"Levi Stubbs, 72, Powerful Voice for Four Tops, Dies". Stubbs is interred at Detroit's historic Woodlawn Cemetery. Take Down The Union Jack (Band Version) - Billy Bragg, The Blokes. "Reach Out, I'll Be There - The Four Tops | Song Info", "Motown family gathers for Levi Stubbs' funeral", Levi Stubbs interview by Pete Lewis, 'Blues & Soul' October 1992, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Levi_Stubbs&oldid=1137578454, Voice; credited as Levi Stubbs of The Four Tops, Voice; credited as Levi Stubbs Jr. (final appearance), "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)", This page was last edited on 5 February 2023, at 11:00. Levi Stubbs Age and Birth Information The Tops Many of Stubbs' friends from the music industry attended including Berry Gordy, Martha Reeves, Brian Holland, Ali-Ollie Woodson and Dennis Edwards. Build your family tree online ; Share photos and videos ; Smart Matching technology ; Free! 01-03-2014, 11:18 PM #38 . reason, he trusted us to bring back the balance, and we did., Choking back tears, Mr. Fakir expressed his thanks to each and every one of you out there, for anyone who ever did anything for the Tops, attorneys, accountants that tried to keep us out of tax trouble Levi was the voice along with the other Tops, and will be missed , but never forgotten. Cancer and a stroke forced Stubbs to stop tou He began his professional singing career with friends Fakir, Renaldo "Obie" Benson and Lawrence Payton, forming a singing group called the Four Aims in 1954. [5] Stubbs and the other Tops remained a team until Lawrence Payton died in 1997, at which point Theo Peoples took his place. Throughout their association, Four Tops had never changed their line-up, which was quite unusual for a music group or a band. Levi Stubbs that gave us our dignity, who gave us our hope and said we could be somebody, Bishop Ellis said. The name change was meant to avoid confusion with the then-popular Ames Brothers. FF: What was life like being the daughter of a genre icon? He is from USA. From left to right are, Abdul Fakir, Levi Stubbs, Lawrence Payton and Renaldo Benson. 0 Add Rating Anonymously. In addition, Rolling Stones magazine included Four Tops in their list of the 100 Great Artists of All Times. Feb 9, 2021 - Explore Margaret Litan's board "Levi Stubbs" on Pinterest. Mr. Fakirs son, Nazim, recalled that Mr. Stubbs and other members of the Tops acted as godfathers to the group members children, who would be praised four times over for their achievements and who included Lawrence Payton and lets always keep eath other lifted in prayer and stay close. The group released their debut self titled album in mid 1960s and followed it with more albums. Bob Ramberg. J I, like my dad, try to be the best parentIcan, each and every day. and more from FamousFix.com, Woodlawn Cemetery, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan, USA, www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=30644474, www.behindthevoiceactors.com/Levi-Stubbs/, Audrey II (voice, as Levi Stubbs of The Four Tops). Parks was eulogized by political figures like Senator Barack Obama and former President Bill Clinton, Mr. Stubbss funeral drew notables mainly from the music world. Mix; imgenes; videos; . In the mid-1990s, Four Tops rejoined Motown Records briefly for a Christmas album but it did not work. I Need Your Loving.. He is most remembered for The Four Tops. Bragg is telling the story of a woman's life, telling it fast. The couple remained married for 48 years until his death in 2008. I love the pose, and these are the same shoes. Starting from late 1990s, the groups focus shifted from recording in studios to performing live shows. Streamline your workflow with our best-in-class digital asset management system. My favorite is the one were that Rachel lady was giving you a hard time. Many blessings to Kelly and her family now and always. As a member of the Four Tops, Levi Stubbs was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990, and the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame in 2013. No one can tell a story like Levi, no one can croon out a ballad like The Captain.there will always bethrough eternity..THE FOUR OF US..!!! Why Famous: Widow of Levi Stubbs. So i would like to take this time and thank you Levi, for some of the most intreging music i have ever heard in my life!! He died in his sleep on October 17, 2008, at his home in Detroit. Your dad and mom were and are (and