by Jeff Clark, Staff Writer
BAY ST. LOUIS (GG) — One of the most iconic groups in music history will make its way to Bay St. Louis Saturday for a show at the Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast. The Spinner hit the Mississippi Gulf Coast for what promises to be a night of hit after hit. Doors to the 8 p.m. show open at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $60 and can be purchased at Ticketsmaster.com.
With a history going back more than six decades, The classic lineup of The Spinners classic lineup —- Henry Fambrough, Billy Henderson, Pervis Jackson, Bobbie Smith, and Philippé Wynne — made hits suc h as “Could It Be I’m Falling In Love,” “I’ll Be Around,” and many others with legendary producer Thom Bell, becoming synonymous with the “Sound of Philadelphia” of the 1970s.
And since 2009, Jessie Peck has been singing the smooth bass parts for the band, and, as has always been the tradition, has handled the interviews and media appearances for the group along the way.
“I feel very honored to be a part of The Spinners brand and to keep the legacy going,” Peck said. “But I’ve seen so many changes since I joined. It’s been tough to see Bobbi Smith and John Edwards, people I considered my heroes, move on. We have to make decisions these days that the originals used to make. Now, we just carry on in the fashion they would want us to do.”
And the popularity of the group continues, reaching a new and younger audience along the way, thanks to their songs being used in movies, TV shows and commercials. The 1976 hit “The Rubberband Man,” from the album “Happiness is Being With The Spinners,” found new life with the release of the 1981 Bill Murray film “Stripes.”
The song was featured in a mud wrestling scene starring the late John Candy. The song was also used in a pivotal scene in Marvel’s “Avengers: Infinity War,” where the Guardians of the Galaxy are listening to the hit.
“I love both of the clips,” he said. “I’m a huge Bill Murray fan. I still love ‘Stripes.’ Then, many decades later, we got to see some superheroes flying around in their spaceship singing ‘Rubberband Man,’ which was incredible. I still get goosebumps when I watch it.”
Although The Spinners’ lineup has changed through the years, one thing remains the same: the music. Peck said he loves being a part of something that brings so much joy to so many people.
“It’s such a good feeling and such a feeling of satisfaction,” he said. “But it’s also a huge responsibility. We don’t take it lightly. It’s a mission and a goal that we hit night after night after night. It’s easy, but at the same time, it’s tough. We always leave a little bit of ourselves on the stage. And we do it for all of those smiling faces.”
(Inside Photo credit: Tanisha Jackson)
