- News & Reviews FeedG.C. Cameron
Dear Soul Tracks Readers:
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude for all the love and support shown me by the wonderful fans of the Temptations. It is truly a blessing to be able to allow people to feel the joy we feel through music. As with the Spinners, my solo performances, and with the legendary Temps, it has always been my goal to bring to fans the kind of musical entertainment that will keep you content and make you feel as special as you have made me feel. A big "up" to you, Chris, as well for giving me the opportunity on SoulTracks.com to speak to lovers of soul music all over the globe through this wonder called the net. I'm just getting use to it, but I can see it is the future and the way to keep alive the music we love.
I invite everyone to please drop by my website, and leave me a message or ask me a question, which I will try to answer. And do give a listen to cuts from my latest CD "SHADOWS," and check out some of the offerings in our Gallery. I promise to continue to give you the kind of music that "makes the whole world sing." Peace and God's blessings.
G.C. Cameron
Web Sites:
Official Website
Biography
Mississippi native G.C. Cameron first came to national attention in the late 60s as the lead singer for the Spinners. His plaintive wailing on the group's first major hit, "It's A Shame," seemed to announce to the world that a new supergroup was born. However, to call them new was a misperception, as they had paid more dues to get to that point than any other group at Motown (read more about the story of the Spinners). Unfortunately, while "It's A Shame" provided the currency the Spinners needed to leave Motown for what would be a monumental decade at Atlantic, G.C. was contractually and maritally bound to Motown (he was married to Berry Gordy's sister Gwen). He stayed for the remainder of the 70s with the label, but never received the material or promotion his great voice deserved (though he recorded a wonderful version of the now classic "Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday").
After leaving Motown, G.C. moved back to his home state of Mississippi and recorded sporadically during the 80s and 90s, mostly playing small clubs or shows with other former Motown vets. Then, after 30 years away from the Spinners, he received a call from the group in 2000 requesting that he fill in for ailing lead singer John Edwards. He toured with the Spinners for several months in 2000 and again in 2002 (when Edwards' illness became more severe), though the Thom Bell-produced Atlantic material wasn't always best suited for Cameron's voice (which is very different than both Edwards and Philippe Wynne). In 2003, Cameron released the solo disc Shadows, an excellent album he had worked on in 2002 with co-producer Ben Obi.
After leaving the Spinners in 2003, Cameron scored a dream job as the new lead singer for the Temptations, replacing Bo Henderson. His multi-octave, often rough vocal style was perfect for covering the classic lead parts of both David Ruffin and Dennis Edwards, and his maturity was clearly a plus for a group that has battled dissention several times over its history. He remains with the group today. Cameron remained in the group until 2007, when he resumed his solo career. He currently tours performing songs from his 40+ year career and is working on creating the G. C. Cameron Sanctuary.
By Chris Rizik
