Pervis Jackson (2nd from the left in the photo), one of the foundling members of the legendary singing group, died yesterday of cancer. Friends and fellow Motown Records musicians are mourning the loss of the Detroit singer, who died "quietly and peacefully" early Monday at Sinai-Grace Hospital in Detroit, said Claudreen Jackson, his wife of 40 years. He had been diagnosed with brain and liver cancer late last week, just a month after starting to feel ill and bowing out of several Spinners dates. He was 70.The group formed in 1954 at Ferndale High School in Ferndale, Michigan. They first recorded for Harvy Fuqua's Tri Phi label before it was bought out by Motown. The group enjoyed its biggest success in the 1970's with such songs as, "Could It Be I Am Falling In Love", "How Could I Let You Get Away", "Sadie", "Games People Play", and I'll Be Around.
His last onstage appearance was July 19, when the Spinners performed in La Habra, Calif. The group has been a fixture on the casino and festival circuit for years, typically on the road more than 200 days annually. Surviving him in the group are fellow original members Henry Fambrough and Bobbie Smith. Founding member Billy Henderson died in February 2007.
6 comments:
Damn this is turning out to be a sad year.
I got the news from Cook the other day. 2008 has been a rough year for celebs.
Wow. It just isn't ending. My entire youth looks like it's going to be in the ground in two weeks.
Sad to hear this.
Malcolm's right. This has been a bad year for celebs.
Thanks Clmike, Malcolm, and X for your comments. Of the three who died in the last week and a half, I felt Pervis would surely garner the least attention although he had the longest career of the three, dating back to the mid fifties. I saw the Spinners along with the Temptations at the Whiting Auditorium back in 1973 (at least I think that was the year) while I was still in high school. It was an awesome show with all of the Temptations except Ruffin and my favorite Spinner lineup with Phillipe Wynn. I don't think the Spinners ever recovered from his departure.
Oh dear. Comfort I am taking from your post is that at least he was able to work right up until the end. That has to be a good thing for any performer or artist, yes?
Good post thanks.
(we were in a clothing store the other day and although Bernie Mac hadn't shopped there it was his kind of store and the owners were sad and talking about his passing and Isaac Hayes.
Sad news and I love 'The Spinners'...or at least my mom does, but I do like some of their music.
:::Marcus LANGFORD:::
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