The song was unusual for Four Tops as they were more into producing jazz tracks. By the end of the decade, the Four Tops had over a dozen hits. He stopped performing on-stage after that. The Four Tops were awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording at 7060 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California. . [2] Stubbs attended Detroit Pershing High School, where he met Abdul "Duke" Fakir. Billboard also bestowed the same honour on the group. I know that my grandfather made me the woman that I am today! Four Tops frontman Levi Stubbs, whose dynamic and emotive voice drove . His cousin was Jackie Wilson. He died in his sleep on October 17, 2008, at his home in Detroit. 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. here to know that you love and appreciate them. He has been noted by writers for his emotional, often dramatic, style of singing. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I really enjoyed the article. Update Celebrity Profile. Help keep Levi Stubbs profile up to date. a wonderful experience. Four Aims began small and performed their first gig at a birthday party. i will always hold this family close to my heart because we have the same wonderful DNA pumping thru our viens. window.__mirage2 = {petok:"0gN.j0kdUekSrkh06uZNoLhs2WPuezvTYmaW9g5f0Y0-1800-0"}; Many of Stubbs' friends from the music industry attended including Berry Gordy, Martha Reeves, Brian Holland, Ali-Ollie Woodson and Dennis Edwards. Millions of high-quality images, video, and music options are waiting for you. 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. The group released their debut self titled album in mid 1960s and followed it with more albums. 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. Born in 1936 in Detroit, Stubbs had a brother, Joe, who later became a member of 100 Proof (Aged In Soul), The Falcons, The Contours and The Originals. He has been noted by writers for his emotional, often dramatic, style of singing. Organize, control, distribute and measure all of your digital content. At 72 years old, Levi Stubbs height will never be another ensemble like you! 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. 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. Is there something youd like the FathersFootprints audience to know about your father that only his intimate family member know? Love you always. So did Smokey Robinson, the performer and songwriter. The Four Tops signed with Motown Records in 1963. The Four Tops began as a supper-club act before signing to Motown Records in 1963. Levi Stubbs made an appearance there on March 13, 1970, charged with illegally possessing cocaine and live ammunition. The Four Tops were inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland in 1990. Levi Stubbs's income source is mostly from being a successful Actor. The Lede is a blog that remixes national and international news stories -- adding information gleaned from the Web or gathered through original reporting -- to supplement articles in The New York Times and draw readers 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. For those of us that grew up in time that was the explosion of Tamla Motown, this is so sad. Over 20 years ago I attended Detroit St. Martin DePorres high school with one of Stubbs five children. A couple years later they became Four Tops. Some singles such as Reach Out Ill Be There and Standing in the Shadows of Love, further became chart topping successes. 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 Levi Stubbs married Clineice in 1960 and the couple remained together until his death in 2008. Kelly is my youngest sister, and she is correct in saying we had the most wonderful father in the world !! Although not an actor per se, Stubbs provided the voice of the carnivorous plant Audrey II in the 1986 movie version of the musical Little Shop of Horrors and the voice of Mother Brain in the animated TV series Captain N: The Game Master (1989). Under ABC-Dunhill Records, the group released their debut album titled Keeper of the Castle and followed it with albums such as Main Street People and Catfish. 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.. Levi Stubbs (Levi Stubbles) was born on 6 June, 1936 in Detroit, Michigan, USA, is an Actor, Soundtrack. 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. Name Born . Levi Stubbs was born in Detroit on June 6 1936 into a family with a strong musical tradition. He had five children with his wife Clineice Stubbs, to whom he was married for almost 50 years. Add interesting content and earn coins. [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. He is survived by his wife Clineice Townsend, five children and three sisters. What parenting traits have you inherited from you father? (AP Photo, File) File, 1966/AP. Other musical peers expressing admiration for the Four Tops' work include Lonnie Jordan of War and Smokey Robinson of The Miracles, among many others. To dance with my father again (Luther Vandross). A memorial service was held 10 days later, which was attended by many artists from the music industry. He began singing when he was young and became serious about a career in music when he was in high school. Many blessings to Kelly and her family now and always. Stubbs has been regarded by some as one of the quintessential male soul singers. Date Of Death: Oct 17, 2008. Levi Stubbs's net worth Its amazing how when we are grown we finally realize just how important certain people are in our lives!!! Levi, like all three of the other Tops, was my father too. Share your family tree and photos with the people you know and love. Luv the hair, luv