The Originals
Often called "Motown's best-kept secret," The Originals were a versatile soul and R&B group prominent during the late 1960s and 1970s. They are best known for their romantic ballads produced by Marvin Gaye and their later transition into disco.
The group formed in 1966 in Detroit, Michigan, and was composed of seasoned singers from various Motown vocal groups like The Voice Masters and The Spinners.
The original lineup was Freddie Gorman (bass/baritone), Walter Gaines (baritone), C.P. Spencer (tenor), and Hank Dixon (tenor). Joe Stubbs, brother of the Four Tops' Levi Stubbs, was briefly the lead singer on their 1966 debut single "Goodnight Irene". Before their own breakthrough, they provided uncredited backing vocals for legendary Motown hits like Jimmy Ruffin's "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted" and Stevie Wonder's "For Once in My Life".
The group achieved massive commercial success when Marvin Gaye took a personal interest in producing and writing for them. Under Gaye's guidance, they released "Baby I'm for Real" (1969), which reached #1 on the R&B charts, and "The Bells" (1970), which sold over a million copies.
In the early 1970s, C.P. Spencer left to pursue a solo career and was replaced by Ty Hunter. As Motown moved its operations to Los Angeles in 1972, the group initially stayed in Detroit, leading to a decrease in their chart visibility.
The Originals re-emerged as a disco act in the mid-70s before eventually leaving the Motown label. In 1976, they scored a #1 dance hit with this disco classic. They left Motown in 1977 and recorded albums for Columbia Records and Fantasy Records. The group officially disbanded around 1982 following the death of singer Ty Hunter in February 1981.
Members reunited in the 1990s to record for Ian Levine’s Motorcity Records and collaborated with The Supremes on the 1991 single "Back by Popular Demand".
Several members have passed, including Joe Stubbs, C.P. Spencer, Freddie Gorman, and Walter Gaines, but their music remains influentia. As of 2025, Hank Dixon is the only surviving founding member of the group. He occasionally performs with a new lineup that includes his daughter, Terri.
Another Time, Another Place
Written-By – Gorman, Dixon 1:57
A2 Don't Put Me On
Written-By – Gorman, Hunter 5:20
A3 I've Loved, I've Lost, I've Learned
Written-By – Gorman, McLee 3:10
A4 Temporarily Out Of Order
Written-By – Gorman, Hunter 5:35
B1 Ladies (We Need You)
Written-By – Gorman, Harrington, Hunter 5:33
B2 Take This Love
Written-By – Gorman, Hunter 3:50
B3 It's Alright
Written-By – Croom, Gorman 4:02
B4 Thanks For Your Love (Happiness Is You)
Written-By – Gorman, Hunter 4:15
Label: Fantasy – F-9546
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1978
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Disco
Another Time, Another Place by The Originals is highly regarded as a successful transition from their Detroit "group soul" roots to a smoother, California-inspired R&B sound.
The album is noted for its polished production and "crackling smooth" arrangements, often compared to the style of Leon Ware. Critics highlight the group's "vocal prowess" and ability to deliver deep emotional resonance through smooth harmonies.
Moving away from traditional Motown-style soul, this record embraces a "California mode" that integrates soul and disco influences.
Notable Tracks:
"Fantasy Interlude": An instrumental opener frequently cited as a standout for its "smooth, sparkling" backings.
"Don't Put Me On" & "Temporarily Out Of Order": Core tracks that exemplify the album’s shift toward a more modern, mid-to-late 70s soulful sound.
"Ladies (We Need You)": Highlighted for its strong vocal arrangements and harmonious execution.
The production, led by group member Freddie Gorman, includes lush rhythm sections, keyboards, and sophisticated vocal interplay. It opens with an instrumental track, "Fantasy Interlude," which has been described as having a "crackling smooth Leon Ware type sound".
In summary, it is a standout record for the group, praised for its sparkle, hooks, and standout instrumental tracks.
