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Bobbie Smith Obituary
A statement released Monday by the manager of the rhythm and blues group said Bobbie Smith passed away Saturday morning due to complications from pneumonia and influenza. He was 76.
The statement says Smith had been diagnosed with lung cancer in November.
Smith was the group's original lead singer and was the voice on their first hit "That's What Girls Are Made For." Also called the "Detroit Spinners," the group earned nearly a dozen gold records and half a dozen Grammy award nominations.
The group's biggest hits in the 1970s included: "I'll Be Around," ''Could It Be I'm Falling In Love" and "Games People Play."
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
350 Entries
Doris Collins
May 15, 2025
One of the greatest, if not THE greatest groups! We were blessed to have them. I´ll Be Around is STILL my favorite song of all time! RIP!!
Sam and vicki jerideau
August 4, 2023
We followed the spinners for all these years and continue to feel blessed for their wonderful music and enjoyment. Just remember that sorrow may come at night, but joy comes in the morning. Bless all.
Leon Reese
August 17, 2021
RIP One of my favorite groups
Julie Kristina
March 16, 2021
I’m from England & only discovered the Spinners a few years ago. Can’t believe how awesome their songs are. I immediately said “who’s the great lead singer?” Their music has travelled far & wide & will continue spreading happiness & just uplifting people. Thank you very much Bobbie Smith for your brilliant contribution to music. Your legacy continues to touch new people everyday.
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Debra Monroe
August 27, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Love the spinners...especially bobbie. Rip
August 27, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Debra Monroe
August 27, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Teresa Harris
January 24, 2020
I am so sorry to hear this. I love the Spinners one of my favorite R&B groups of the 70"s, I fell in love with the song It's ashame, and it became my anthem. Plus all of the other songs. RIP Bobbie, whenever I hear a song by The Spinners, I will always think of you.
Eric High
June 19, 2018
I didn't know you had left, but I suspected by now you could have. Thanks so very much for your wonderful music..
Thomas & Libby Widgeon
March 17, 2018
Sorry For Your Loss!
March 16, 2018
RIP.
Harry Simpson
March 16, 2018
Godspeed Bobbie, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Diane Young-El
December 1, 2017
Although I was a Spinners fan in the 60s & 70s, I loved their music. I just learned of Bobbins death and I'm floored. I loved his vocals and the choreography. God Bless you Bobbins, R.I.P.
Carol
June 18, 2017
I only met you a couple of times. I will never forget how nice a person you were. Unfortunately, due to my schedule, we lost contact and I missed out on a party you were having.
When I hear your music, I will be thinking of you
Carol
June 18, 2017
I only met you a couple of times. I will never forget how nice a person you were. Unfortunately, due to circumstances, we lost contact and I missed out on a party you were having.
When I hear your music, I will be thinking of you
August 19, 2016
Completely enamored with the joy on his face when he sings. I was just old enough to watch Soul Train when the Spinners performed.
Valenda Newell
July 8, 2016
I WILL ALWAYS LOVE THE SPINNERS......AND WITH YOU SINGING LEAD ON MOST OF THE SONGS, THAT SHOWS ONE'S GREATNESS.....THANKS FOR THE MUSIC
Mike Wittmann
May 22, 2016
The silkiest,coolest, smoothest performer of the era. So glad I had a few chances to see him and the Spinners live.
Marilyn Carr-Dennis
May 7, 2015
RIP Bobby, you have been such a joy to listen to. I had a crush on you from the moment I saw you. I constantly played the Spinners music and will continue enjoying the Spinners soulful voices. The youngsters today has really missed out on the excitement of the Spinners.
James Pike
December 1, 2014
My name is James L Pike and I am 62 years of age,And I have always been a Big fan of Bobbie Smith, He was an Awesome singer,I admired Him
so very much!,I remember playing the record of the Spinners over & over when I was a teen and still now! My favorite group. He was my favorite singer of the Spinners! Thanks for the beautifull singing Bobbie!!
And You will surely be so,so missed! James Pike ,Oxfort, Georgia.