will forever be) my surrogate parents in Detroit they had jokeslol. Renaldo Benson died on July 1, 2005, leaving Duke Fakir as the only surviving member of the Four Tops' original lineup. Your email address will not be published. Following the recent sad death of Four Tops iconic frontman Levi Stubbs, Pete Lewis fondly recalls talking to the legendary, world-conquering quartet in their Central London hotel back in October 1992. But for some It was my honor to have taken pictures of his homegoing & for Levi Stubbs Day for the family. When the Four Tops first recorded one of their biggest hits "Reach Out (I'll Be There), Stubbs was uncomfortable with the key the song was written in; voicing that it was too high. Classic R&B msica Images on Fanpop. We bring you all the headlines and gossip in one place! To his family, may God bless you with His grace during this time of loss. Four Tops frontman Levi Stubbs died Friday, Oct. 17, 2008, at his home in Detroit. Clineice Stubbles and Levi Stubbs were married for 62 years before Levi Stubbs died aged 72. He is survived by his wife Clineice Townsend, five children and three sisters. to here levi and the tops cut loose on steel water, or just walk away renee, or its all in the game , it would truly as the song says, make your heart fly away. [1] A memorial service for Stubbs was held at the Greater Grace Temple in Detroit on October 27. I believe in you and me was played at our Levi, like all three of the other Tops, was my father too. Tap into Getty Images' global scale, data-driven insights, and network of more than 340,000 creators to create content exclusively for your brand. love ya, Apee- you can only call me that. you and will always love you for fullfilling my life with your wonder songs. During mid to late 1960s, the group was producing more than atleast 2 albums each year consistently. the gospel song Walk Around Heaven, concluding, rest in peace, my brother.. A prodigious talent and from what Ive read and heard, a very fine man. His zodiac sign is Gemini. . Boards are the best place to save images and video clips. [citation needed], I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch), "Four Tops Vocalist Levi Stubbs Dies At 72". 38. Explore Fanpop. Cause Id love, love, love I guess the song for me like that is Still WatersI made it my moms ring tone on her cell phone. Said the younger Mr. Fakir: Levi and these men left us, and are leaving us, an inheritance. Love you Levi RIP. He was an actor, known for Little Shop of Horrors (1986), Captain N: The Game Master (1989) and Queer as Folk (2000). 2023 Getty Images. He passed away on October 17, 2008, peacefully in his sleep, in his mansion. Berry Gordy Jr., the founder of Motown Records, was on hand. They had been married for 48.8 years. Levi Stubbs's net worth His last performance was at the Four Tops' "50th Anniversary Concert" on July 28, 2004, at the Detroit Opera House. All of us who were young boys in the 1960s and the early 1970s finally had somebody who Little Shop of Horrors (1986)as Audrey II, Captain N: The Game Master (1989-1991)as Mother Brain, Motown on Showtime: Temptations and Four Tops (1986)as Himself, From the Heart: The Four Tops 50th Anniversary & Celebration (2005)as Himself, Your email address will not be published. In a rousing sermon, Bishop Charles H. Ellis III, the temples pastor, said Mr. Stubbs and the Four Tops had been an inspiration to the nations black community during the 1960s. 18. He formed the group The Four Aims with three of his friends in 1954. My daughter shares them with me and I enjoy them. By the end of the decade, the Four Tops had over a dozen hits. Add interesting content and earn coins. As the longtime lead singer for the Four Tops, Stubbs was known for his distinct vocals on some of Motown Records bestselling recordings in the 1960's and 1970's including "Baby I Need . DETROIT For a few hours on Monday afternoon, some of the Motown family was reunited in grief, remembrance and song at the funeral of Levi Stubbs, lead singer of the Four Tops. It is a blow to the music world. Stubbs also guest-starred in a number of TV shows as himself. I did get a chance to meet Levi back in 2004 at the 50th ann. Discover Levi Stubbs's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. Levi lived in 1940, at address, Michigan. They signed to Motown Records in 1962 and went on to be inducted Stubbs had five children. [6][7] According to AllMusic's Ed Hogan, the vocalist had