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, a group known for a variety of Motown hit records and other songs created in the 1960s and 1970s. I love you and I love both of them..This piece is awesome and keep me updated on the book. Singer Levi Stubbs of The Four Tops and his wife Clineice Townsend are surrounded by family during 'It's All The Way Live With Levi: 50 Years And Still Going', a tribute to Levi Stubbs Of The Four Tops at the Roostertail Nightclub in Detroit, Michigan on February 25, 2004. In June 1965, the group released another single titled I Cant Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch, which turned out to be groups first single to reach Billboards top spot. War band member Lonnie Jordan later told Billboard.com he felt "blessed" to meet Stubbs, and thought that the Four Tops singer's "voice was so good he was just, like, from another planet.". He was 72. Hey Kelly and Damon, I mistakenly thought this was an excerpt from and upcoming book collaboration by the two of you. Love you always. I was probably 5 or 6 years old when I first heard I Cant Help Myself. To this day, that remains my favorite Four Tops song. Access the best of Getty Images with our simple subscription plan. He was an actor, known for Little Shop of Horrors (1986), Captain N: The Game Master (1989) and Queer as Folk (2000). Clineice Stubbles' Relationships (1) Check out our New "Top 10 Worst Celebrity Cheaters" Relationship Timeline. Four Tops Drive now don the street sign at Woodbridge Estates, formerly the Jeffries Homes projects. In addition, Levis cousin was Jackie Wilson, a popular soul singer. Bragg is telling the story of a woman's life, telling it fast. Levi Stubbs' Tears is foreground music. Kelly that was so touching. Event Start Date Length; Dating: n/a--Engaged: n/a--Married: 1960: 48.8 years: Deceased: 10/17/2008-- Total: 48.8 years* Edit a Relationship Event. Other musical peers expressing admiration for the Four Tops' work include Lonnie Jordan of War and Smokey Robinson of The Miracles, among many others. [4] The Four Tops began as a supper-club act before signing to Motown Records in 1963. Boards are the best place to save images and video clips. My wife and I saw the Four Tops a few a wonderful experience. He is survived by his wife Clineice Townsend, five children and three sisters. California Stars (Live October / November 1998) - Billy Bragg, The Blokes. The Harlem Renaissance Series: Billie Holiday (Lady Sings the Blues), 24. Update Celebrity Profile. He was 72. 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. It is not easy living Almost all albums were hits. I too lost my father (not famous to the world)and I share Kellys feeling. By the end of the decade, they had over a dozen hits. :), I grew up in the 60s and loved listening to the Four Tops. The couple remained married for 48 years until his death in 2008. [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". You will always have your memories and nothing can take them away. He often called us several times a day, just to say good morning, good night and to seewhat we did for the day. Seated across the front of the church were Mr. Stubbss widow, Clineice, to whom he was married for 48 years, and their five children, along with 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Kelly and Damon, this is a great piece and from the sound of it, the beginning of a great project. Never dreamed that he would be gone from me 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. More chart topping singles followed and Four Tops was now quickly becoming one of the most recognized fresh talent in the pop music scene. FF: You are now a proud parent of4 children. . they almost did.. See more ideas about four tops, motown, soul music. 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. Many of Stubbs' friends from the music industry attended including Berry Gordy, Martha Reeves, Brian Holland, Ali-Ollie Woodson and Dennis Edwards. Mr. Stubbss death left one surviving original member of the Four Tops, Abdul Fakir. My daughter was so lucky to have known her great-grandmother and have her in her life for 5 years. Stubbs was also a voice artist in film and animated television series, most famously having provided the voice of the alien plant in the 1986 comedic horror film Little Shop of Horrors (an adaption of the stage musical of the same name), as well as Mother Brain in the 1989 TV series Captain N: The Game Master. Help us build our profile of Levi Stubbs! 01-03-2014, 11:18 PM #38 More. He began singing when he was young and became serious about a career in music when he was in high school. Stubbs was also a voice artist in film and television, and provided the voice of "Audrey II", the alien plant in the 1986 musical horror comedy film Little Shop of Horrors (an adaption of the stage musical of the same name), as well as Mother Brain in the 1989 TV series Captain N: The Game Master. and to add what was said about him Monday From left to right are, Abdul Fakir, Levi Stubbs, Lawrence Payton and Renaldo Benson. The Numerology of Levi Stubbs [ ] Levi Stubbs has Life Path Number 22. Kelly: My daddy had the biggest heart ever! [5] Stubbs and the other Tops remained a team until Lawrence Payton died in 1997, at which point Theo Peoples took his place. In 1972, the group broke apart from Motown and joined another label ABC. CAPITOL Clineice Stubbs, wife of Four Tops member, Levi Stubbs; Four Tops member Abdul Fakir; Levi Stubbs; Yone Payton, wife of deceased member Lawrence Payton and Four Tops member, Renaldo Benson; from left, display the Michigan Senate Resolution that declared, Four Tops Day in the State of Michigan, in the Senate Chambers of the State Capitol He also was the voice of Mother Brain in the animated TV series Captain N: The Game Master (1989). 