Alex Simental
September 4, 2014
Rest in Peace Mr. Bobbie Smith. Thanks for sharing that beautiful voice with the world.
susan salehi
August 30, 2014
I will always love the spinners ! My favorite group of all time ! I wish I could have seen a concert ! It breaks my heart that they aren't around anymore!
Judy Poppell
May 31, 2014
RIP -- Really enjoyed your voice and will continue to listen to the Spinners--thanks for the songs--you were blessed with a
great gift and so glad you shared it with us. God Bless you!!
eddie jones
March 23, 2014
May all the peace in heaven be "TRULY YOURS" Bobbie. Eddie Jones,Jackson,MS
March 16, 2014
SEE YOU LATER BOBBY........ONE OF MY ALL TIME FAVORITE SONGS(I'LL BE AROUND)TAKES ME BACK TO MY MARINE CORPS DAYS IN SOUTH CAROLINA.JJ JOHNSON(GUITAR-BASS-HARMONICA,AND DRUMS).
Greg Phillips
March 16, 2014
Can't believe you've been in heaven for a year......probally still making "Great Music" for God and the Angels .
You are Missed here on earth.
God-bless !!
Janice Williams
February 9, 2014
May you rest in peace, Mr. Bobby Smith.
debbie shropshire
January 15, 2014
I was looking on youtube. and iam not sure but I think u were in a picture with my cousin james ingram.iam just glad I got to see u perform at the burke lakefront airport.its not a lot of kind godly conscious people around anymore.didnt know u but ur spirit was felt. thanks 4 the memories
debbie gibson
December 10, 2013
u gave us the best, I was just 14yrs old back then thanks 4 the memories and rest in peace. Debbie shropshire gibson
unknown
December 8, 2013
I would like to say I'm very sorry to Bobbie's Family and Friends for the loss of Bobbie he'll never be forgotten!! His voice was lovely I love it, and always will!! His spirit will always remain with everyone!!!!!
December 8, 2013
Joe Nawrozki
November 27, 2013
This gent was class...when the Spinners came to Baltimore I recall Bobbie Smith having a friendly smile and greeting, sincere. How many members of the early group endured into the 70's? -- Henry, Pervis and Billie? One of their first tunes gave me the blues to go along with my Dear John letter...signed "red balloons and cotton candy, Kim"...yes, "Truly Yours." But that's what great tunes are, signs along our life path...and Bobbie Smith and the group had a bunch of splendid music that did just that..may I offer my condolances and peace to the family. And thank you Bobbie Smith...you made a difference to many of us, either in the boonies of Nam or later on the dance floor.
Marc Taylor
November 20, 2013
I am so sorry for the lost of Bobbie Smith he was A great entertainer and good lead singer for the Spinners, He will be missed deeply.
Michelle
November 5, 2013
To The Smith Family: Im so sorry for your loss..Was just listening to The Spinners Live Album today and was informed. Bobbie passsed away. I didn't know..I am from Michigan but now live in London England..LOVE THE SPINNERS..My prayers are with the Smith Family
October 17, 2013
My friends call me "mr spinners"because of my "Love" for the group.I will always have fond memories of him.Rest in peace!!!
-Cecil Bezuidenhout(Jhb.South Africa)>
Vanessa Smith
August 20, 2013
Thank you for remembering daddy forever. I will miss him forevermore. Until I see him again. Love vanessa
eli collins
July 8, 2013
you will be miss family collins family from ststen island ny.
jacob byerson
June 6, 2013
Jacob Byerson Jr. Mr Smith was one of my favorite singers ever, he was so smooth and classy. Your music will live on forever. Much Love
Lee Weiss
May 28, 2013
To a man that invoked wisdom to me while spending time with my family and freinds.
The Spinners were playing a one time
extended gig in 1982,in Vancouver BC.
All of you were there,and it was a great ball of laughs,during your rest
and down time.
To show you a bit of Vancouver,and to
have you all over to our family home,
was a very big blessing.
