The Originals comprised of:
Freddie Gorman (b. 11th April 1939, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A., d. 13th June 2006, California, U.S.A.)
Walter Gaines
b. 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
Joe Stubbs (d. 5th February 1998).
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.
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'.
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.
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.
Albums:
Green Grow The Lilacs aka Baby I'm For Real (Soul 1969)
Portrait Of The Originals (Soul 1970)
Naturally Together (Soul 1970)
Def-I-Ni-Tions (Soul 1972)
Game Called Love (Soul 1974)
California Sunset (Soul 1975)
Communiqué (Soul 1976)
Down To Love Town (Soul 1977)
Another Time, Another Place (Fantasy 1978)
Come Away With Me (Fantasy 1979)
Yesterday And Today (1981)
The Essential Collection (Spectrum 2002)
