The background music of my life has been songs by the Spinners for almost 50 years. The Spinners are still traveling and performing to rave reviews. They are finally going to be inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in April.  The titles of their songs can be used to sum up my relationship with Pervis. People familiar with Spinner music will recognize the titles. For the rest of you, the titles are in quotes.

When Pervis and  I first got together the song was “Woman Is Man’s Best Friend”, which was written by Pervis. He did a lot of writing and sometimes we wrote together.   Soon, our  song changed to “Could It Be I’m Falling In Love?”  As time went on, it was  “Then Came You” and  we realized that “Cupid” had struck again.

Pervis and I decided to get married because we had  a “One Of A Kind Love Affair”.  We knew that because of our  “Mighty Love” that we would always be together.  Or so we thought, but Pervis’ song changed to “Games People Play” and eventually our song became “It’s A Shame” because the marriage was over, or so I thought.  My song was now “Don’t Let The Green Grass Fool You”.

During the years that we were separated, Pervis’ song to me was “I’ll Be Around”, and he lived up to that promise. The words to the song were, “Whenever you call me, I’ll be there; whenever you want  me, I’ll be there; whenever you need me, I’ll be there;  I”ll be around”.  When I would try to thank Pervis for always being there for me and PJ, his reply was “I’m Working My Way Back To You”.

I didn’t believe it was going to happen, but Pervis always said we would get back together. When we finally did get back together again, the song was “I’m Coming Home” and “Now  That You’re Mine Again”.

Of course, PJ was oblivious to all of this. He is not aware of his father’s accomplishments. In fact, when we attended Spinners’ concerts, Pervis would always seat us right down front where the music was extremely loud. Certain notes would hurt PJ’s ears and he would scream,  jump and hold his ears and be very disruptive, so we always had to move to the very back so as not to disturb others. There was nothing “background” about PJ. He always got attrention and still does.

Until next time; One of Pervis’ favorite quotes,”Keep a song in your heart”.

Claudreen Jackson