| Author | Message | ||
  SisDetroit (sis) 5-Doyen Username: sis Post Number: 327 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.42.211.240 |
I've seen no mention of this on the Forum. I saw this in the May 26th issue of the Michigan Chronicle. If you are interested in the reason, as noted by Steve Holsey, in the Chronicle, please let me know, and I will post it. I just came back from the Spinners concert, and I must say it was fantastic. The new lead singer, Frank Washington is great. He is the closet to Phil that I've ever heard. I really enjoyed him, his grove, and especially his rendition of "Mighty Love." I felt like jumping up and acting as if I was still 25 years old. It is only my awareness of my age, that I didn't. I didn't want to hear the young whispering "Look at that old lady trying to move and groove."  Apparently, the individual replacing Billy is named "Spike." I did not get his last name, but David Brandon promised to call me and give me the low down. Brandon said Spike, who is rather young, lives in Detroit. Spike was good in his movements, and his voice was clear. He went as high as, (I don't know what you would call this note), but in the gospel world, we would call it a fifth. So, some of you guys should know what voice I am speaking of.  | ||
Charise (mistrivia1) 4-Laureate Username: mistrivia1 Post Number: 142 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 198.81.26.46 |
OKAY, SisDetroit!!! You are GOING TO HAVE TO EXPLAIN THAT ONE!!! He has been there since DAY ONE!! What the HECK happened????? That's CRAZY!!! | ||
Juicefree20 (juicefree20) 6-Zenith Username: juicefree20 Post Number: 1356 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 24.46.184.162 |
Good afternoon! Hi Sis, yes that must be explained. I'm sure that it's not like what happened to Barrington. What hasppened, he couldn't hit those notes anymore??? How in the world could Bobby Smith allow this? Don't tell me that they replaced him with a "Even Mr Bigger" figger. Goin' for the teen demographic perhaps? A rapper? I'm just trying to make sense of this, as I'd heard nothing about this. Please Sis, do inform us. | ||
Juicefree20 (juicefree20) 6-Zenith Username: juicefree20 Post Number: 1357 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 24.46.184.162 |
Uh oh Sis!!! I called on my good friend Mr Google. I retract my question about Mr Smith. This is a damn shame!!! All of those years & now this. Man, this is terrible! By the way, his wife posted on WBs Celebrity Justice forum. I look forward to her response. (Message edited by juicefree20 on July 05, 2004) | ||
SisDetroit (sis) 5-Doyen Username: sis Post Number: 329 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.42.211.240 |
His wife said it all. http://boards.warnerbros.com/w eb/messages.jsp?topic=52152954 &board=CelebrityJustice | ||
Juicefree20 (juicefree20) 6-Zenith Username: juicefree20 Post Number: 1364 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 24.46.184.162 |
That's still a horrible thing. First, they had to deal with the record companies. Now, they can't get a correct accounting from a group members wife??? 50 years & it goes down like this??? That simply sucks & I wonder why we haven't heard more about this? This man should be ready for retirement & has to deal with this nonsense? I'm truly surprised at all of this. I'd really love to hear from Mr Smith about this. It sounds eerily similar to the setup that Harold Melvin had with The Bluenotes, where they were basically paid performers, while he got the lions' share of the proceeds, staying in the best hotels, while the fellas bunked in Larrys' Love Shack. $40 per night, across the street from McDonalds, of course! | ||
Charise (mistrivia1) 4-Laureate Username: mistrivia1 Post Number: 143 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 198.81.26.46 |
Juice, thanks for the web site of WB, I put my 2 cents in too! Smells foul to me!!!! That is not cool at all!! Thank God for the early recordings, when everything was MELLOW!!!! In the words of WAR-Why Can't We Be Friends? I don't know the full story, but for right now, Billy Henderson gets my FULL SUPPORT!! That's equivalent to disowning a family member, which is basically what it is. How do you live with making a decision like that??? Where Is The Love? | ||
Nosey (nosey) 4-Laureate Username: nosey Post Number: 143 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 66.153.113.238 |
