R.I.P. Frankie and the Spindles lead, Franklin Kennedy

2016 has been a sad year for music fans, as many of the great singers of the 1960s and 70s have passed on. Today, we’re sad to inform SoulTrackers of the death of Franklin Kennedy, the lead singer of classic soul group Frankie and the Spindles, at age 67.

The Baltimore native started his group as a teen, and they successfully rose among the ranks of the local soul acts of the late 1960s. Ultimately, the group came to the attention of legendary producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff (of Philadelphia International Records fame), and recorded the now classic single, “Count To Ten.”

The group continued to record and perform into the early 70s, but Kennedy left to work at several jobs in and around Baltimore, while raising his family and singing at local churches.

Franklin Kennedy is survived by his wife, Dorothy, three generations of descendants.

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Many thanks to the Baltimore Sun for some of the information included in this story. Thanks also to SoulTracker Colton for letting us know.

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