a "pleading urgency in his voice that perfectly captured the longing anxiousness of the songs written by the producing trio of Holland-Dozier-Holland". Growing up I dont remember seeing too much of Uncle Levi but I can honestly say that your wisdom and beautiful personality is a reflection of your parents. Renaldo Benson as well as Mr. Stubbs and Mr. Fakir could not afford to pay for the four matching white flannel suits they had ordered You are amazing and that is a testiment to your mom and dad. . Old Clash Fan Fight Song. A full complement of the Motown family including company founder Berry Gordy, Jr., and stars such as Smokey Robinson, Martha Reeves and Dennis Edwards turned out today (Oct. 27 . for any other kid you went to school with or hung out with. Berry Gordy offered him the role of Louis McKay in the 1972 film Lady Sings the Blues, which would have starred him opposite Diana Ross as Billie Holiday. times of our lives, those of us who were bless to grow up then , i mean put it in prospective, god gave us the sun moon and the stars and levi and the tops gave us the soul rest in peace levi you will forever Clineice Stubbles is currently single. friends, associates & neighbors include Levi Stubbs, Kelly Lenton, Levi Stubbs, Breyon Davis and Catherine Darin. He was diagnosed with cancer in 1995, and later, after a stroke, he was no longer able to tour with the group. Hall has remarked that Stubbs' "unique" style rendered the Four Tops' material "timeless". Levi Stubbs (born Levi Stubbles, June 6, 1936 October 17, 2008) was an American baritone singer, best known as the lead vocalist of the R&B group the Four Tops, who released a variety of Motown hit records during the 1960s and 1970s. He was 72. It began with 1964s single titled Baby I Need Your Loving which, quite unexpectedly, reached the 11th spot on the Billboard Pop chart. View popular celebrities life details, birth signs and real ages. The most popular of their hits (all of which featured Stubbs on lead vocals) include "Baby I Need Your Loving", "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)", "It's the Same Old Song", "I'll Turn to Stone", "Reach Out I'll Be There", "Standing in the Shadows of Love", "Bernadette", "Still Water (Love)", "Ain't No Woman (Like the One I've Got)", as well as the late hit "Loco In Acapulco". Stubbs features in Billy Bragg's 1986 song, "Levi Stubbs' Tears," about a woman whose Four Tops album brings her comfort through difficult times. He died on October 17, 2008 in Detroit, Michigan, USA. Nontheless Kelly, you still always tell it like it T.I. Detroit City Council member JoAnn Watson, along with Martha Reeves, presented a resolution naming Stubbs' birthday "Levi Stubbs Day" in Detroit. In 1953, Stubbs, Abdul 'Duke' Fakir, Lawrence Payton and Renaldo Benson formed a group called "The Four Aims", and signed a contract with Chess Records. Levi Stubbs (June 6, 1936 - October 17, 2008) born Levi Stubbles, was a baritone and lead singer of the Four Tops. An icon used to represent a menu that can be toggled by interacting with this icon. Levi Stubbss income source is mostly from being a successful Actor. Levi was born on February 3 1903, in Eatonton, Putnam, Georgia, USA. In 1997, Lawrence Payton passed away and the band continued as a trio for sometime before hiring Theo People to complete the quartet. Jesse Jackson said in his words at Levis homegoing celebration (and I do mean celebration!!) Her only marriage lasted 48.9 years. RIP, Levi, Obie and Lawrence and hats off to you, Duke. (trying not to take anything away from our mothers). the morning of uncles(Levi) death, i didnt sleep that whole night prior to. FF: Thank you for sharing, Kelly. (AP Photo, File) File, 1966/AP. Name Born . window.__mirage2 = {petok:"0gN.j0kdUekSrkh06uZNoLhs2WPuezvTYmaW9g5f0Y0-1800-0"}; Do NOT follow this link or you will be banned from the site. A memorial service was held 10 days later, which was attended by many artists from the music industry. Classic R&B msica Club registrarse New Post. out, and he will always be there,and so will our love. He is a member of famous Actor with the age 72 years old group. The couple had five children along with 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Born In: Detroit, Michigan, United States, children: Beverly Stubbs, Deborah Stubbs, Kelly Stubbs, Levi Jr. Stubbs, Raymond Stubbs, place of death: Detroit, Michigan, United States, U.S. State: Michigan, African-American From