Hi Juice! Always good to see ya! In response to your views regarding some singing groups in general: This is one of the reasons why a lot of former entertainers are angry and bitter. I once dated someone who wrote a hit record and performed with a group who never got a dime (for the hit) but had the gold record plaque on the wall. He was so angry and bitter that it permeated his whole life! Suffice it to say, I could only take @ 5 months of him! All he talked about and his actions showed that he was an angry bitter person. He also could not get over the fact that a former group member left their group ala Cindy Birdsong and is still with the other group over 20 years later! Thank God he eventually got saved and hopefully has exorcised those demons that had him bound for so long. I know this digressed off the topic somewhat but there is a lot going on in these groups that the fans don't know. We all say get over it and make the music for the fans well sometimes you are done so wrong that the in artists' mind, his/her peace of mind means more to them than what the fans want or think (and I am hinting at my cousin's situation with the Originals). Can't say no more publicly about it. | ||
Kdubya (paladin) 4-Laureate Username: paladin Post Number: 103 Registered: 5-2004 Posted From: 206.185.64.23 |
Juice & MsTrivia1, what up, went to the site and left my 2 cent as well, thanks for putting a brother up on whats happening. It's a dam shame. Kdub | ||
bigdaddyg2k4 (bigdaddyg2k4) 3-Pundit Username: bigdaddyg2k4 Post Number: 37 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 63.102.169.132 |
This is an issue that needs more investigating for real. It's hard to believe that one of the founding members of the Spinners was suddenly let go after 50 years together. They were virtually like brothers, but I guess in some relationships, a deep friendship in one another may not be enough to weather a storm like this. Maybe there is more to the story than just the basic facts or fiction. Keep me posted, folks. | ||
Juicefree20 (juicefree20) 6-Zenith Username: juicefree20 Post Number: 1371 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 24.46.184.162 |
Good afternoon all! From a different interview that I read, he basically stated that he & his wife were preparing for retirement. As such, he wanted an accounting of his monies. When he asked for an accounting, he was rebuffed. Eventually, he filed a lawsuit, asking for an accounting. After he filed the lawsuit, he was fired. I find it quite sad that after years of dealing with the record companies & their shady ways, it comes down to this. It seems that Mr Smith appreciates proper accounting of his royalties from the companies. From what's been reported, Mr Smith doesn't seem to like providing his band mates same. If this report is true, it would appear than Mr Smith has learned the ways of the industry a little too well. I find this to be absolutely despicable behavior. This is simply a sad situation. A man who has put in his time, who should be able to walk off into the sunset contented, has to go to court in order to learn just how much money he has. This is terrible, simply terrible. | ||
Heikki (heikki) 4-Laureate Username: heikki Post Number: 74 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 81.17.199.27 |
Hi! I just had a long talk with the new guy, Harold "Spike" Bonhart. He's a native of Detroit, born in 1961. He's guy with a rich musical background, including working and being friends with Charles Beverly, O'Dell Bailey, David Ruffin, Philippe Wynne, George Clinton, Clarence Carter etc. For the last fifteen years he's worked with Barrett Strong, and for the last five years with Keith Washington. He's a prolific songwriter and has had local bands of his own (Perfection, Wou). He's known the Spinners boys for a long time, but actually through Bobbie Smith's daughter received an offer to write for them first (for their upcoming album) and then start practising with them already in November last year. Now he's been in the line-up for almost four months. He said the main reason for him stepping in was Billy's illness (according to Barbara Henderson Billy had had a by-pass and is now in dialysis for kidneys, but was still in a working condition). The interview will appear in one of our future issues, as well as comments about the incident from both parties, but for the time being - since they are in arbitration in New York and have a court case in Orlando - all are not at liberty to discuss it yet; probably only by the end of August. Best regards Heikki | ||
SisDetroit (sis) 5-Doyen Username: sis Post Number: 348 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.42.211.240 |
Heikki - Thank you for the information. As usual, you are up on it.  | ||
