Henry Fambrough, a gifted baritone and the final surviving original member of the renowned R&B band The Spinners, passed away at 85.
Fambrough died of natural causes at his home in Northern Virginia on Wednesday, February 7, according to Tanisha Jackson, the group’s spokesperson.
Known for timeless hits such as “It’s a Shame,” “Could It Be I’m Falling in Love,” and “The Rubberband Man,” The Spinners were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in November 2023. This esteemed honor was bestowed upon Fambrough and other band members Billy Henderson, Pervis Jackson, Bobby Smith, Philippé Wynne, and John Edwards, recognizing the lasting impact they made in the music sphere.
In May of the previous year, Fambrough visited Motown’s Studio A in Detroit, Michigan. The visit, more than a nostalgic journey, included a donation of 375 costumes and pairs of shoes worn by The Spinners to the Motown Museum, marking the group’s visual and musical legacy. Fambrough expressed his deep connection with the studio where The Spinners’ journey started, stating, “It was a long time ago. I used to dream about this place.”
The Spinners’ rise to fame began with their hit “It’s A Shame,” in 1970, which climbed to No. 14 on Billboard’s Hot 100. Their alliance with Atlantic Records signaled a prosperous period, spawning numerous hits including the chart-topping “Then Came You,” a collaboration with Dionne Warwick in 1974.
The band’s success is further underscored by 18 platinum and gold albums and six Grammy nominations, demonstrating their significant influence on the R&B and soul music genres.
The Spinners, originally named The Domingoes, formed in 1954 in Ferndale, Michigan. Their move to Motown Records a decade later marked the beginning of a period that would significantly transform American music. Their story is about musical development and the cultural influence they exerted through their soulful tunes and harmonious narratives.
Fambrough’s steadfast commitment to The Spinners and their music was apparent throughout nearly seven decades of performance. Even in the face of multiple lineup changes, his baritone voice and leadership ensured the band’s enduring legacy. Jessie Peck, the current singer for The Spinners, spoke of Fambrough’s dedication: “He had a desire above all else to keep this going no matter what… He set the standard for the rest of us about how the Spinners should be: always on point, with every step.”
Despite the inevitable evolution over the years, Fambrough’s presence remained a constant, emblematic of the heart and soul of The Spinners until his retirement in April 2023.
Fambrough is survived by his wife, Norma, to whom he was married for 52 years, and his daughter Heather. He leaves behind not just a personal legacy but also an extensive cultural heritage.
The music of The Spinners, enriched by Fambrough’s contributions, will continue to reverberate, inspiring future generations to explore the strength of harmony and the allure of shared melodies.
