Billy Henderson, 67; co-founder of R&B band the Spinners

[needlefingers]

PASSINGS
Billy Henderson, 67; co-founder of R&B band the Spinners

From Times Staff and Wire Reports
February 4, 2007


Billy Henderson, 67, a co-founder of the band the Spinners who sang "I'll Be Around" and other hits, died Friday of complications from diabetes at a healthcare facility in Daytona Beach, Fla.

The 1972 song "I'll Be Around" was part of a string of top 20 Spinners hits that included "Could It Be I'm Falling in Love," "One of a Kind (Love Affair), "Then Came You" and "The Rubberband Man."

The five-member band of high school friends formed in the 1950s in Ferndale, Mich., a Detroit suburb. They signed with Motown but moved to Atlantic in 1972 and cultivated a Philadelphia soul sound with producer Thom Bell. They went on to be nominated for six Grammy Awards.

Four of the original band members, including Henderson, continued to perform together until recently. He was dismissed from the group in 2004 after suing the group's corporation and business manager to obtain financial records.

[efunk_adelic]

one of my favorite vocal groups of all time... I really enjoyed seeing them in concert (late 90's). R.I.P. Billy

[eddie]

The most underrated Motown group by far. Phillipe Wynne has also been missed.

[qdearl]

R.I.P. Billy.....

You and the guys gave me great memories with songs like...

Games People Play
Sadie
Rubberband Man

and my personal favorite You're All I Need in Life

You'll be missed