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THE SPINNERS – Motown, Philly Soul and Jessie Peck

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Sandy KayeTHE SPINNERS - Motown, Philly Soul and Jessie Peck
  1. THE SPINNERS - Motown, Philly Soul and Jessie Peck Sandy Kaye 52:00

The Spinners’ story is one of perseverance, evolution, and timeless music that continues to resonate with fans of Motown, Philly Soul, funk, and classic R&B.

Their smooth harmonies, intricate vocal arrangements, and signature choreography have made them one of the most enduring groups in soul music history.

From their early days in Detroit with Motown to their meteoric rise with Atlantic Records, The Spinners are true legends of the genre.

Formed in the ’50s in Michigan, The Spinners came together as a vocal group determined to make their mark in the burgeoning R&B scene. They found themselves signed to Motown Records in the ’60s, a label that was home to acts like The Temptations, The Supremes, and Marvin Gaye.

But The Spinners never quite achieved the same success as their labelmates during their time there. They struggled to break through in a roster filled with some of the biggest names in soul music.

Their fate changed in the early ’70s when they made a decision that would define their career. Leaving Motown, the band joined Atlantic, under the guidance of producer Thom Bell.

With Bell at the helm, The Spinners recorded a string of hits that defined an era. Songs like I’ll Be Around, Could It Be I’m Falling in Love, One of a Kind (Love Affair), Mighty Love, and Then Came You—their duet with Dionne Warwick—all became massive hits.

Their run of success continued throughout the ’70s, with classic tracks like Games People Play and Rubberband Man.

The group became known not only for their vocal prowess but also for their stage presence. Their synchronized dance moves and sharp suits made them one of the most exciting live acts of the era.

As time passed, The Spinners underwent several lineup changes. They continued to tour and perform, keeping their music fresh for new generations of fans. Even as the music industry evolved, The Spinners remained a staple of classic soul, their songs continuing to be played on R&B stations and featured in movies, commercials, and TV shows.

Amidst the transitions, one of the most significant moments in the group’s more recent history was the inclusion of Jessie Peck.

A longtime fan of The Spinners, Jessie grew up admiring them as a child, wishing one day to be a part of their act.

Before joining the group, Jessie had already made a name for himself as a talented vocalist with a deep appreciation for classic R&B. His rich baritone and smooth delivery made him a natural fit for The Spinners’ sound, and when the opportunity arose for him to join the legendary group, it was a dream come true.

Jessie’s arrival injected new energy into the group while maintaining the signature style that fans had come to love. He stepped into his role with the utmost respect for the foundation laid by those who came before him. His passion for the music, combined with his natural talent and stage presence, made him a seamless addition to the lineup.

As a performer, Jessie embraced The Spinners’ commitment to delivering not just great music but an unforgettable show.

The Spinners have always been about more than just singing—they’re entertainers in the truest sense, combining tight harmonies with choreographed moves that keep audiences engaged from the first note to the last.

Even after decades in the industry, The Spinners continue to thrive, bringing their soulful sound to audiences around the world. Their influence can be heard in countless artists who followed in their footsteps, and their ability to bridge generations of music lovers is a testament to the timeless nature of their songs.

Jessie Peck’s presence in the group is a reflection of their commitment to excellence, ensuring that The Spinners remain not just a nostalgic act but a living, breathing force in the world of soul, R&B, and classic funk.

Jessie Peck joins us this week to share some amazing stories about The Spinners.

#classichits #r&b #musiclegends

Hello, I’m Sandy Kaye. A freelance broadcaster, journalist and producer who has spent more than 35 years on both sides of radio and television microphones. I’ve worked with every TV network in Australia, have produced and presented for countless radio stations around the country and have hosted my own commercial radio talk-back show. I’ve even held the distinction of being Sydney’s first female newsreader on radio – way back when!

Today my passion is A Breath of Fresh Air which allows me to immerse myself in one of my favourite things – music. I just love all kinds of music and am fascinated by the people who make it. In particular, it’s the music of the '60s '70s and '80s that takes me back to my youth and means so much to me.

As a journalist, I’m all about digging deep into the classic hits of our time.
I bring you intimate, warm, fireside chats with the artists who tell us about their lives both then and now.
We learn about what makes them tick, who they are in their professional and private lives and how they went about making the soundtrack to our lives.

'A Breath of Fresh Air’ is exceptional - exceptional not because of me, but rather because of the stories that some of the best-known musical artists choose to share with me.

I created this podcast to honour them. It’s all about THEIR lives, THEIR stories, THEIR music, told now, in THEIR voices, before they’re lost forever.

I see my podcast as a personal labour of love, but also as an archival legacy for music fans and practitioners alike, both current and future, who otherwise might never know of the amazing people who helped build the industry.

I really hope you enjoy each and every episode of A Breath of Fresh Air.

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