janebse (janebse) 3-Pundit Username: janebse Post Number: 42 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.63.4.229 |
I posted these thoughts somewhere else, but since SDF is also discussing the Spinner situation, I thought I'd post them here in case someone knows the answers. First, are the singers, musicians, songwriters all considered as private businessmen? Is each one considered a separate entity responsible for his own insurance, retirement, etc.? I realize that doctors, lawyers, and Indian chiefs must all provide for their own insurance and retirement. Actually people who own a small business, even an insurance business, do not have the kind of insurance and retirement funds that people who work for a large corporation do. Many lawyers have wives who are school teachers, and the family uses the school teacher's health insurance. I know people who own an insurance business but uses the spouse's insurance plan from his/her work. Second, If these people are considered as owning their own business (their talents), then it behooves them to consult a lawyer to protect this business. So many problems could be or have been avoided by simply consulting a lawyer first. Third, I think if anyone who is a lawyer posts here perhaps he could explain what a person who is in the entertainment business should do. Fourth, I think people would be surprised at how many people do not have health insurance or retirement plans at their work. Many, if not all, people who work as clerks in department stores work part-time because the store does not want to, or cannot afford to, provide health and retirement benefits. | ||
jim cheers (cheerful1) 1-Arriviste Username: cheerful1 Post Number: 1 Registered: 7-2004 Posted From: 24.239.95.5 |
first off let me introduce my self, i'm jim cheers who was raised up in detroit during the fabulous motown era. i graduated from mumford high and went into the navy after graduation. the reason for this post is i happen to be a very good friend of sypder turner for the past 20 years. i have been blessed with some incredible associations and opportunities in my adult life...here is a teaser and then i will post more.. when i was discharged from the navy i and my wife at the time were living with my mother-in-law on snowden on the west side of detroit. one day i met a man my mom -in-law was talking to that proved to later become a milestone in my life..want to here more?? | ||
Soul Sister (soul_sister) 6-Zenith Username: soul_sister Post Number: 987 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 65.43.165.220 |
Welcome to SD Jim. S.S. | ||
jim cheers (cheerful1) 1-Arriviste Username: cheerful1 Post Number: 2 Registered: 7-2004 Posted From: 24.239.95.5 |
i'll get to the point . the man was bobby taylor of "bobby taylor and the vancouvers". when i walk up my mom-in-law said "my son-in-law" sings. bobby invited me to a seesion at studio b on davison where he was producing an album on "the four tops & supremes". he was doing the background vocals w/ the tops that nite and on of the members was not there (i think obie). well bobby ask levi and the guys if it was ok if i did the 2nd tenor part and they said ok. (it was only supposed to be a demo but i understand they never re-recorded that part)..more to follow | ||
SisDetroit (sis) 5-Doyen Username: sis Post Number: 357 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.42.211.240 |
Welcome Jim Cheers! T his is gonna be good. More, more, more. | ||
jim cheers (cheerful1) 1-Arriviste Username: cheerful1 Post Number: 3 Registered: 7-2004 Posted From: 24.239.95.5 |
here's where it gets more exciting to me (as if doing a session with the tops were'nt enough!)when we left the studio that nite, next door was ziggy johnson's studio (a rehearsal hall), standing outside was a gentleman who said to bobby "we're looking for a lead singer..(they really wanted bobby taylor)..bobby said "my man can blow". so i was asked to come audition the next day.the man who was outside was bobby smith of the spinners...there's lots more in between but to make it short i did one show with the spinners at dairy workers hall ...and then came philipe!!!(i still remember pervis saying to me..."i like the way you step man..but yo lead ain't knockin me out!!"....guess i cant believe what's goin' on with the billy henderson situation..i remember the guys as extremely nice and close as family. | ||
jim cheers (cheerful1) 1-Arriviste Username: cheerful1 Post Number: 4 Registered: 7-2004 Posted From: 24.239.95.5 |
