The Spinners To Play at Merced Fair
By Diane Booth Conway,
Merced County Fair Communications & Marketing Director

   Their timeless songs are classics – “I’ll Be Around,” “Could It Be (I’m Falling in Love),” “Then Came You,” “One of A Kind (Love Affair)” – and The Spinners will be coming to the 2008 Merced County Fair to sing them.
   The Spinners, one of the most successful groups in music history with 12 gold records on both R&B and pop music charts, will perform Friday, July 18 in the Merced County Fair’s Outdoor Theatre. The fair’s remaining headline entertainment acts will be announced soon. The fair is July 15-20.
   As always, all fair headline acts are free with the price of admission. The 2008 Fair theme is "Come Rock With The Flock," a salute to sheep, one of the county's top agricultural products.
   The Spinners’ original members Bobbie Smith, Henry Fambrough and Pervis Jackson are joined onstage by lead singer, Charlton Washington, high tenor Harold “Spike” Bonhart and a soul-infused 5-piece band.
   The Spinners have had an amazing recording career as a soul hit machine. Their top- selling singles include “Rubberband Man,” “Mighty Love,” “Games People Play,” “It’s a Shame,” and “Ghetto Child.”
   By 1980, “Working My Way Back to You,” was topping pop and R& B charts giving the group its 12th gold record. The “Love Trippin’” album’s release included “The Cupid Medley,” one of the fastest selling records in the group’s career. Their follow-up album, “Can’t Shake This feeling,” was their fourth LP in just over two years.
   The Spinners have six Grammy nominations and performed twice at the awards ceremonies. They received a Black Gold Award from Dick Clark for their many achievements in the recording industry and they have been awarded the Rhythm and Blues Foundation Award for their contribution to R& B. The group has performed for presidents, received a star on the Hollywood “Walk of Fame,” and has appeared in numerous network and cable television specials paying tribute to the music of the 70s.
   Among their many accomplishments is performing “Then Came You,” as a duet with Dionne Warwick. Their songs can be heard on several movie soundtracks including “Twins” and “Spaceballs.”
   The Spinners maintain a full touring schedule, performing for fans of all ages in sold out venues around the country. They continue to give back to the community through charities, making appearances on behalf of autistic children, the Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization, the NAACP and the Urban League.
   For information, call the fair office at 722-1507 or email to Info@MercedCountyFair.com or fax at 722-3773. Visit the 2008 Merced County Fair’s award-winning website, www.MercedCountyFair.com

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