What a great bunch of people we had the
honor to spend time with.
Bobbie,you rest in serenity and peace
now,along with the others.....
Your adventure and hard work in this
life, will live on forever as a miracle
you have been and will always be heard.
God Bless you, you fine man!
Edna Bender
April 27, 2013
My Condolences To The Family The Spinners Love Your Music May You Forever Rest In Peace God Bless.
Benny Adler
April 21, 2013
There will never be another like you Mr Bobby. From a lifetime admirer and fan
of you and the fella's. R.I.P.
Gretchen Luper
April 15, 2013
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
April 12, 2013
I'm a Philly boy who had his first job selling textbooks through Ohio, Indiana and Mich. This was at the Spinners height. Long drives where I could not wait to hear their songs. A great group of talent and humanity
Gerry K (Berwyn Pa)
Kim Webster
April 11, 2013
I am so glad that I saw the Spinners in concert during the 70's. It was wonderful seeing Bobbie Smith on TV1's Unsung Series. Such a handsome man, may he rest in eternal heavenly peace!
Bradley Morton
April 4, 2013
His music helped to make my life one that appreciates good song, he influenced my life. God be with you, the family.
Shelley Perry
March 30, 2013
I am sending my deepest sympathy along with many prayers for the Smith family. Bobbie was a gentleman on and off the stage and was one of the finest performers who has ever lived. He will be missed. He is now a member of the choir of the Angels. Our loss is heaven's gain.
Shunda Parker-Williams
March 28, 2013
Cousin Bobbie, we will miss your love and humor! Love to Lorraine and the rest of the family. Lorraine we want you to know, "When ever you call me, I'll be there"......
Karen Wilson
March 28, 2013
We loved cousin Bobbie very much! You will be ln our hearts forever! The Newberry family!
Lynda Laurence
March 27, 2013
It is with deep sadness that I write this. I have known Bobby for the better part of my life, along with all if the Spinners. He always had a great smile and a unique voice. He brought joy to so many with his smooth soulful voice. To say he will be missed is an understatement. He was a Legend in this business. He made and left his mark in the world of music.
My deepest condolences to his Family.
Scherrie Payne
March 27, 2013
Another great talent, gone on to Glory. He will be missed. My deepest sympathies to Bobbie's family. But, remember, it's never goodbye, only, I'll see you later.
March 26, 2013
god love bobbie more
Emmett Dailey
March 25, 2013
Thanks so much for all the great songs, I have always love the spinners and I appreciate the talent of Mr. Bobbie Smith. You have truly brought me much joy for many years. Thanks and my condolences to your family and the other spinners members. RIP my brother
C.MAE BURTON
March 25, 2013
TO THE FAMILY OF BOBBY SMITH,
HE WAS AND WILL ALWAYS BE MY FAVORITE OF ALL THE SPNNERS!
I LOVED HIM DEARLY.HE WILL BE SORELY MISSED BUT, I WILL WATCH YOUR VIDEOS AND CONTINUE TO KEEP HIS MEMORY ALIVE IN MY HEART.AS YOU WILL IN YOURS
MY SON CHRIS TOLD ME OF HIS PASSING.I WAS SHOCKED!YOU THE FAMILY HAVE MY DEEPEST AND UTMOST SYMPATHY.
MAY YOU KNOW HE IS LOVED BY MILLIONS AND I AND MY FAMILY WILL LIFT YOU UP IN PRAYER.
GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
MS. C. MAE BURTON&FAMILY
March 25, 2013
I had a crush on you that wouldn't wait! I am Mike Brown's cousin. I will miss you terribly. Your songs will remain in my memory forever.
Cynthia Sammy
M. TERRY
March 25, 2013
THANK YOU MR BOBBY SMITH FOR ALL THOSE BEAUTIFUL HITS IN THE 70'S.YOU AND THE SPINNERS WILL ALWAY BE AROUND. RIP SWEET SPINNER.
Pat Perryman
March 24, 2013
RIP Bobbie,Thanks for the years of great music with The Spinners. You will still be around.
