The Spinners were school teachers at one time, but turned professional with a sort of easy-listening folk music which made folk quite accessible to a lot of people. Their versions weren't necessarily the best, nor their harmonies, nor their instrumental ability, but they put it all over with a certain charm, doing a lot of radio and TV as well as recording.

Wherever they originally came from, they were teaching in Liverpool, and they always looked out for material in the Merseyside area. They brought folk to the fore with their Folk at the Phil, which is the Philharmonic Hall in Liverpool, where the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra normally play, so they opened up folk to a wide audience.

Tony Davis once handed out matching shirts for them to wear for an interview. It was pointed out that it was on the radio, but it made no difference. So the image was important to them.

They disbanded a year or two ago, after being together since the late 50s. I remember them providing the soundtrack for a film about the River Mersey and the sea traffic - late 50s/early 60s. Yes, they had their limitations, but they could also be great fun.

Shoh slaynt,

Bobby Bob