Henry Fambrough, the last of the founding Spinners, 85. He lived long enough to enjoy the group’s Rock ’n Roll Hall of Fame (which he really did).
From the touring group’s Facebook page:
Henry Lee Fambrough, a founding member of the legendary R&B/Soul vocal group, The Spinners, died peacefully in his northern Virginia home today.
An Army veteran, Fambrough was known for his iconic “handlebar” mustache, captivating audiences with his smooth moves onstage. His euphonious baritone voice is featured prominently on standout Spinners singles, album cuts, and B-sides such as “Ghetto Child,” “I Don’t Want To Lose You,” and “Just As Long As We Have Love.”
Fambrough’s transition marks the end of an era, as he was the last surviving founding member of The Mighty Spinners. Members of the lineup during The Spinners’ classic hitmaking era were Bobbie Smith, Billy Henderson, Pervis Jackson, and Philippe Wynne.
The Spinners scaled the heights of musical stardom, earning the industry’s most elite honors, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and most recently, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last year.
Fambrough is survived by his wife of 52 years, Norma, daughter Heather Williams, son-in-law, Ronald, sister, Martha, and a host of loving cousins, extended family, friends, and music industry colleagues.