18. The American pop group, "The Four Tops," pose at Heathrow airport in London in a Nov. 16, 1966 file photo, en route to the United States. Levi Stubbs is a member of the following lists: American television actors, American voice actors and American male singers. Levi Stubbs and his wife Clineice were married from 1960 until his death, and had five children. As Kelly said, cherish your parents each and everyday and do the best you can for them while they are Renaldo Benson died on July 1, 2005, leaving Duke Fakir as the only surviving member of the Four Tops' original lineup. it was truly a great day & Im honored that you guys included me on such a wonderful occasion. RIP Levi Stubbs. [3], Stubbs also guest-starred in a number of TV shows as himself. Although Stubbs was a natural baritone, most Four Tops' hits were written in a tenor range to give the lead vocals a sense of urgency. 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. Organize, control, distribute and measure all of your digital content. They eventually moved on to performing at local bars and clubs. March 20, 2013. If you look up the word velvet or smooth in the dictionary, you should see a picture of Levi Stubbs. is. What advice do you have for those who still having living parents? Levi Stubbs and his wife Clineice were married (for 48 years) from 1960 until his . lists Sometimes it's hard to keep up with the latest celebrity news, but don't worry we have you covered. More than 1,000 people My deepest sympathy to your family and friends. Rosa Parks. He had been ill recently and died in his sleep at the Detroit house he shared with his wife of 48 years, said Dana Meah, the wife of a grandson. conversely, got checked in quadruplicate when they misbehaved. Over 20 years ago I attended Detroit St. Martin DePorres high school with one of Stubbs five children. I did get a chance to meet Levi back in 2004 at the 50th ann. Many blessings to Kelly and her family now and always. October 17, 2008 (aged 72) Detroit, Michigan, U.S. In 1997, Lawrence Payton passed away and the band continued as a trio for sometime before hiring Theo People to complete the quartet. Seated across the front of the church were Mr. Stubbs's widow, Clineice, to whom he was married for 48 years, and their five children, along with 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Levi was the voice along with the other Tops, and will be missed , but never forgotten. Kelly: I have so many great memories butI guess the one that I often think about was the family ski trip. Daddy's Little Woman - The Candice Sanders Story. wedding. Said the younger Mr. Fakir: Levi and these men left us, and are leaving us, an inheritance. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I really enjoyed the article. "Levi Stubbs' Tears" is a song by Billy Bragg. He died in his sleep on October 17, 2008, at his home in Detroit. 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 . The couple had five children along with 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. news, According to confirmed press reports Stubbs, who has been sick since being diagnosed with cancer in 1995 died at his home in Detroit. I guess the most touching part is even as we became adultsand began to rear families of our own, he continued to call. The Four Tops began as a supper-club act before signing to Motown Records in 1963. Levi Stubbs achieved great success with Four Tops. 2.43 3.58 /5. Levi was not only a great singer but, from what I So, how much is Levi Stubbs worth at the age of 72 years old? Dance with my father again (A tribute to Levi Stubbs). Living in Detroit, Michigan, for much of his life, including his last days, he was married to Clineice Stubbs for over 40 years until his death. With the unprecedented success in the Sixties of Motown Records, label president Berry Gordy had formed an independently-owned black record . It wasnt said in a mean way it was just a levi thing LOL, I enjoyed the tribute very much. 2023 Getty Images. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame . Stubbs departed his earthly body in his sleep on October 17, 2008 at his home in Detroit. one of the best soul voices ive ever heard R I P levi you will be sadly missed. 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 . Get Started. Showing Editorial results for levi stubbs. I saw Levi come on, in a special with the 4 Tops on PBS a few years ago. You have learned how to be a good person, friend, mother, wife, and sister from two amazing people. i know how it feels to lose a father(jojo), a great funny kind hearted man as well. The Tops' mighty lead singer was granted bail, and spent part of the next two months fighting the case to a successful conclusion. [9] Stubbs is interred at Detroit's historic Woodlawn Cemetery. Where is Craig Sheffer now? Login 338 Levi Stubbs Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images CREATIVE EDITORIAL VIDEO All Sports Entertainment News Archival Browse 338 levi stubbs stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. The Four