Nadine Lundy
March 24, 2013
Love you and your music
Ruby Andrews-Lester
Ruby Andrews-Lester
March 24, 2013
God speed Bobby, and to the family be strong..Always Ruby Andrews-Lester (Robert"Squirrel"Lester, The Chi-Lites)
Eddie Golden
March 23, 2013
Thanks Bobbie for your part in the Motown era.
crystal conteh
March 23, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Ellen Lotz
March 23, 2013
Wonderful music and wonderful memories associated with the Spinners and Bobbie's wonderful voice. I hear it every day on my ipod. I'm so very sorry for your loss.
Mike Brown
March 22, 2013
My Condolences to The Spinner Family
Not only did I grow up Listening to the Sweet Sounds of The Spinners, I had the opportunity and Pleasure the work with them for over two decades. I wanted to express my extreme Gratitude and Gratefulness for being able to work with a First Class group of Guys. I will never forget !!
R. I. P.
Bobbie, Pervis, Billy.
Gail Washington
March 22, 2013
To the Smith family and the Spinners family;
It hurts me so much to know that Bobbie's gone. May God give u peace that passes all understanding and comfort as He promised He would. Bobbie had a voice like none other. It was truly "one-of-a-kind". The vibrato in his voice was like nothing I've ever heard. Thank u Spinners, for all the years of great music. Bobbie was my favorite 'Spinner' back in the day when I was a teen; had the biggest crush on him. But the group as a whole is what kept me a fan all these years. Thanks again - my thoughts and prayers r with u all.
Shirley Cox-Conrad
March 22, 2013
May God Bless the Smith family and take comfort in the Lord for He is our Savior. The Spinners is one of my favorite recording group growing up in the 70's and 80's and Bobby's voice was extraordinary. We have truly lost a legend. We will miss you Bobby.
Valerie Hicks
March 22, 2013
Giving Honor where Honor is due. You were the Ultimate entertainer and I loved all of your music. The songs of you and the Spinners are permanently attached to many happy thoughts and fond memories of my teenage years. Although I never met you I am truly saddened by your passing. May your Rest In Peace.
Joyce
March 22, 2013
"R I P"
The Originals...........
Ty Hunter JR
March 21, 2013
Mr Bobbie Smith R.I.P. I use to go to Liberty Tabernacle in Detroit with Pastor Doyle Hart. You, Vanessa and the family frequented all the time. I use to sit with Vanessa at church. You were always a friendly man to me. God Bless...
Cmac Cmac
March 21, 2013
Thank you for bringing so much happiness into my life. You always had a smile on your face. Now you are singing in the heavenly choir. May God give your family peace that surpasses all understanding.
marilyn ford
March 21, 2013
Bobbie thank-you for all the
Happiness when i would hear you
singing with those fabulous
Spinners i carry you in my heart.
Juanita Parker
March 21, 2013
Bobbie I am going to miss you so much. You were more than a cousin to me , you were my big brother. We shared so many memories.I will always love you. my prayers are with your family. RIP Cuz, Nita P.
Diamond Swans
March 21, 2013
Rip Bobbie
Diamond Swans
March 21, 2013
Rip Bobbie
Allen "Turk" Burke
March 21, 2013
Thanks for the opportunity to spend the bulk of my adult years making soulful music with The Spinners. It's shocking to realize we started together when "Truly Yours" and "I'll Always Love You" were current. Bobby's silky voice set the path for that smooth, Spinners' sound. R.I.P. Bobby, Pervis and Billy....so many memories...
Charles Wallert
March 21, 2013
Bobbie, you sang lead on my favorite song, "Could It Be I'm Falling In Love".. we met many times & I loved your performances. Charles Wallert-Producer/Composer
My the Lord except you with open arms.. You and your voice will be missed ...God blessed your family<3
March 21, 2013
Juanita Taylor
March 21, 2013
May you rest in peace...God be with you...
