He has been noted by writers for his emotional, often dramatic, style of singing. It was not until recently that Kelly was able to discuss and share with others what the loss of her father means to her. With the unprecedented success in the Sixties of Motown Records, label president Berry Gordy had formed an independently-owned black record . We go back all the way with the Tops & Motown. they almost did.. But both Motown and Four Tops benefitted greatly with the partnership as their success was about to explode in the next few years. Levi Stubbs's full name is Levi Stubbs and his nickname is Levi Stubbs. Check Background Get Contact Info This . 10/27/2008. His voice was mesmerizing and I will truly miss him. 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. 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. Levi was diagnosed with cancer in 1995 and had a stroke in 2000. one of the best soul voices ive ever heard R I P levi you will be sadly missed. He has been noted for his powerful, emotional, dramatic style of singing. The bishop told the truth~~~~~~I will ALWAYS Love MOTOWN (thank you Berry Gordy) hotep, I was there at the Funeral and I can say it was very emotional for me, I always loved the four Tops and Motown. Hall has remarked that Stubbs' "unique" style rendered the Four Tops' material "timeless". 0 Add Rating Anonymously. I was blessed to have these extra eyes watching me, and extra arms embracing me when my own dad wasnt around. 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. I guess the most touching part is even as we became adultsand began to rear families of our own, he continued to call. why is it that color My Flying Saucer - Billy Bragg, Wilco. From left to right are, Abdul Fakir, Levi Stubbs, Lawrence Payton and Renaldo Benson. The Four Tops signed with Motown Records in 1963. If I could steal one final glance, one final step, one final dance with him news, Its up to us to decide what we are going to do with it.. I love you and I love both of them..This piece is awesome and keep me updated on the book. Having been around you all, I have to say that Levi had to have been one hell of a father & you guys are one hell of a family to have shared Levi with the entire world. [4], During the band's long career it was signed to the Motown, ABC Dunhill, Arista and Casablanca record labels, and Stubbs' vocals influenced many later pop and soul artists, such as Daryl Hall of Hall and Oates. [1] A memorial service for Stubbs was held at the Greater Grace Temple in Detroit on October 27. Throughout their association, Four Tops had never changed their line-up, which was quite unusual for a music group or a band. Thanks for telling the story, I know you will, as our mothers would say, tell it like it T.I.S. Im sure our readers are looking forward to the details of the Stubbs legacy in the book, Daddy Am I Pretty? Levi Stubbs's income source is mostly from being a successful Actor. My favorite is the one were that Rachel lady was giving you a hard time. Login As they signed with Chess Records, they changed their group name to Four Tops. Luv the hair, luv the shoes, luv the suityou are so you in the photo with the awardlove it all!! Levi passed away on month day 2008, at age 72 at death place. Levi Stubbs is American by birth. Levi however had a special place in my life because he chose to be my Godfather (and Clineice my Godmother), a title he took very seriously. The cause was complications . Clineice Stubbles and Levi Stubbs were married for 62 years before Levi Stubbs died aged 72. Many of their albums performed better in UK than US. In 2023, His Personal Year Number is 10. We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 6 June. Two years later, after signing with Chess Records, the group changed their name to the Four Tops. and bless his lovely wife and family. Stubbs has been regarded by some as one of the quintessential male soul singers. Levi Stubbs (born Levi Stubbles, June 6, 1936 October 17, 2008) was an American baritone singer, best known as the lead vocalist of the RB group the Four Tops, a group known for a variety of Motown hit records and other songs created in the 1960s and 1970s. love ya, Apee- you can only call me that. It reminds me how lucky and blessed I am.". Levis version of I Believe In You and Me damn near brings me to tears..you just dont hear voices like that anymore.. That is so truenow when I hear certain songs Levi sang I cant help myself the tears or will never be another ensemble like you! Johnny Mathis And His Parents. Levi Stubbs married Clineice in 1960 and the couple remained together until his death in 2008. His cousin was Jackie Wilson. Its the same old song, but with a different meaning since youve been gone . View popular celebrities life details, birth signs and real ages. it was truly a great day & Im honored that you guys included me on such a wonderful occasion. Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com. RIP Mr. Stubbs. Readers are encouraged to take part in the blogging by using the comments threads to suggest links to relevant material elsewhere on the Web or by submitting eyewitness accounts, photographs or video of news events. Billboard also bestowed the same honour on the group. Bob Ramberg. 2023 Getty Images. Levi Stubbs and his wife Clineice were married from 1960 until his death, and had five children. 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. Much missed! May God continue to comfort Eventually, they began approaching music labels and ended up signing a record deal with Chess Records in 1956, and thus began their career. He was 72. //]]>, Check out our New "Top 10 Worst Celebrity Cheaters", No known Affairs for this Relationship. So did Smokey Robinson, the performer and songwriter. [10], Stubbs features in Billy Bragg's 1986 song "Levi Stubbs' Tears", about a woman whose Four Tops cassette brings her comfort through difficult times. Who is Levi Stubbs dating? I am unbelievably excited to read Kellys upcoming feature in Daddy, Am I Pretty? Her life is so intriguing, and its her grace and humility that I find so special. have heard, a great human being. 