The music of the Four Tops was omnipresent on WABC radio when I was young. Their lead singer Levi Stubbs had a urgency in his voice especially heard on Bernadette. I remember being a little frightened by that song. Here was a guy who was pleading, on his knees, at wits end. crying for Bernadette with an intensity not heard by me at that time. The Four Tops had their first No. 1 single in 1965, “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)”. Other songs that will always get the crowd dancing are "Reach Out, I'll Be There" -a favorite live cover for David Johansen, "The Same Old Song", "Standing In The Shadows of Love", etc.
Mr Stubbs passed away on the 18th. No cause was given. His wife of 48 years survives him, as well as 5 children.
According to his obit in the NY Times, Levi's cousin was Jackie Wilson (Higher and Higher). As jazz singers the Four Tops played the Tonight Show when Jack Parr was the host covering In The Still Of The Night.
Billy Bragg immortalized Levi in his song "Levi Stubbs' Tears":
When the world falls apart some things stay in place
She takes off the Four Tops tape and puts it back in its case
When the world falls apart some things stay in place
Levi Stubbs' tears...
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