Grooving Through Generations: The Iconic Spindles and Their Impact on Baltimore

BALTIMORE - Baltimore, a city known for its unique blend of Southern and Northern American traditions, also boasts a deep-rooted love for music that transcends generations. It has been a breeding ground for talented Black artists such as Dru Hill, Mario, and Eubie Blake. In the heart of this vibrant musical scene lies the original R&B/Soul groups, captivating audiences with their renditions of both classic and contemporary tunes. Among these cherished Baltimore groups is the iconic Spindles.

Founded in the 1960s by Frankie Kennedy during his teenage years, The Spindles, originally known as Frankie and The Spindles, made waves with their classic hit "Count to Ten." This track catapulted them to stardom, and their performances continued to enchant audiences well into the early 1970s. Over the years, the group has seen several changes in its lineup, yet their commitment to delivering soulful music has remained unwavering.

In 2016, the passing of Frankie Kennedy at the age of 67 marked a touching moment in the group's history. Nevertheless, The Spindles persevered in his memory, and they continue to captivate audiences to this day. One steadfast original member, Joe Shields, remains an integral part of the group, cherishing his enduring journey with The Spindles.

Baltimore is not only celebrated for its musical heritage but also for its commitment to community engagement while having a great time. On Saturday, September 16th, The Spindles took the stage at Baltimore County Councilman Julian Jones's 2023 Annual Community Festival held at Northwest Regional Park in Owings Mills, MD. This annual extravaganza featured free food, a vibrant car show, live music, and various activities for the youth, making it an event cherished by all age groups.

Councilman Julian Jones described the festival as "a fun event that brings people of all ages together, and it's an annual favorite among our community."

Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates, Adriene Jones has been attending events like these for years. She’s also a great friend of Councilman Julian Jones. She leads events like the African American Festival in Towson, MD and is active in the Baltimore County area, which is where she grew up.

Delegate Jones stated “This event is great for the community. Not only does it give resources and something for families to do. But it introduces different styles of music to our ever so changing youth.”

During the festival, Joe Shields, lead singer of The Spindles, shared that his favorite song to perform is the timeless classic "Circles" by The Friends of Distinction. As they performed "Circles," Shields engaged the audience, allowing them to sing along while he performed his signature finger twirl. Captured below is Shields as he performs 'Circles' in front of the enthusiastic crowd.

"Before taking the stage, Shields expressed gratitude to their dedicated fans, saying, 'Our fans follow us everywhere, whether it's in the city, county, or even out of state. Often, they don't even think about the cost. But giving back like this is our favorite part.”

Mr. Joe Shields performing the classic song

“Circles, which is one of his favorite songs to perform. Photo by C. Hancock

Ricky Lewis, a member of The Spindles for 15 years, shared his enthusiasm for performing at Julian Jones's Community Festival. Below, you can see Lewis serenading the crowd during the group's second set at the festival.

Each member of the group typically takes the lead on various songs, showcasing their diverse talents. Lewis mentioned how “the audience's participation in singing along added a special dimension to their performances.” The Spindles concluded the live music segment of the festival to thunderous applause and a standing ovation, leaving an indelible mark on the event.

Mr. Ricky Lewis energetically performing one of his favorite

songs to perform Luther Vandross’ Never Too Much. Photo by C. Hancock

Their upcoming show is scheduled for September 23rd in Annapolis, MD, at Dinner Under the Stars. To stay updated on their performances and events, connect with The Spindles via their Facebook page, "The Spindles." The legacy of The Spindles continues to thrive, connecting generations through the magic of music.

Photo by C. Hancock