Meria moorehead Bradley
March 21, 2013
RIP. You are a great legend , we remember the heartfilled personality great singing and entertainment you will always be remembered. Ex wife of Walter. MOOREHEAD/Atlantic. Records
bily tappin
March 21, 2013
Bobbie may you rest in peace. Althought I never had an opportunity to work with you, your talent will be truly missed. Aka/ Goldie Love
March 21, 2013
Bobbies kindness, loyalty and generosity will be missed. He's singing with the angels now
SLSimmons, Detroit
Rosalind Ray, Esquire
March 21, 2013
We Thank God for Bobbie Smith who shared his God given talents with all the world while making so many people happy through song. May God Bless the Smith Family.
Marie Shoulders
March 21, 2013
May you rest in peace Mr.Smith as your music will live on forever. I had the pleasure of meeting you and your son once after a concert and it was great! I will never forget all the great music and perfomances I've seen of you and the Spinners. You will be truly missed. May the Lord provide your family with the comfort and strength to endure this time of sorrow. On behalf of the entire Shoulders family,to the Smith family and the Spinners, you have our deepest sympathy. God Bless.
Yolanda Johnson-Stagger
March 21, 2013
Mr. Bobbie Smith , Thank you for the style that you gave to the Spinners, I love the Group . May you continue to perform in heaven for our GOD & the ANGELS in the Heavenly choir .
March 21, 2013
My love of music, as well as my life in music, was enhanced by my encounters with Bobbie and The Spinners. From Atlantic Records back to WDAS-FM, and watching you work with Linda Creed and Thom Bell, Thank You Bobbie and your Band Of Brothers for gifting our souls. Primus Robinson.
Fred Adams
March 21, 2013
Thanks for all of those Great years on the road Bobbie. I will never forget them or you. RIP Fred (Tudlum) Adams
Detroit,Michigan
patrick tillman
March 21, 2013
RIP You will continue to live on through your music
March 21, 2013
I was a promotion person for Atlantic for 17 years. I was hired in the morning and that afternoon Greg Hamilton from FM 100 [Memphis] gave me my first add ever. It was The Spinners. Worked several shows and they were always the best. RIP Bobbie Smith. Thanks for the music and thanks for the memories. The pleasure was all mine.
Stephen Ferrone
March 21, 2013
Safe, peaceful transition Bobby. Thanks for the great music.
Stephen Ferrone (Drums AWB)
Darrell Garrett
March 21, 2013
Rest In Paradise Brother Bobbie. My condolences go out to the family. He'll surely be missed.
March 21, 2013
The music will miss you.
Bob Defrin
Former art director, Atlantic Records
March 21, 2013
May you find comfort that he is in Paradise! My prayers for the family. Thank you Bobbie for some of the sweetest songs ever!. Chrissy Allerdings Atlantic Studios
Neva Ingram
March 21, 2013
We know God always take the best. Heaven is making their own Mass Choir, it will be the best. Remember the good times, and lean on God for strength. Be blessed
March 21, 2013
To the Family of Bobbie Smith, it was a pleasure working with Bobbie and the Spinners when I was employed at Atlantic Records.We spent a lot of good quality times together, and I will never forget the golden voices of the group.
May he RIP.
Sincerely,
Barbara J. Harris
New York City
Rosalind Gilkes
March 21, 2013
My prayers go out to the family in this time of sorrow. I grew up listening to the Spinners and they will always be a part of my life. R.I.P Bobbie, you will be missed.
Emma Gill
March 21, 2013
I fell in love with Tony Lopez listening to Mr. Smith sing "I'll Be Around" - I was 16 and The Spinners were, and still are, my No. 1 group. Thank you for making music so magical.
Elnora Wright
March 21, 2013
Family be Blessed at home rest in please
LaRonda Woodson
March 21, 2013
May God Bless his family and keep his soul. His music will live forever
Kenneith Brown
March 21, 2013
My brother you were one of the great people in my life. You aiways treated me with respect and kindness , may you be remembered always. Rest my friend for a little while because God now have another job for you
Donna Word
March 21, 2013
Mighty Love...RIP
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