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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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Four Tops Singer Dead At 72

Stubbs' baritone was featured on many Motown hits

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(Newser) – Baritone Levi Stubbs, the heart of the Four Tops, died today in Detroit at age 72, the Detroit News reports. With Abdul Fakir, Lawrence Payton and Renaldo Benson, Stubbs recorded many iconic hits of the Motown era, including Bernadette, Reach Out (I’ll Be There), and Standing in the Shadows of Love. On his own, he was the voice of Audrey the carnivorous plant in the 1986 film version of Little Shop of Horrors.

Ill health forced Stubbs to stop performing in 2000, ending a career that began in Detroit nightclub circuit in the 1950s. "Smooth, classy and polished, they were big stuff," recounted Motown founder Berry Gordy in a memoir. "I wanted them bad. I could see how loyal they were to each other, and I knew they would be the same way to me and Motown."

In an April 23, 1997 file photo, members of the Four Tops, left to right, Levi Stubbs, Renaldo
In an April 23, 1997 file photo, members of the Four Tops, left to right, Levi Stubbs, Renaldo "Obie" Benson, Abdul "Duke" Fakir are shown as their star was unveiled on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the...   (AP Photo/Nick Ut, File)
The late Lawrence Payton, shown at far right poses with the rest of the Four Tops, from left, Renaldo
The late Lawrence Payton, shown at far right poses with the rest of the Four Tops, from left, Renaldo "Obie" Benson, Abdul "Duke" Fakir and Levi Stubbs in this January, 1990 file photo. The Four Tops...   (AP Photo/Ron Frehm, File)
This Nov. 14, 1966 file photo shows the
This Nov. 14, 1966 file photo shows the "Four Tops", outside St. Paul's Cathedral in London. Left to right: Renaldo "Obie" Benson, Levi Stubbs, Abdul "Duke" Fakir and Lawrence Payton. Four Tops lead...   (AP Photo/File)
8th November 1966: The Four Tops, one of Motown's most successful groups.
8th November 1966: The Four Tops, one of Motown's most successful groups.   (Getty Images)
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Learn more about Stubbs' career
Billboard

Check out videos of many of the Four Tops' hits
Washington Post

More on the Four Tops
E! Online


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