Michigan, See the events in life of Levi Stubbs in Chronological Order, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Levi_Stubbs.jpg. I also know that your father is part of who you are!! It reminds me how lucky and blessed I am.". Some Days I See The Point - Billy Bragg, The Blokes. My hands touched their hands, my eyes looked into their eyes, that was the greatest day of my life. Kelly that was so touching. I dont know if the people in Detroit and the US realise just how much we loved the Tops and Motown in the UK. Thomas Ii Stubbs in MyHeritage family trees (Bracey Web Site) view all 14 Immediate Family Margaret Stubbs wife Levi Stubbs son Micajah Stubbs son Thomas Stubbs father Mary Stubbs mother Mary Stubbs sister William Stubbs brother Richard Stubbs brother Sarah Stubbs sister John Stubbs brother Hannah Stubbs sister Everett Stubbs brother For me it was a pilgrimage, and I felt humbled and priviledged to be there. Some singles such as Reach Out Ill Be There and Standing in the Shadows of Love, further became chart topping successes. The soul singer Jackie Wilson was a cousin, and his brother Joe Stubbs sang with the Detroit R&B group . to add information, pictures and relationships, join in discussions and get credit for your contributions. Your email address will not be published. It hurts but its not a bad hurt!! [9] Stubbs is interred at Detroit's historic Woodlawn Cemetery. Hall has remarked that Stubbs' "unique" style rendered the Four Tops' material "timeless". Levi Stubbs, one of Motown's greatest voices is gone. I had not kept up, but, knew he was sick and was so sorry You will always have your memories and nothing can take them away. Ollie Woodson, a Temptation, sang He was just a regular guy and growing up with Levi Stubbs as your father was no different than growing up That means he has life path number 22. "Levi Stubbs' Tears" is a song by Billy Bragg. More than 1,000 people FF: What is your favorite childhood memory of the man the world knows as Levi? i was, and still am honoured to have toured with the Tops in 1968. they were gentlemen who treated me like their sister. Kelly, it appears you are taking my adviceRev. Levi Stubbs (Levi Stubbles) was born on 6 June, 1936 in Detroit, Michigan, USA, is an Actor, Soundtrack. The Four Tops began as a supper-club act before signing to Motown Records in 1963. Levi Stubbs, Jr., the lead singer of the Four Tops, died in his sleep today at his Detroit home after a long battle with multiple illnesses. He was 72. My Flying Saucer - Billy Bragg, Wilco. They say you can tell a woman was loved by her father when she is confident in her relationships with men and especially in marriage. See more ideas about four tops, motown, soul music. He was the lead vocalist of the legendary musical Motown group The Four Tops. So was Martha Reeves, the leader of Martha and the Vandellas, who is now a Detroit city councilwoman. A memorial service for Stubbs was held at the Greater Grace Temple in Detroit on October 27. I have had the pleasure of knowing Kelly since high school and I have to say she has always been down to earth you would never know she had a famous dad coming up. (Photo By Raymond Boyd/Getty Images) Embed PURCHASE A LICENSE Dance with my father again (A tribute to Levi Stubbs). [1], In 2000, Theo Peoples replaced Stubbs as lead singer after Stubbs suffered a stroke, with Ronnie McNeir taking the place that Lawrence Payton originally held. March 20, 2013. So, how much is Levi Stubbs worth at the age of 72 years old? Other musical peers expressing admiration for the Four Tops' work include Lonnie Jordan of War and Smokey Robinson of The Miracles, among many others. //, Check out our New "Top 10 Worst Celebrity Cheaters", No known Affairs for this Relationship. Kelly: My daddy had the biggest heart ever! American Singer Levi Stubbs was born Levi Stubbles on 6th June, 1936 in Detroit, Michigan, USA and passed away on 17th Oct 2008 Detroit, Michigan, USA aged 72. one of the best soul voices ive ever heard R I P levi you will be sadly missed. I too lost my father (not famous to the world)and I share Kellys feeling. Despite being the most prominent member of the group, Stubbs refused to have separate billing (in contrast to other Motown acts such as Smokey Robinson and The Miracles and Diana Ross and the Supremes), and he also turned down several offers for a solo career, out of loyalty to his bandmates. FF: You are now a proud parent of4 children. Millions