 you look very young to know of or remember the spinners, just an observation 😊😊
@spencehogg2410
I'd like to dedicate this song to my father as well. He died just about one year ago. I was holding his hand when he passed. As a father, he really did it all. I had the sense today that he was sending me this Spinners song... ☺
-John H.
@Eric4471066
Congratulations to The Spinners. They finally getting inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for 2023!!! I'm so proud of them!!! By the way, this song is my absolute favorite from them!!!
@MsBenlane
except they are hardly rock anymore than missy elliot.
@karlthomas7363
@@MsBenlane music like this is what was originally called rock n roll in the 1950s before the white people took it over.doo wop groups like frankie lymon, the coasters,moonglows,the dominoes etc were considered rock n roll.