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. My dad is the sole survivor of the original Tops and I cherish him every day, but I miss my Godfather greatly. , money, salary, income, and assets. Nontheless Kelly, you still always tell it like it T.I. At the 51st Annual Grammy Awards, the group received The Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. I can say that Mr. Levi Stubbs treated those of us who met him through Kelly like one of the kids, never a stranger. Ollie Woodson, a Temptation, sang . During the band's long career it was signed to the Motown, ABC Dunhill, Arista and Casablanca record labels, and Stubbs' vocals influenced many later pop and soul artists, such as Daryl Hall of Hall and Oates. But for some Your email address will not be published. [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. Tap into Getty Images' global scale, data-driven insights, and network of more than 340,000 creators to create content exclusively for your brand. Much like sports; the entertainers of the 60s and 70s werent millionaires so we had a rather normal middle-calss existence. FF: The passing of a loved one is never easy. The Re-emergence of the Black Stimulus Program, 58. In 2000 I got a chance to meet the Tops. Millions of high-quality images, video, and music options are waiting for you. They eventually moved on to performing at local bars and clubs. 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. He is most remembered for The Four Tops. 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 had the looks, the stature and the street smarts of a Louis McKay but he refused the role because he though it would interfere with the group's future success." Stubbs is survived by wife Clineice; three sisters; children Beverly, Raymond, Levi III and Kelly; 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Levi will never be standing in the shadows his voice will continue to light up all around him. friends, associates & neighbors include Levi Stubbs, Kelly Lenton, Levi Stubbs, Breyon Davis and Catherine Darin. 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. Always loved em. Berry Gordy Jr., the founder of Motown Records, was on hand. without him, but we know that his spirit lives on in each and every one of us. March 20, 2013. Boards are the best place to save images and video clips. paid respects to Mr. Stubbs over the past two days during a public visitation. Stubbs attended Detroit Pershing High School, where he met Abdul "Duke" Fakir. He was previously married to Clineice Townsend. The song was unusual for Four Tops as they were more into producing jazz tracks. Take Down The Union Jack (Band Version) - Billy Bragg, The Blokes. 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. Your email address will not be published. Elizabeth Latham . Access the best of Getty Images with our simple subscription plan. He was elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990 (as a member of The Four Tops). Clineice's net worth hovers over Greater than $499,999 with a yearly income that's about $100 - 149,999. Your email address will not be published. Collect, curate and comment on your files. During mid to late 1960s, the group was producing more than atleast 2 albums each year consistently. just the melancholy feeling in my heart takes me to where Clineice is or any of Levis children today. . In 1990, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Four Tops. So true Deborahgrandparents too. In this May 2004 photo, Four Tops member Levi Stubbs, seated, is introduced by Michigan state Sen. Irma Clark-Coleman, foreground left, to a session of the state Senate in Lansing, Mich.. And when ever one of the Four Tops would die, i would alway hope and pray that it wasnt Levi Stubbs. Clineice Stubbles' Relationships (1) Check out our New "Top 10 Worst Celebrity Cheaters" Relationship Timeline. See more ideas about four tops, motown, soul music. Levi Stubbs and his wife Clineice were married (for 48 years) from 1960 until his . A stroke and other health problems led him to stop touring in 2000. While Mrs. 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 (Photo By Raymond Boyd/Getty Images) Embed PURCHASE A LICENSE Age: N/A . Most Famous For: Widow of Levi Stubbs. Discover Levi Stubbs's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. 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. Clineice Stubbles is currently single. The Getty Images design is a trademark of Getty Images. [1], Stubbs was born and spent much of his life in Detroit, Michigan. Other musical peers expressing admiration for the Four Tops' work include Lonnie Jordan of War and Smokey Robinson of The Miracles, among many others. Levi Stubbs made an appearance there on March 13, 1970, charged with illegally possessing cocaine and live ammunition. 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. Levi Stubbs was born on June 6, 1936 in Detroit, Michigan, USA. He was the lead vocalist of the legendary musical Motown group The Four Tops. Discover today's celebrity birthdays and explore famous people who share your birthday. Search instead in Creative? Stubbs and the other Tops remained a team until Lawrence Payton died in 1997, at which point Theo Peoples took his place. I feel I had a normal childhood. Levi Stubbs (Stubbles), singer, born April 6 1936; died . Four Tops Drive now don the street sign at Woodbridge Estates, formerly the Jeffries Homes projects. J I, like my dad, try to be the best parentIcan, each and every day. 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. 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. He married Freda Hood, his childhood sweetheart, and a daughter arrived in March, 1951. Levi Stubbs briefly sings for his fans..if you listen carefully you can hear him start singing in 2:13 of the video. In 2000 Stubbs suffered a stroke, and did not perform again. But beyond that, Bishop Ellis said, young black men got tips from Four Tops songs on how to conduct schoolyard romances. 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. Over 20 years ago I attended Detroit St. Martin DePorres high school with one of Stubbs five children. 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 Do NOT follow this link or you will be banned from the site. 01-03-2014, 11:18 PM #38 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. A memorial service for Stubbs was held at the Greater Grace Temple in Detroit on October 27. Net Worth, Cancer, Wif Who is Kylin Kalani? [8] 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. What advice do you have for those who still having living parents? I can remember so vividly the summers of my youth and the rythem of the soul music that was, and is Detroit. //