THE ORIGINALS

Known as “Motown’s best-kept secret," the Originals sang background on numerous hit singles before they recorded a smash of their own.

Formed in Detroit in 1966, the group comprised Freddie Gorman, Walter Gaines, C.P. Spencer, Hank Dixon, and (for about six months) Joe Stubbs. Spencer had previously sung with the Spinners, while Gorman co-wrote Motown’s first #1 pop hit, “Please Mr. Postman” by the Marvelettes. Stubbs had sung with the Falcons ("You're So Fine," 1959) and was the brother of Levi Stubbs, lead singer of the Four Tops.

The Originals initially attained success at Motown as background singers. They provided uncredited vocals on hits like “What Becomes of the Broken Hearted” (Jimmy Ruffin), “A Place in the Sun” (Stevie Wonder), “Does Your Mama Know About Me” (Bobby Taylor & The Vancouvers), “For Once in My Life” (Stevie Wonder), “Chained” (Marvin Gaye), “25 Miles” (Edwin Starr), “Yester-Me, Yester-You, Yesterday” (Stevie Wonder), “My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me)” (David Ruffin), “What Does It Take (To Win Your Love)” (Jr. Walker & The All-Stars, “War” (Edwin Starr), and “Just to Keep You Satisfied” (Marvin Gaye).

The Originals also recorded their own material, but only one single—a cover of Lead Belly’s “Goodnight Irene”--saw release pre-1969. Their unissued 1966 track, “Suspicion,” became a favorite on Britain’s Northern Soul scene when it finally came out in the ‘90s. The year 1969 saw the group’s second single, “We’ve Got a Way Out of Love” / “Green Grow the Lilacs,” but it did nothing.

Later that year, Marvin Gaye took the Originals under his wing. He co-wrote and produced “Baby, I’m For Real,” a doo-wop-flavored ballad that spent five weeks at #1 on the Soul chart and crossed over to the pop market at #14. It was followed by another ‘50s-styled slow jam, “The Bells,” which also did well on both the Soul and pop charts.

After 1970, the group’s popularity waned. In 1972, C.P. Spencer left the Originals to pursue a solo career. Ty Hunter, formerly of the Voice Masters and the Glass House, replaced him.

With the rise of Disco, the Originals enjoyed revived success. Their 1976 single, “Down to Love Town,” hit #1 on the Billboard Dance chart. The follow-up, “Call on Your Six-Million Dollar Man,” was also a Disco hit. The group left Motown in 1977 and signed with the Phase II independent label. Following the 1981 death of Ty Hunter, the Originals stopped recording and broke up a year later. They would subsequently get back together to record for the UK-based Motorcity label.

Of the group’s line-up, only Hank Dixon remains alive. Joe Stubbs died on February 5, 1998; C.P. Spencer passed away on October 20, 2004; Freddie Gorman died on June 13, 2006; and Walter Gaines passed on January 17, 2012.

Charted singles:

“Baby I’m For Real” (1969) R&B #1 (5 weeks), Pop #14
“The Bells” (1970) R&B #4, Pop #12
“We Can Make It Baby” (1970) R&B #20, Pop #74
“I Like Your Style” (1970) R&B #20
“God Bless Whoever Sent You” (1970-71) R&B #14, Pop #53
“I’m Someone Who Cares” (1971) Pop #112
“Good Lovin’ Is Just a Dime Away” (1975) R&B #53
“Down to Love Town” (1976) Disco #1 (1 week), R&B #93, Pop #47
“Call on Your Six-Million Dollar Man” (1977) Disco #6
“Medley: Waitin’ on a Letter / Mr. Postman” (1981) R&B #74