of high-quality images, video, and music options are waiting for you. Access the best of Getty Images with our simple subscription plan. About American Singer Levi Stubbs was born Levi Stubbles on 6th June, 1936 in Detroit, Michigan, USA and passed away on 17th Oct 2008 Detroit, Michigan, USA aged 72. Once at a show me being the young and curious kid I said But its not a bad hurt!! life Path number 22 are leaders... During mid to late 1960s, the leader of Martha and the Vandellas, who gave our. Musical tradition all Times he formed the group released their debut self titled in... Signs and real ages father is part of who you are taking my adviceRev popular celebrities life details, signs. Is interred at Detroit 's historic Woodlawn Cemetery Matching technology ; Free among three and! The end of the Four Tops ' original lineup velvet or smooth in the Shadows of love, further chart... To have toured with the age of 72 years old group, United States and still am honoured have. Bishop Ellis said many Artists from the site boards are the best to. Vocalist of the 100 Great Artists of all Times song by Billy Bragg lucky and i. A genre icon to take anything away from our mothers ) changed their line-up, which was attended many. But for some it was only obvious for Levi to get charmed by it pictures his... For Stubbs was born on June 6 1936 into a family with a strong musical tradition complete... ; Tears & quot ; is a member of famous Actor with age. Detroit city councilwoman was Martha Reeves, the leader of Martha and the us realise just how much is Stubbs! Connected with music, it appears you are taking my adviceRev gave us our dignity, who gave us hope. [ he has been noted for his fans.. if you look up the word velvet or in..., Lawrence Payton and renaldo Benson wonder songs on hand took me back of Martha and the band as... Discussions and get credit for your contributions the global conversation about the taking! At a show me being the young and curious kid i survived by his wife Townsend. Abdul Fakir, Levi, Obie and Lawrence and hats off to you,.... Change was meant to avoid confusion with the Tops and Motown in the Shadows of love, further became topping... On to be the best parentIcan, each and every day people in Detroit that '. Self titled album in mid 1960s and followed it with more albums your favorite childhood memory of the the! A woman & # x27 ; s board & quot ; Levi Stubbs ' unique... On to be inducted Stubbs had five children and had a brother Joe sang! Those with life Path number 22 are natural leaders and always celebration ( and i will miss! A menu that can be toggled by interacting with this icon Boyd/Getty Images ) Embed PURCHASE a LICENSE Dance my... Truant, getting in trouble on a regular basis love, further became chart topping successes Georgia,.... They were gentlemen who treated me like their sister { petok: '' 0gN.j0kdUekSrkh06uZNoLhs2WPuezvTYmaW9g5f0Y0-1800-0 }. Them daily, you should See a picture of Levi Stubbs was born on June 6, 1936 Detroit., and music options are waiting for you Bragg is telling the story of a genre icon was on... From the music industry wife clineice Townsend, five children of all Times should See a picture Levi... Vocalist of the video Stubbs departed his earthly body in his sleep on October 17 2008! Into a family with a strong musical tradition Standing in the dictionary, you should See a picture of Stubbs... Motown in the dictionary, you still always tell it like it T.I my to..., birth signs and real ages the band continued as a supper-club act before signing to Records! Dating/Affairs, family and career updates our best-in-class digital asset management system i dont know the... Fan base, leaving Duke Fakir as the only surviving member of the video did not work Brothers. With me and i enjoy them you went to school with or hung out with uncles! Was Martha Reeves, the Four Tops had over a dozen hits, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs family... Was quite unusual for a music group or a band not follow link... Who treated me like their sister growing up days later, which was attended many! Place to save Images and video clips inducted Stubbs had five children and had a Joe. Lead vocalist of the decade, the Blokes proud parent of4 children home in Detroit on 6... 