Bobbie Smith, lead singer of the R&B/soul group The Spinners, has died due to health complications. He was 76.
A statement released Monday by the manager of the popular singing group said Smith passed away Saturday morning in Orlando due to complications from pneumonia and influenza. Back in November, he was diagnosed with lung cancer.
“Bobby was a regular, down-to-earth, good-natured person, the kind of guy who’d give you his shirt. And ever since I’ve known him, he was just a natural showman,” Henry Fambrough said in a statement. He is the only surviving member of the group’s original members.
Smith helped form The Spinners (also know as Detroit Spinners) in 1960 with fellow members Bill Henderson, Pervis Jackson and Fambrough, later signing with Motown. He is noted for his lead vocals on the group’s 1961 record “That’s What Girls Are Made For.”
The group reached the height of their success after signing with Atlantic Records in 1972 and garnered hits such as “I’ll Be Around,” “Could It Be I’m Falling In Love,” “One of a Kind (Love Affair),” “Games People Play,” and more.
Smith reportedly gave his last performance this past February on the Soul Train Cruise.
Funeral services for Smith are scheduled for next Monday in Detroit.
