Levi Stubbs Lead vocalist of the musical group “The Four Tops”. Date of Birth: 06.06.1936 Country: USA

1. Biography of Levi Stubbs
2. Formation of "The Four Aims"
3. Collaboration with Motown Records
4. Success and Accolades
5. Talents beyond Music
6. Battle with Cancer and Passing

Biography of Levi Stubbs

Levi Stubbs, born on June 6, 1936, in Detroit, was an American popular singer and baritone who was once the lead vocalist of the musical group "The Four Tops." The group consisted of four members - Duke Fakir, Obie Benson, Lawrence Payton, and Levi Stubbs - who remained unchanged for over forty years. Levi Stubbs demonstrated musical talent from an early age and dreamt of a career as a professional musician.

Formation of "The Four Aims"

In 1954, Levi Stubbs and his three friends formed a remarkably interesting group called "The Four Aims." Two years later, after signing a contract with Chess Records, the group changed its name to "The Four Tops." The name change was motivated by several reasons, including avoiding confusion with another popular group at the time, the "Ames Brothers." Initially, the group performed at various venues.

Collaboration with Motown Records

However, in 1963, the group signed a contract with Motown Records, marking a significant turning point in their career. From that point on, "The Four Tops" reached great heights. They created numerous compositions, with songs like "Baby I Need Your Loving," "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)," "It's the Same Old Song," "Reach Out I'll Be There," "Standing in the Shadows of Love," "Bernadette," "Still Water (Love)," and "Ain't No Woman (Like the One I've Got)" gaining immense popularity.

Success and Accolades

"The Four Tops" remained at the peak of their popularity until 1997, when Lawrence Payton passed away. The musical group received multiple awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990. Their albums sold millions of copies, with over 50 million copies sold throughout the group's existence. Unfortunately, at present, Duke Fakir is the only surviving member of the group.

Talents beyond Music

Levi Stubbs not only possessed musical talent but also had acting abilities. He occasionally appeared on various television shows and provided voiceovers for animated films. In his personal life, Levi Stubbs was devoted to his family. He married his wife in 1960, and they had five children together.

Battle with Cancer and Passing

Since 1995, Levi Stubbs had been battling cancer, and the disease frequently made its presence known. On October 17, 2008, Levi passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Detroit.