Levi Stubbs Goes Out on Tops

Scoring Update! The points change, death remains the same...

Levi Stubbs, the robust voiced front man who sang on the Four Tops’ biggest hits, died today at home in Detroit. He was 72. Stubbs, who had not toured with the Tops in several years because of medical issues, passed away in his sleep at about 6 a.m.

Detroiter Abdul (Duke) Fakir remains the only surviving original member of the group, which formed in 1950s Detroit and became one of Motown Records’ biggest successes with songs such as “Reach Out I’ll Be There” and “Bernadette.” Founding members Lawrence Payton and Obie Benson died in 1997 and 2005, respectively.

Congratulations and 18 points each awarded to Live Like You Were Dying and Dead Place. The Rosters and Standings have been updated.

[Detroit Free Press]

Baby I Need You Living

Last month the Boston Globe ran the following correction in its paper:

Because of a reporting error, a review of the new Boyz II Men album in yesterday's Sidekick incorrectly said that Four Tops singer Levi Stubbs is deceased. Stubbs, who is alive, no longer tours with the Four Tops.

Although the Four Tops sang into the late Motown period, suggestions of the late Levi Stubbs are premature. For evidence of the passing of fellow Four Tops singer, Lawrence Payton, see here.

[Boston Globe]