Iconic R&B group headlines New Horizon Theater’s annual event
by Genea L. Webb
For New Pittsburgh Courier
Jessie Peck grew up surrounded by music.
“Performing was always in me. My dad would bring home new music. I remember at the age of 9, my house was jamming to Motown on 8-tracks,” Peck told the New Pittsburgh Courier. “It was nothing but amazing, it was our leisure and I knew it was the way I wanted to live my life.”
So it was no surprise when Peck was chosen to join the Spinners as the bass singer 18 years ago. He’d heard from a good friend about an opening with the Spinners. He’d contacted the group’s management via email. Even before he was a member of the group, Peck was rehearsing.
“My first concert was the Spinners. My parents took us to the state fair in Michigan,” he recalled. “…When Pervis Jackson (the Spinners’ bass singer and one of the group’s original and founding members who died in 2008) did his famous 12:45 line, the crowd screamed and I realized I wanted that.”
The Spinners got their start in Michigan in 1954 and had hit singles and albums in the 1960s and 1970s. The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of the 2023 class.
“The group was inducted while the last surviving member of the original group, Henry, was still alive. They received their due and that was awesome. I was grateful for that,” Peck said.
The Spinners will be bringing their velvety-smooth rhythms to the O’Reilly Theater on Friday, May 2, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. as the main stage act for New Horizon Theater Inc.’s Annual Black Tie Special Event.
Individual ticket prices range from $70 to $100; the reception package and main level are $125; and $60-$100 for groups of 10 or more. For tickets, call 412-431-0773, email newhorizontheater@yahoo.com or visit Dorsey’s Imaging on Frankstown Avenue in Homewood.
“We’ve never had the Spinners here in Pittsburgh. We had discussed it years ago, but it never happened. I’d been listening to their music online. I liked their choreography and they sounded good. New Horizon Theater is excited to bring them here,” explained New Horizon Theater Inc., Chairperson Joyce Meggerson-Moore. “People will experience a great evening of entertainment. Their performance will be great for Pittsburgh.”
Attendees will also get a taste of the high-caliber theater that New Horizon Theater provides with a scene from one of this season’s plays before the concert begins. “It’s our annual event and it’s always an exciting time that leads to our last play of the season. We need to get people out to support us,” said Meggerson-Moore.
Although New Horizon has never brought the Spinners to Pittsburgh, the group has numerous Steel City connections. The group’s well-known hit, “Could It Be I’m Falling In Love,” was written by Aliquippa-born twins Melvin and Mervin Steals. Braddock native Syreeta Wright co-wrote “It’s A Shame.” The Spinners’ bumping riff “The Rubberband Man” featured Pittsburgh funkster Bob Babbitt.
“The relationship the Spinners have with Pittsburgh is quite symbolic,” said Tanisha Jackson, Spinners’ publicist and Donora native. “To be able to pour back into the city’s community in this way is just a continuation of a longstanding relationship.”
The current configuration of the Spinners, in addition to Peck, includes Marvin Taylor, Ronnie Moss and CJ Jefferson.
When Peck, who was born in New York, raised in Detroit and currently resides in Houston, isn’t traveling the world performing as a member of the Spinners, he enjoys spending time with his family, customizing remote control cars, martial arts, karaoke and poetry. In addition to singing, he does voice-over work, which includes voicing commercials. In August, he will begin filming “The Jessie Peck Show,” an “Arsenio Hall Show” type program that will have Peck interviewing many of entertainment’s top celebrities.
But for now, he is focused on giving Pittsburghers an unforgettable night of music. “When we show up, the O’Reilly Theater is going to be turned upside down,” Peck said. “Our concert is a celebration of ultimate, nostalgic music.”
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