i will be back soon with more tidbits that i hope everyone finds enjoyable. i'd love to talk about what a great guy spyder is and some of our adventures when we lived in california and he worked for norman whitfield and i was the national mktg mgr/disco dir. for capitol records...we'll have some fun.. | ||
SisDetroit (sis) 5-Doyen Username: sis Post Number: 358 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.42.211.240 |
What great stories. These are the music stories that we so enjoy. Where do you live now? Spyder is a great artist, and a very nice person. There is a tread made just for Spyder where you can post about him. | ||
Spyder Turner (spyder_turner) 1-Arriviste Username: spyder_turner Post Number: 6 Registered: 7-2004 Posted From: 68.42.246.252 |
OH BOY!!! I can't believe the Cheerio Kid is here. we're in for some fun now. WELCOME ABOARD JIMMY | ||
Heikki (heikki) 4-Laureate Username: heikki Post Number: 75 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 81.17.199.27 |
Hi Jim! I see that I spelled your name wrong in our Spinners story, but that's how the Spinners boys spelled it out for me ("Jimmy Chears"). After G.C.Cameron they wanted and auditioned Danny Woods of Chairmen Of The Board first, but according to Pervis "he was unwilling to make a commitment." Bobbie: "Next we auditioned a gentleman by the name of Jimmy Chears (sic). We kept him for a minute." Pervis: "That was a short-term thing. We only did one or two shows with Jimmy." Bobby: "He went on to be a promotion man at Atlantic." Is that true, Jim? Next they hooked up with Philippe Wynne through G.C. and his brother. Best regards Heikki http://www.soulexpress.net | ||
Spyder Turner (spyder_turner) 2-Debutant Username: spyder_turner Post Number: 11 Registered: 7-2004 Posted From: 68.42.246.252 |
HELLO HEIKKI, I WAS CHECKING OUT THAT SOULEXPRESS.NET LINK AND THE YOUR CD OF THE MONTH FOR JULY, "EMERALD JADE" IS A GREAT CD. I HAVE THAT ONE IN MY CAR AND ONE IN MY HOUSE. THE CD'S I REALLY LIKE I MAKE A COPY OF SO I HAD TO HAVE TWO OF THEM. HER HUSBAND AND PRODUCER IS A GREAT FRIEND OF MINE, HE'S ALSO SINGING ON THE CD, FANTASTIC FOLKS. THIS CD SHOULD TAKE THEM A LONG WAY,REALLY GREAT MUSIC | ||
Heikki (heikki) 4-Laureate Username: heikki Post Number: 76 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 81.17.193.223 |
Hi Spyder, not long ago I also checked out your website. A great one! I spent a lot of time there. Best regards Heikki | ||
Lady Mystique (ladymystique) 5-Doyen Username: ladymystique Post Number: 387 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 216.37.254.25 |
I see alot of you on that forum! LOL Well, I guess if that is true, they didn't want him to know anything. It is sad though...I wonder if the group would go on as he was in there from day one. It's messed up. | ||
jim cheers (cheerful1) 1-Arriviste Username: cheerful1 Post Number: 7 Registered: 7-2004 Posted From: 24.239.95.68 |
Hello Heikki, you're right the correct spelling of my last name is "Cheers".(guess Pervis really didn't like my lead singing, forgot how to spell my name ..smile). also i did not start at atlantic records first. i first went to work for Earnest Kelly in the Detroit as the local rep for him. (He is actually the person who got me the job at atlantic later).i worked for ernest approx 4mts, when i interviewed for Arc Jay Kay distributers (handelman)where i handled 26 different labels including Bob Marley(which i still cherish the picture of he and i back stage at a joe louis arena concert that i covered on him), also met Al Green who was one of my artist on London records.(remind me to someday tell you how i put a cigarette hole in nhis beautiful white cashmere coat), worked 6mts with that positioned when i was approached by Capitol Records and Hired. | ||
jim cheers (cheerful1) 1-Arriviste Username: cheerful1 Post Number: 8 Registered: 7-2004 Posted From: 24.239.95.68 |
heikki, thanks for the inquiry. also there is nothing in the world that i would love more than being able to say hi to the "Spinners" again in person...it was one of the "Greatest" experiences of my life to share that short time with them.. love them all "tremendously" they are truly truly wonderful gentleman..please say hello to Bobby, Pervis(a true taurus bull..smile), and does Henry still have the Handle Bar mustache thing going?. | ||
Heikki (heikki) 4-Laureate Username: heikki Post Number: 77 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 81.17.199.27 |
Hi Jim! Thank you for sharing that information. Henry ?... I just checked out the latest pics I have (from the late 90s), and I don't think he does anymore. Best regards Heikki |
