The Spinners vs. R. Kelly | Head 2 Head

In the third edition of Head 2 Head (2025), The Spinners and R. Kelly contend for the best rendition of “Sadie.”

Welcome to Head 2 Head! On Head 2 Head, we pit at least two musicians performing the same song and compare their performances.  After deliberation, we decide which performance is the best or moves us more subjectively.  In the third edition of Head 2 Head (2025), The Spinners and R. Kelly contend for the best rendition of “Sadie”. So, without further ado, let the Head 2 Head commence!

1. The Spinners, “Sadie”

New And Improved // Atlantic Recording Corporation // 1974

“In a world like today / It’s a rare occasion to be able to see young mothers / Like the ones that were around when I grew up,” Philippé Wynne (1941 – 1984) speaks in the intro of “Sadie”.  The late, great former lead vocalist of The Spinners, continues speaking, touchingly, “But they live on in memory to quite a few of us / And this song is dedicated to those who cherish that memory.” The intro sets the tone for one of the iconic Philly soul collective’s best songs.  Sure, the sixth track from their 1974 album, New And Improved, performed modestly on the pop charts (it peaked at number 54 on the Billboard Hot 100), but the song thrives from its high level of musicianship, poignancy, and sophistication. “Sadie” was written by Bruce Hawes, Charles Simmons, and Joseph B. Jefferson. It features a fine harmonic progression that extends behind basic I, IV, and V.  Thom Bell produced it. As always, the music oozes in Philly soul. The opening instrument riff during Wynne’s spoken intro is quite memorable.

The songwriting is one of the biggest selling points of “Sadie.” The lyrics show gratitude for Mama.  “Filled with her load of glory / We learned the holy story,” Wynne reminisces in the first verse, continuing, “She’ll always have her dreams / Despite the things / This troubled world can bring.” In the second verse, he characterizes Sadie as “Sweeter than cotton candy / Stronger than papa’s old brandy / Always that need smile.” While the verses superbly characterize the awesome woman she was, the section to beat is the tuneful chorus.

“Oh, Sadie

Don’t you know we love you, sweet Sadie

Place no one above you, sweet Sadie

(Living in the past)

Sometimes, it seems so funny

But no money will turn your life around.”

Here, Wynne is supported by top-notch backing vocals, including The Spinners (Bobby Smith, Pervis Jackson, Henry Fambrough, and Billy Henderson) and additional background vocals by Linda Creed and The Sweethearts of Sigma. The blend is nothing short of harmonious – celestial to the nth degree.  The final chorus is extended, with Wynne marvelously ad-libbing and riffing, backed by these stunning vocalists.  “Sadie” is nothing short of sensational. Timeless, timeless, timeless!

Appears in :

• The Spinners, Sadie: Throwback Vibez 16 (2025)

2. R. Kelly, “Sadie”

12 Play // Zomba Recording LLC // 1993

“This song goes out to my mother / The one I love and the one I lost.” Sigh, it is hard to adore a song and be repulsed by the musician who performs it. R. Kelly is NOT a good person. For far too many years, fans, including myself, gave him a pass because we adored his music. A talented individual, his deplorable ways and sins have dimmed a remarkable catalog of music.  One gem is “Sadie”, the 10^th track from his 1993 album, 12 Play, a cover of The Spinners 1973 classic “Sadie”. Originally dedicated to an awesome, caring mother who is no longer with us, Kelly also dedicated his cover of the ballad to his late mom, Joanne Kelly, who died of cancer in 1993.

The lyrics from the original are retained in Kelly’s cover.  He does tailor the intro to his mama, speaking poignantly over gospel-tinged organ.  The sound of this 1993 version features more contemporary production compared to the original recorded nearly 20 years earlier (he produced it).  The sound is characteristic of the R&B that dominated the 90s.  His voice sounds terrific from start to finish.  The vocals are soulful to the nth degree, particularly the ad-libs, as the energy of the song progresses to higher heights.  Before knowing or accepting how bad he was as a person, the authenticity and honesty of this performance and dedication to his mother are undisputed.  Even knowing now that he has been monstrous, listening to his take on “Sadie,” you hear beauty.  The chorus is where his bread is buttered, assisted by background singers. “Sadie” is truly beautiful from someone who showed themself to be utterly ugly, unfortunately.

Appears in :

• Kelly, Sadie: Covers No. 3 (2025)

The Verdict  

Who honored “Sadie” the best? Was it the Philly soul-tinged original by The Spinners or a moving, contemporary R&B cover by R. Kelly?  Both renditions of the song are excellent.  Kelly delivers a beautiful performance, honoring his mother authentically.  His voice is fantastic, and the updated musical accompaniment is superb.  As for The Spinners, the Philly soul oozes and still sounds as fresh as it did in the 1970s. Philippé Wynne was truly an amazing lead vocalist.  His tenor was to die for.  Ultimately, The Spinners just can’t be denied in my eyes.

The Spinners vs. R. Kelly: Head 2 Head No. 3 (2025) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Atlantic Recording Corporation, Zomba Recording LLC; Israel Torres, KoolShooters, Los Muertos Crew, RDNE Stock project, Thomas Ronveaux from Pexels]