b. Phillip Walker, 3rd April 1941, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A.
d. 14th July 1984, Oakland, California, U.S.A.
Philippé Wynn grew up in a gospel environment, later becoming a member of the Bootsy Collins group The Pacesetters in 1968.
The following year he became a member of James Brown's group The JB's where he stayed for two years.
In 1971 he became the lead singer of The Detroit Spinners, taking the group on to a string of hits including 'Could It Be I'm Falling In Love', 'Games People Play' and 'Rubberband Man'.
He remained with them until 1977 when he signed to the Cotillion label as a solo artist.
starting all over - 1977 / wynne jammin' - 1980
Here he recorded 'Starting All Over' (1977) before teaming up with George Clinton to tour and record with Funkadelic on '(Not Just) Knee Deep'.
In 1980, Philippé released 'Wynne Jammin' on the Cotillion label, featuring 'Starting All Over'.
In 1983 he recorded 'You Ain't Going Anywhere But Gone', written and produced by Bunny Sigler and released by Sugarhill Records.
philippe wynne - 1984
Sugarhill released 'Philippe Wynne' on Sylvia Robinson's label in 1984.
On 14th July 1984, Philippé collapsed while on stage in Oakland, California, from a heart attack, and was pronounced dead on arrival at hospital.
Philippé Wynn's funeral was held in Los Angeles, California at the Angeles funeral home, next door to Stevie Wonder's radio station KJLH.FM.
The wake was attended by Lonnie Cook (a personal friend and songwriter for the group Natural Four, penning the tune 'I Thought You Were Mine'), who was surprised to see that only 8 people had attended.
Lonnie and seven of Philippé's family members made up the numbers, all signing their surnames as 'Wright', a surname that Wynn assumed during his recording past.
I would like to thank Lonnie Cook for his invaluable information on this page.
Albums:
Starting All Over (Cotillion Records 1977)
Wynne Jammin' (Cotillion Records 1980)
Philippe Wynne (Sugarhill Records 1984)
