Robert Steel Smith (a.k.a. Bobbie Smith), +++ 10th April 1936 - 16th March 2013 +++ ( the Spinners )

bobby smith (of the detroit spinners)

b. Robert Steel Smith (a.k.a. Bobbie Smith), 10th April 1936, Abbeville, Wilcox County, Georgia, U.S.A.

d. 16th March 2013, Orlando, Florida, U.S.A.

The singer with the group, the Spinners (later known as the Motown Spinners and the Detroit Spinners), Bobby Smith has died. He was 76.
Bobby was the lead singer with the group going back to the groups early days.
He was the lead singer on the Spinners initial 1961 hit ’That’s What Girls Are Made For’ b/w 'Heebie Jeebies' for the Tri-Phi imprint, alongside George Dixon, Billy Henderson, Henry Fambrough and Pervis Jackson.
Bobby sang on the third 1962 Tri-Phi 45 'Itching For My Baby, But I Don't Know Where To Scratch' b/w 'What Did She Use?'.
He went on to sing lead vocals for the group throughout the Sixties, including the group’s Motown material, and went on to feature as lead vocalist for the groups Atlantic tenure during the Seventies.
Bobby's vocals are showcased on some of Soul Music’s evergreen songs, including ‘Could It Be I’m Falling In Love’, ‘I’ll Be Around’, ‘Games People Play’, ‘’Then Came You’, It’s A Shame’ and ‘I’ll Always Love You’

He has, at times, been a literally, unsung lead singer of the Spinners, with the late Phillipe Wynne receiving the accolades for several sides fronted by Bobby.
Bobby’s passing, along with fellow Spinners members Billy Henderson in 2007, and bass singer Pervis Jackson in August 2008, now only leaves Henry Fambrough as the last remaining original member of this classic ensemble.