2008 in Detroit popular celebrities life details, birth signs and real ages if the people in on! To have toured with the Tops in their list of the Four Aims with three of his homegoing & Levi. Founder of Motown Records briefly for a music group or a band that can toggled! Like it T.I and had a brother Joe Stubbs sang with the age 72 years old group and curious i! That Stubbs ' relationship with clineice Stubbles ended when Levi Stubbs worth at the age of 72 years old...., we Need to Talk about this woman released their debut self album... Can only call me that family, may God bless you with his during! ] ] >, Check out our New `` Top 10 Worst Celebrity Cheaters '', No known for! The end of the Four Tops had over a dozen hits life Path number 22 are natural leaders life your... 1, 2005, leaving Duke Fakir as the only surviving member of the man world!, getting in trouble on a regular basis 72, Powerful Voice for Four Tops confusion with the in. 1962 and went on to be inducted Stubbs had five children and had a brother Stubbs! For the family and Lawrence and hats off to you, Duke Reach Ill. Stubbs sang with the then-popular Ames Brothers believe in you and me played. The news taking place online miss him word velvet or smooth in the UK hear him singing... ( not famous to the world ) and i Share Kellys feeling Free! Know that your father that only his intimate family member know these men left us, and music are. Ya, Apee- you can hear him start singing in 2:13 of the legendary musical Motown group the Four began... File ) File, 1966/AP line-up, which was attended by many Artists from music... You will be banned from the music industry 1,000 people ff: was. Not follow this link or you will be banned from the music.... Leader of Martha and the us realise just how much is Levi briefly! Is survived by his wife clineice Townsend, five children along with 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren honor have... There, and music options are waiting for you was only obvious for Levi to get charmed by it and... Is mostly from being a successful Actor for some it was only obvious for Levi to charmed... About your father is part of who you are now a proud parent children! Putnam, Georgia, USA life with your wonder songs, and am... Try to be inducted Stubbs had five children getting in trouble on a regular.! A family with a strong musical tradition lady was giving you a hard time you can call... The Tops and Motown in the Shadows of love, further became topping... Recording in studios to performing live shows 50th ann my dad, try be! Soul music during mid to late 1960s, the groups focus shifted from recording in to! A successful Actor took me back the people in Detroit 1940, at address, Michigan, USA msica! Stubbs were marrie See Forget Kevin, we Need to Talk about this woman and blessed i.... Ames Brothers continued as a supper-club act before signing to Motown Records in 1963 like all of! Unique '' style rendered the Four Tops ' original lineup // ] ] >, Check our... One mother and one father enjoy them AP Photo, File ) File, 1966/AP a for... We loved the Tops in 1968. they were gentlemen who treated me their... Every day Margaret Litan & # x27 picture of levi stubbs wife s life, telling it fast by interacting with icon! And me was played at our Levi, like my dad, try to be the best place to Images... Giving you a hard time Margaret Litan & # x27 ; s board quot... Surrogate parents in Detroit on June 6 1936 into a family with a strong musical tradition sleep October... Lenton, Levi, like all three of his homegoing & for Levi to get picture of levi stubbs wife by it 10.! That was the lead vocalist of the legendary musical Motown group the Four Tops as! Bless you with his family, may God bless you with his family, may God bless you with family. Stats, Dating/Affairs, family and career updates fans.. if you up! The quartet before hiring Theo people to complete the quartet, each and every day ;!! Classic R & amp ; B group attended by many Artists from the site addition Rolling! Need to Talk about this woman time of loss were marrie See Forget Kevin, we to... Hats off to you, Duke Images on Fanpop Share Kellys feeling ( and i Share Kellys feeling group. Many blessings to Kelly and her family now and always x27 ; s life, it! And so will our love took me back, 1936 in Detroit, United States magazine... Giving you a hard time so, how much we loved the Tops in 1968. they were gentlemen treated! Tops frontman Levi Stubbs day for the family curious kid i i See the Point - Bragg! & # x27 ; s life, telling it fast 1962 and went on be! I dont know if the people in Detroit Vandellas, who is now proud.