the shoes, luv the suityou are so you in the photo with the awardlove it all!! According to confirmed press reports Stubbs, who has been sick since being diagnosed with cancer in 1995 died at his home in Detroit. In addition, Rolling Stones magazine included Four Tops in their list of the 100 Great Artists of All Times. Levi Stubbs and his wife Clineice were married from 1960 until his death, and had five children. the same old song, Bishop Ellis said, to laughter and applause. However, they kept touring around the country and further polished their skills as performers. Hey Kelly and Damon, I mistakenly thought this was an excerpt from and upcoming book collaboration by the two of you. I guess the most touching part is even as we became adultsand began to rear families of our own, he continued to call. Johnny Mathis And His Parents. without him, but we know that his spirit lives on in each and every one of us. and to add what was said about him Monday Tap into Getty Images' global scale, data-driven insights, and network of more than 340,000 creators to create content exclusively for your brand. He was 76. is 5'11"(1.8m) . Streamline your workflow with our best-in-class digital asset management system. His net worth has been growing significantly in 2021-2022. Levi Stubbs is a voice actor known for voicing Audrey II, and Mother Brain. Levi Stubbs Birthday: June 6, 1936 (72 years) Died: October 17, 2008 (14 years Ago) HomeTown: Detroit, Michigan, United States Levi Stubbs is an American, Gifted with an incredible vocal range, he was best known as the lead singer of the Motown group The Four Tops. [5] Stubbs and the other Tops remained a team until Lawrence Payton died in 1997, at which point Theo Peoples took his place. 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. While sitting here reading the many tributes to Levi, I would like to say thank you for loving and repecting him. Kelly and Damon, this is a great piece and from the sound of it, the beginning of a great project. things some children of entertainers are exposed to. fan Art of Levi Stubbs for fans of Classic R&B msica 43363058. A giant in the musical world. The soul singer Jackie Wilson was a cousin, and his brother Joe Stubbs sang with the Detroit R&B group . I guess the song for me like that is Still WatersI made it my moms ring tone on her cell phone. Boards are the best place to save images and video clips. 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. Age: N/A . We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 6 June. Just a little bit rubs off but it means so much and it does so much for who you are and what you will become. Stubbs and the other Tops remained a team until Lawrence Payton died in 1997, at which point Theo Peoples took his place. I was blessed to have these extra eyes watching me, and extra arms embracing me when my own dad wasnt around. A memorial service for Stubbs was held at the Greater Grace Temple in Detroit on October 27. 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. Mr Levi Stubbs: Are you man Enough, Its the Way Nature Planned It, Just ask the Lonely and Still Water. 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. Berry Gordy Jr., the founder of Motown Records, was on hand. [3] 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.[4]. I will never forget Rosa Parks. 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..!!! God rest his soul. DETROIT Levi Stubbs, the gravelly-voiced, imploring lead singer of the Motown group the Four Tops, who stood out in 1960s pop classics like "Reach Out, I'll Be There," and "Bernadette," died. I was fortunate this Kelly: I have so many great memories butI guess the one that I often think about was the family ski trip. Many of Stubbs' friends from the music industry attended including Berry Gordy, Martha Reeves, Brian Holland, Ali-Ollie Woodson and Dennis Edwards. Levi Stubbs was born on June 6, 1936 in Detroit, Michigan, USA. The legacy of Levi Stubbs will live on forever, as long as music is a part of our core existence. Streamline your workflow with our best-in-class digital asset management system. say he was just going to work like fathers do. Billy Bragg's "Levi Stubbs' Tears" (Go! They brought two of their music enthusiast friends, Renaldo Benson and Lawrence Payton, onboard and laid the foundation of a musical group named Four Aims. . Younger brother, Joe Stubbs, sang with The Falcons, He was elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990 (as a member of, TV Special performer: "Mean Green Mother from Outer Space", performer: "Feed Me Git It", "Suppertime", "Mean Green Mother From Outer Space", The Four Tops: Reach Out - Definitive Performances 1965-1973, From the Heart: The Four Tops 50th Anniversary & Celebration, Celebrate the Dream: 50 Years of Ebony Magazine, Motown on Showtime: Temptations and Four Tops, The Motown Revue Starring Smokey Robinson, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Live: I'll Take You There. With the unprecedented success in the Sixties of Motown Records, label president Berry Gordy had formed an independently-owned black record . By the end of the decade, they had over a dozen hits. 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. Levi Stubbs briefly sings for his fans..if you listen carefully you can hear him start singing in 2:13 of the video. [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. how terribly upset i was when i found out that hed left us. If you look up the word velvet or smooth in the dictionary, you should see a picture of Levi Stubbs. FF: What was life like being the daughter of a genre icon? One of the greatest voices, if not the greatest, of all time Rock and Roll singers. Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? 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. 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. lol. Always loved em. It is a blow to the music world. It hurts but its not a bad hurt!! Levi Stubbs and his wife Clineice were married from 1960 until his death, and had five children. Millions of high-quality images, video, and music options are waiting for you. 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". Levi Stubbs was born on June 6, 1936 in Detroit, United States. Kelly: Hesaid In parenting, you dont get a dress rehearsal, so he would do the best he knew how. I must say, he won an Academy Award! He is most remembered for The Four Tops. What a small world it is indeed! Bobbie Smith, whose mellifluous vocals helped make the Spinners one of the leading soul acts of the 1970s, died on Saturday in Orlando, Fla. Boards are the best place to save images and video clips. Feb 9, 2021 - Explore Margaret Litan's board "Levi Stubbs" on Pinterest. They sound best over AM radio. By the end of the decade, they had over a dozen hits. From left to right are, Abdul Fakir, Levi Stubbs, Lawrence Payton and Renaldo Benson. He was married to Clineice Townsend. Levi Stubbs that gave us our dignity, who gave us our hope and said we could be somebody, Bishop Ellis said. I felt something and didnt know what it was, until about 5 am, my mother came in the room that was it for me. Detroit City Council member JoAnn Watson, along with Martha Reeves, presented a resolution naming Stubbs' birthday "Levi Stubbs Day" in Detroit. My hands touched their hands, my eyes looked into their eyes, that was the greatest day of my life. I know this is selfish to say, but i loved Levi Stubbs like he was my own father. 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 . Search instead in Creative? He also was the voice of Mother Brain in the animated TV series Captain N: The Game Master (1989). . conversely, got checked in quadruplicate when they misbehaved. During mid to late 1960s, the group was producing more than atleast 2 albums each year consistently. 0 Reputation Score Range. Candice Mariexo. He passed away on October 17, 2008, peacefully in his sleep, in his mansion. you and will always love you for fullfilling my life with your wonder songs. Mr. Stubbss death left one surviving original member of the Four Tops, Abdul Fakir. Net Worth, Cancer, Wif Who is Kylin Kalani? Kelly, it appears you are taking my adviceRev. A prodigious talent and from what Ive read and heard, a very fine man. So, how much is Levi Stubbs worth at the age of 72 years old? Grow your brand authentically by sharing brand content with the internets creators. I love the Motown Sound. The cause was complications . Almost all albums were hits. He was an actor, known for Little Shop of Horrors (1986), Captain N: The Game Master (1989) and Queer as Folk (2000). Stubbs was admired by his peers for his impressive vocal range, and influenced many later pop and soul artists, such as Daryl Hall of Hall and Oates. 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. friends, associates & neighbors include Levi Stubbs, Kelly Lenton, Levi Stubbs, Breyon Davis and Catherine Darin. Stubbs leaves his wife of 48 years, Clineice . I have many fond memories of dances and good times that can be associated with their music. So people said, can we see more detail of this petticoat.so here it is today. I had not kept up, but, knew he was sick and was so sorry Much missed! I can remember so vividly the summers of my youth and the rythem of the soul music that was, and is Detroit. Get Started. Renaldo Benson died on July 1, 2005, leaving Duke Fakir as the only surviving member of the Four Tops' original lineup. My daughter shares them with me and I enjoy them. There Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com. 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. Its up to us to decide what we are going to do with it.. Some Days I See The Point - Billy Bragg, The Blokes. Clineice Stubbles and Levi Stubbs were marrie See I love the Four Tops every since I first heard Levi Stubbs voice in 1963. 01-03-2014, 11:18 PM #38 Her only marriage lasted 48.9 years. In 1997, Lawrence Payton passed away and the band continued as a trio for sometime before hiring Theo People to complete the quartet. 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. Amariah Stubbs 39 Frances Stubbs 32 Levi Stubbs 13 Wm Stubbs 9 Frances E Stubbs 6 Matilda Stubbs 5 Robt T Stubbs 2 Josephus Stubbs 0 1880 Fed Census Levi Stubbs 43 Mary E. Stubbs 48 (Dau. He voice was truly one of a kind. Clineice Stubbles' Relationships (1) Check out our New "Top 10 Worst Celebrity Cheaters" Relationship Timeline. So true Deborahgrandparents too. 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!! The Four Tops were voted the 79th Greatest Rock 'n' Roll Artists of all time by Rolling Stone. Throughout their association, Four Tops had never changed their line-up, which was quite unusual for a music group or a band. The couple had five children along with 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. The album was placed at 4th spot in the American music charts while it topped the British charts. https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/levi-stubbs-45912.php, 20th Century Film & Theater Personalities, 21st Century Film & Theater Personalities, 20th Century American Film & Theater Personalities, 21st Century American Film & Theater Personalities. He was the lead vocalist of the legendary musical Motown group The Four Tops. 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. //