Come Away With Me
Written-By – L. Dozier 5:43
A2 J-E-A-L-O-U-S (Means I Love You)
Written-By – D. Hobbs, E. Croom, F. Gorman 6:18
A3 While The Cat's Away
Written-By – G. Page, L. Dozier 6:07
B1 Come Away With Me
Written-By – F. Gorman 5:56
B2 Stay (With Me)
Written-By – E. Croom, F. Gorman 4:29
B3 Blue Moon
Written-By – L. Hart, R. Rodgers 7:22
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1979
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Disco
Come Away With Me is a 1979 soul and disco album by the Motown-originating vocal group The Originals, released on the Fantasy Records label (Catalog: F-9577). This record represents a transition for the group from their Motown roots into late-70s R&B.
The album is categorized as Funk/Soul with a heavy emphasis on Disco and Urban R&B. Continuing their reputation for tight harmonies, the group utilizes their signature soul background while adapting to the more dance-oriented production of the era.
The album consists of six tracks, with several extending into long-form disco grooves and features elite session players including percussionist Paulinho Da Costa and guitarist Charles Fearing.
It features elaborate arrangements with prominent brass (flugelhorn, sax), keyboards, and percussion, typical of late 70s soul/R&B, moving into disco-influenced territory. McKinley Jackson played a significant role, arranging, conducting, and even playing acoustic piano on some tracks.
The production features lush arrangements with a full brass section (trumpets, flugelhorns) and strings, typical of high-end late-70s soul productions.
Reviewers generally view this as a competent, "pleasant" late-career entry for the group, though it did not achieve the commercial heights of their earlier Motown hits like "Baby, I'm For Real".
Definitions
Written-By – E. Gold, P. Boone 3:47
A2 The World Can't Stop Me Now (From Loving You)
Written-By – J. Hinton, P. Sawyer 2:46
A3 The Rovin' Kind
Written-By – B. Miller 3:04
A4 Make It With You
Written-By – D. Gates 3:48
A5 I've Got A Need For You
Written-By – C. Peters, J. Bristol 3:16
A6 Love Is Life
Written-By – D. Whitehead, M. White, W. Flemons 3:28
B1 I'm Someone Who Cares
Written-By – J. Bristol, J. Chambers, S. Bowden 2:47
B2 Lie No. 2
Written-By – B. Miller
4:04
B3 Come Rain Or Shine
Written-By – C. Spencer, F. Gorman, M. Ragin 2:51
B4 Keep Me
Written-By – B. Gordy, Jr. 2:45
B5 Bridge Over Troubled Water
Written-By – P. Simon 5:44
Label: Soul – S734L
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1972
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Motown
Definitions (1972) is the fourth studio album by the Motown soul group The Originals, released on the Soul Records subsidiary. It is often regarded by collectors as a solid, though occasionally inconsistent, example of late-period Motown soul.
Critics and fans generally praise the group's vocal harmonies, particularly on side two, which is noted for being more "soulful" than the first half.
Reviewers have described it as a "decent soul vocal record," though some note it feels less focused than their earlier work, lacking a "firm hand" in overall production.
The album currently holds an average user rating of 4/5 to 5/5 across major collector platforms like Discogs.
Standout Tracks:
"I'm Someone Who Cares": Widely considered the standout track and a "fan favorite," this song was the album's minor hit single.
"Lie No. 2": Noted for its "light-funk" arrangement and high-quality vocal delivery.
"Keep Me": A cover of the Liz Lands original that is frequently cited for its powerful, gospel-influenced "take us to church" energy.
"Bridge Over Troubled Water": A lengthy, closing rendition of the Simon & Garfunkel classic that critics describe as "fantastic" and "outstanding".
Some reviewers feel the inclusion of "The Exodus Song" (Theme from Exodus) acts as a "wet blanket" that slows the album's momentum early on.
Side one is characterized as being very mellow, featuring contemporary covers like Bread's "Make It With You," which may not appeal to those seeking the group's more uptempo soul sound.
It features arrangements by Motown stalwarts H.B. Barnum, Paul Riser, Tom Baird, and Willie Shorter.
The album remains a sought-after piece for soul collectors, particularly for its vocal harmonies and the track "I'm Someone Who Cares," which was a minor hit for the group.