Music
Hubert Johnson
1941–1981 · singer
Original bass singer of the Contours and cousin of Jackie Wilson, whose connection helped the group sign with Motown.
- Born
Detroit, Michigan- Died
Detroit, Michigan
aged 40- Detroit years
- 1941–1981
- Field
- Music
01 / The Detroit story
The Detroit story
Johnson grew up in Detroit and in 1959–1960, on the advice of his cousin Jackie Wilson, joined the vocal group Joe Billingslea and Billy Gordon had started as the Blenders; at Billingslea's suggestion they became the Contours. When Berry Gordy initially turned the group down, they went to Wilson's home, and the star, a longtime Gordy associate, helped them get a Motown contract. Johnson sang bass on "Do You Love Me" (1962), the Gordy label's first million seller, and on "Shake Sherry" and "That Day When She Needed Me". In 1964 he left Motown along with Billingslea, Billy Hoggs and Sylvester Potts. He later struggled with depression and died at his Detroit home in July 1981, aged 40, a death ruled a suicide.
Highlights
- Original bass singer of the Contours
- Sang on "Do You Love Me" (1962)
- Cousin of Jackie Wilson, who helped the group reach Motown
02 / Their Detroit places
Their Detroit places 1
Where they lived, worked, performed and liked to hang out. Closed and demolished places stay here too, because they are part of the city's history.
Recorded here · 1960–1964
Motown Museum
The Contours recorded here.