Levi Stubbs (1936-2008)
His distinguished voice helped define such classic hits as “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)” (1965), “It’s The Same Old Song” (1965), “Reach Out I’ll Be There” (1966) and “Bernadette” (1967). Levi Stubbs was the lead vocalist of the legendary musical Motown group The Four Tops. The Detroit-based quartet also included Renaldo “Obie” Benson, Lawrence Payton and Abdul “Duke” Fakir. Originally named The Four Aims, they formed during the mid-1950s. In 1963, they signed with Motown Records and became one of their most successful groups for many years. Some of their other most memorable songs include “Standing In The Shadows Of Love” (1966), “If I Were a Carpenter” (1968), “Keeper Of The Castle” (1972), “Ain’t No Woman (Like The One I’ve Got)” (1973) and “When She Was My Girl” (1981). The group performed at the historic Live Aid Concert in Philadelphia on July 13, 1985. Stubbs contributed his voice to the 1986 film adaptation of “Little Shop of Horrors”, as the man-eating plant Audrey II. The Four Tops were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990. Stubbs died at his Detroit home from a variety of health ailments.