Tops were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990 and the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame in 2013. Classic R&B msica. A stroke and other health problems led him to stop touring in 2000. Trending: 9,344th This Week. Clineice Townsend (1960 - 17 October2008)( his death)( 5 children). When my wifes cell phone rings with a call from me, it says sugar pie honey bunchthank you Levi for those immortal words. Levi Stubbs and his wife Clineice were married (for 48 years) from 1960 until his death in 2008. photos, DETROIT -- Four Tops frontman Levi Stubbs, whose dynamic and emotive voice drove such Motown classics as "Reach Out (I'll Be There)" and "Baby I Need Your Loving," died Friday at 72. say he was just going to work like fathers do. Thanks for bringing this article to my attention! to hear that he passed. This was a beautiful recollection of Levi. Levi Stubbss income source is mostly from being a successful Actor. At the service, he recalled the scene when the group was preparing for its first public performance in Flint, Mich. But both Motown and Four Tops benefitted greatly with the partnership as their success was about to explode in the next few years. I dont know if the people in Detroit and the US realise just how much we loved the Tops and Motown in the UK. of Isaac & Fannie Stubbs Jackson) Wm. Ill be placing the pictures from Levi Stubbs Day on Soulfuldetroit tomorrow & Sunday. But beyond that, Bishop Ellis said, young black men got tips from Four Tops songs on how to conduct schoolyard romances. Levi Stubbs (Stubbles), singer, born April 6 1936; died . But for some In 2000 Stubbs suffered a stroke, and did not perform again. Take Down The Union Jack (Band Version) - Billy Bragg, The Blokes. Stubbs turned the role down, however, once again not wishing to overshadow the other members of the Four Tops. He had. Two years later, after signing with Chess Records, the group changed their name to the Four Tops. It was my honor to have taken pictures of his homegoing & for Levi Stubbs Day for the family. The 72-year-old Stubbs -- who died October 17 at his home in Detroit following years of illness -- was celebrated with a funeral fit for a head of state at Greater Grace Temple. Organize, control, distribute and measure all of your digital content. [1], Stubbs was born and spent much of his life in Detroit, Michigan. I know that my grandfather made me the woman that I am today! After 1978, the group took a small break and returned in 1981 with Casablanca Records, releasing an album titled Tonight! However, by that time, their charm had faded away and they struggled to remain relevant through the 1980s and the 1990s. Levi Stubbs. things some children of entertainers are exposed to. and bless his lovely wife and family. I only wish that I had really gotten to know him, as it wouldve been an honor. DETROIT (AP) - Four Tops frontman Levi Stubbs, whose dynamic and emotive voice drove such Motown classics as "Reach Out (I'll Be There)" and "Baby I Need Your Loving," died Friday at 72. Name Born . Showing Editorial results for levi stubbs. They have sold over 50 million records worldwide. To his family, may God bless you with His grace during this time of loss. from videos, Levi passed away on month day 2008, at age 72 at death place. I think it grounded you and shaped you into a great moma nutty cuzzin, a wonderful daughter, and oustanding grandma Kelly from Treeon and and AWESOME wife. lets always keep eath other lifted in prayer and stay close. I know this is selfish to say, but i loved Levi Stubbs like he was my own father. why is it that color 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 Personal Life: Levi Stubbs married Clineice Townsend in 1960. While working as an urban revitalization specialist for the city of Detroit, I had the distinct honor helping to facilitate the naming of several streets in a newly revitalized community. He was 72. We didnt have quite the money to pay for those four suits, said Mr. Fakir, known as Duke, who was nattily dressed for the funeral in a gray suit, white shirt and white tie. [5] Stubb's final performance with the Four Tops was at the group's "50th Anniversary Concert" on July 28, 2004 at the Detroit Opera House. RIP, Levi, Obie and Lawrence and hats off to you, Duke. It is a blow to the music world. [5], Stubbs has been regarded by some as one of the quintessential male soul singers. So did Smokey Robinson, the performer and songwriter. Your email address will not be published. Elizabeth Latham . Most Famous For: Widow of Levi Stubbs. Those rythms and that special innocence has stayed with me all my life. . Add an Affair, Check out our New "Top 10 Hollywood Seductresses", Go To Levi Stubbs' ProfileGo To Clineice Stubbles' Profile, "I love being a mom and the chaos it brings me. by smokey Robinson he had one of the greatest voices in the world! 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. Hi as i read this article tears are rolling down my face. "[1], Stubbs and his wife Clineice were married (for 48 years) from 1960 until his death in 2008. By the end of the decade, the Four Tops had over a dozen hits. Hall has remarked that Stubbs' "unique" style rendered the Four Tops' material "timeless". for any other kid you went to school with or hung out with. I have just started reading your blogs. Levi Stubbs is American by birth. 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