In 1959, three Detroit musicians formed a singing group called “The Blenders…” with little success. The next year, popular singer Jackie Wilson suggested the trio become a quartet with the addition of Jackie’s cousin Hubert Johnson. Hubert was accepted and the group changed their name to The Contours. Soon after, music impresario Berry Gordy signed the group to his fledgling Motown label. They recorded and release the single “Do You Love Me?” The song hit Number Three on the Billboard charts. Over the next few years, The Contours enjoyed more success as well as several more charting songs.
In 1964, The Contours left Motown and their popularity declined until they were just another forgotten singing group.
In the 80s, Hubert Johnson suffered from poor physical health as well as mental health issues. He began receiving treatment for depression. In 1981, Hubert was found dead in his Detroit home. He had ingested rat poison and shot himself in the head. He was 40.