The Motown Museum welcomed the legendary soul group The Spinners back to where it all began on Friday afternoon. The group announced that it would gift the museum with four authentic uniforms that they wore in the early days of their career. The donation will add to the museum’s collection of historic archive and memorabilia, which fans will be able to see when visiting.
The special announcement and private event was held at Motown Museum Hitsville NEXT. Founding member of The Spinners, Henry Fambrough, and 1960s member G.C. Cameron were in attendance.
“Everyone at Motown was on the same thought pattern, waiting for a miracle,” said Cameron, as he recounted his time inside the very studio he worked in years ago.
“Stevie Wonder was the only producer that had everything together,” said Fambrough, as he recounted his time inside Motown while sitting in the same studio where The Spinners got their start. “Other producers produced as they went along, but when you walked in on Stevie and he’s at the piano, ‘Henry come on over here’ and I’d say I don’t want to sing lead, (Stevie would say) get on over here boy!”
The affair was also attended by Motown alumni Martha Reeves, Miller London, Pat Cosby, Jackie Hicks, and Melvin Moy. Current members of The Spinners, Ronnie Moss, Jessie Peck, and Marvin Taylor, were also in attendance.
“This is something enormous,” said Jessie Peck. “I only wish that everyone could be a part of something that’s bigger than themselves. Being a Spinner, being a part of continuing the legacy, as much as it is an honor, it is also a huge responsibility. The Spinners have also been a class act.”
The event was a coming home celebration for The Spinners and alumni, as they celebrated where they got their start and traveled down memory lane.
“Mr. Berry Gordy had a vision of perfection,” said Cameron, as he recounted the expectations that the founder of Motown had on artists. “He wanted artists to look like heroes. Looking good was his whole motivation. The idea was if you get the woman, you don’t have to worry about the men coming (to the concerts).”
“This is an incredible moment filled with a lot of joy,” said Robin Terry, Motown Museum Chairwoman and CEO. “It always amazes me in the way that it heals the community and families. This represents one of those powerful moments and we couldn’t be happier because this collection is such a valuable addition to our archives.”
The Spinners signed with Motown Records in 1964. The group would soon become a success when Motown icon Stevie Wonder wrote the hit song “It’s A Shame” for them in 1970.
The Motown Museum announced in 2016 its plans to expand into a nearly 50,000-square foot world-class entertainment and education tourist destination. The expansion will feature interactive exhibits, a performance theater, recording studios, and much more.
“This is all perfect timing because the museum is built on its archive,” said Terry. “What you have in your collection is really your evidence of your story you want to tell. So the timing of this particular donation with the timing of the final phase of construction, couldn’t be better.”
The Motown Museum expansion is scheduled to be completed in 2023.
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