The Originals comprised of:
Freddie Gorman (b. 11th April 1939, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A., d. 13th June 2006, California, U.S.A.)
Walter Asbery Gaines (b. 15th August 1936, Mississippi, U.S.A., d. 17th January 2012, Glendale, California, U.S.A.)
Crathman Plato Spencer (a.k.a. Spencer Craftman, 13th January 1938, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A. d. 20th October 2004, Oak Park, Michigan, U.S.A.)
Henry 'Hank' Dixon
and
Joseph 'Joe' Stubbs (b Joseph Stubbles, 1942, U.S.A. d. 5th February 1998, U.S.A.)
The band first recorded as the Originals in 1966.
Freddie Gorman, who released several solo singles, also co-wrote 'Please Mr. Postman' for The Marvelettes.
Joe Stubbs was a former singer with both the Falcons and The Contours.
green grow the lilacs - 1969 / naturally together - 1970 / portrait of the originals - 1970 / def-i-ni-tions - 1972
Between 1965 and 1969, the Originals backed several groups until they acheived a number one R & B single with 'Baby I'm For Real'.
The track was co-written and produced by Marvin Gaye.
Marvin also had input of the groups follow up 45's, 'The Bells' and 'We Can Make It Pretty Baby'.
game called love - 1974 / california sunset - 1975 / communique - 1976 / down to love town - 1977
The Originals recorded several fine sides, including 'California Sunset'.
That album was a collection of Lamont Dozier songs.
Continuing the run of excellent sides, the group did not attain the success of previous sides.
The band then were reduced to a quartet following Joe Stubbs' departure for '100 Proof Aged In Soul'.
The Originals underwent further changes prior to their departure from Motown in 1978, although they did acheive some attention via the track 'Down To Love Town' in 1976 in the more discerning nightclubs.
another time, another place - 1978 / come away with me - 1979 / yesterday and today - 1981 / superstar series - 1992
By this point, Ty Hunter, former singer with the 'Voice Masters' and 'Glass House', had joined the line-up.
Ty passed away, on 24th February 1981, ending the groups performances for a while.
However, later the original line-up teamed with The Supremes for 'Back By Popular Demand' on Ian Levine's Motor City label in 1992.
Former members C.P. Spencer, Freddie Gorman and Joe Stubbs were also signed to Levine's label.
Joe Stubbs died on the 5th February 1998 from a heart condition and Craftman died in October 2004 from a heart attack.
The group toured the U.K. in 2002, with a changed line-up.
Walter Gaines died on the 17th January 2012, following a long illness.
Freddie Gorman passed away in 2006. His son, Dillon, sent me these images with Freddie, shown as part of the group, along with some solo images. Many thanks Dillon.
freddie gorman (1939-2006)
with the originals
outside hitsville
with smokey robinson
Albums:
Green Grow The Lilacs a.k.a. Baby I'm For Real (Soul Records 1969)
Portrait Of The Originals (Soul Records 1970)
Naturally Together (Soul Records 1970)
Def-I-Ni-Tions (Soul Records 1972)
Game Called Love (Soul Records 1974)
California Sunset (Soul Records 1975)
Communiqué (Soul Records 1976)
Down To Love Town (Soul Records 1977)
Another Time, Another Place (Fantasy Records 1978)
Come Away With Me (Fantasy Records 1979)
Yesterday And Today (Phase II Records 1981)
Motown Superstar Series (Motown Records 1992)
The Essential Collection (Spectrum Records 2002)
