The Originals

The Originals were formed in Detroit in 1966 by baritone Freddie Gorman, tenor‑falsetto Walter Gaines, tenors C. P. Spencer and Hank Dixon, with Joe Stubbs briefly on lead. The group emerged from the Motown studio scene, contributing background vocals to hits such as Jimmy Ruffin’s "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted" and Stevie Wonder’s "For Once in My Life." Their breakthrough came with the 1966 single "Goodnight Irene" (billed as a cover of Lead Belly) and the 1969 release "Suspicion," which, although not a single, became a Northern Soul classic. The same year the album Green Grow the Lilacs was issued and later reissued as Baby, I'm for Real. Under Marvin Gaye’s guidance the group released the chart‑topping single "Baby, I'm for Real" (1969) and "The Bells" (1970), the latter selling over a million copies and earning a gold disc. The 1970s also saw the disco hit "Down to Love Town" (1976) reach Number 1 on the US dance chart. The Originals released several more albums, including God Bless Whoever Sent You (1970), A Festa Continua (2008), and Suspicion (2016), and performed tours under Motown, Columbia, and independent labels. After Ty Hunter’s death in 1981 and the departure of founding members, the group disbanded in 1982 but later reformed for live performances. Freddie Gorman died in 2006, and Hank Dixon remains the sole surviving original member.