The Original (group)

The Original was a Detroit soul vocal group formed in the late 1960s. Known for their close harmonies and energetic stage presence, they are primarily remembered for their hit single "Baby, I'm For Real," released in 1969 on Ric-Tic Records and later on Motown Records. The group consisted of lead singer Ty Hunter, Walter Gaines, and later, Lorenzo Brown. Other members included George Nixon, and later Tony Washington.

After "Baby, I'm For Real" achieved significant success, reaching the top of the R&B charts and the pop top ten, The Original continued to release music, including the follow-up single "The Bells," which also charted. While they did not achieve the same level of mainstream success as their initial hit, they remained a popular touring act and continued to record throughout the early 1970s. The group was known for its contributions to the emerging Detroit soul sound, bridging the gap between earlier Motown sounds and the funkier soul music that followed. Their work is considered a significant part of the late 1960s soul music landscape.

After the breakup of the original group, various iterations of "The Original" toured featuring different members, leading to some confusion regarding the official lineup. Ty Hunter also continued to perform solo. The legacy of The Original is primarily tied to the success of "Baby, I'm For Real," which continues to be a staple of oldies and soul radio stations.