The Four Tops

ABOUT THE FOUR TOPS
Childhood friends, Levi Stubbs, Abdul "Duke" Fakir, Renaldo "Obie" Benson, and Lawrence Payton spent 43 years together, constantly producing songs about love, happiness, and romantic heartbreak in the quintessential Detroit sound/Motown tradition. No other popular quartet has stayed together with original personnel intact for as long as the legendary Four Tops.

During the peak years at Motown, The Four Tops toured and/or recorded with nearly ever other artist on the label, including Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, The Supremes, The Temptations, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, to name a few.

Sadly, Lawrence Payton passed away of cancer in 1977. The Tops continued as a threesome for awhile, and then recruited former Temptation Theo Peoples to join the group. Levi Stubbs' battle with prostate cancer and a mild heart attack and stroke, has prevented him from touring since 2000. Popular '70s Soul singer Ronnie McNeir has replaced Stubbs. In July 2005, Obie Benson passed away after a sudden flurry of physical ailments, including lung cancer. He was replaced by Lawrence Payton's son Roquel.

Prior to his passing, The Four Tops recorded "From the Heart," their first live album since 1974, to celebrate their 50th anniversary. Recorded live at the famed Detroit Opera House, the album includes many of The Four Tops' hits, including "Baby, I Need Your Loving," "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)," "Reach Out (I'll Be There)," "Bernadette," and "Standing in the Shadows of Love," just to name a few.

The Tops continue to tour, record, and set their sights on new professional goals. But mostly, they do what they always wanted to do. The Four Tops just keep on singing. The Four Tops have created a special magic that continues to delight audiences of all ages and nationalities, and their reign as the Grand Gentlemen of Rock and Roll is far from over!

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