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Post by Motown Honey on May 9, 2005 17:54:41 GMT -5
With all of the name changes going on at the time, why is there no talk of............ Levi Stubbs and the Tops or The Four Tops featuring Levi Stubbs If Diane and Smokey could get top billing, why not Levi. He surely has the better voice of the group and was the lead, why didn't we see a change for the awesome foursome? Editted 8-3-05: They all could have sang lead, WELL. I can admit when and where I am wrong I am happy it wasn't and have a pretty good idea why there wasn't a name change. Which brings forth another question, could the possible refusal of the name change by Levi or Levi, Duke, Lawrence and Obie be the reason we saw little or no backing from the brass following "Reach Out, I'll Be There" [img src=" img78.photobucket.com/albums/v281/MotownForever/Smileys3/hmpf.gif"][/IMG] What do you think?
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Post by Diamond Girl on May 10, 2005 0:07:39 GMT -5
The guys were too tight to go for this. They were a team on the mic and off. Friends from the start, before the singing careers and Motown. It stands to reason that the refusal by whomever and for whatever reason, could definitely be the reason we didn't see BIG hits from the Tops following Reach Out. BUT, by that time, someone was receiving more and more of the pub, backing, support, material and whatever else you could mention. The Four Tops weren't the only ones to be lost and forgotten in the shuffle. But ((MO)) the refusal probably really pissed Gordy off, too
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Post by Emerald City on May 10, 2005 17:06:43 GMT -5
Jazz any type of refusal to the boss pissed him off Levi didn't even like being up front all that much to begin with, so even though they got lost in the shuffle I think it was worth it in a way because they went on to have success without Motown anyway and their friendship has stood the test of time. That alone is more important than money or record sales.
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Post by Motown Honey on Aug 3, 2005 18:11:08 GMT -5
Not only did Levi not wish to be the lead voice all of the time, the guys didn't want to sing lead. They loved harmonizing! This is so admirable, their relationship, as well as their singing should be the model for musical groups. I am all over these cats right now, shame on me that it took a death to really get me to take noctice Thanks again ((Obie)) ((Lawrence)) and ((Obie))
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Kay
Star
*~*Floever A Star*~*
Posts: 1,326
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Post by Kay on Aug 3, 2005 18:16:17 GMT -5
Not only did Levi not wish to be the lead voice all of the time, the guys didn't want to sing lead. They loved harmonizing! This is so admirable, their relationship, as well as there singing should be the model for musical groups. I am all over these cats right now, shame on me that it took a death to really get me to take noctice Thanks again ((Obie)) ((Lawrence)) and ((Obie)) I've been telling you for the longest you shoulda jumped on board sooner. Shame on you! :snotty: lol
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Post by Motown Honey on Aug 4, 2005 0:51:42 GMT -5
Not only did Levi not wish to be the lead voice all of the time, the guys didn't want to sing lead. They loved harmonizing! This is so admirable, their relationship, as well as there singing should be the model for musical groups. I am all over these cats right now, shame on me that it took a death to really get me to take noctice Thanks again ((Obie)) ((Lawrence)) and ((Obie)) I've been telling you for the longest you shoulda jumped on board sooner. Shame on you! lol I'm growing :lady:
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Post by Diamond Girl on Oct 18, 2005 16:40:47 GMT -5
[/IMG] lol [/quote] I'm growing [/quote] That's what I like about you, always admitting your errors
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Post by motowner on Oct 22, 2005 13:40:48 GMT -5
i would say that friendship really matters than just a name or bill because they we're so loyal 2 each other and that what makes them in my opinion the greatest group of all time
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Post by Diamond Girl on Oct 23, 2005 22:50:48 GMT -5
i would say that friendship really matters than just a name or bill because they we're so loyal 2 each other and that what makes them in my opinion the greatest group of all time I agree mostly ((motowner)) Welcome to the forum I am partial to the Tops, but my greatest is another group or two at Motown
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Post by fantagurl on Oct 26, 2005 20:56:02 GMT -5
i would say that friendship really matters than just a name or bill because they we're so loyal 2 each other and that what makes them in my opinion the greatest group of all time I agree!! Friendship is more precious than diamonds or rubies. I read somewhere that Motown tried to get Levi to do some solo projects,but he refused if all the Tops weren`t involved. Right On Levi. :thumbsup:
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Post by timmy84 on Jan 22, 2006 12:21:21 GMT -5
The 4 Tops were like the Musketteers... THEY STUCK TOGETHER and they didn't let record industry politricks tear them apart. The only thing that physically separated these guys was DEATH AND ILLNESS! For them to stay together more than 43 years before Lawrence's death, that's LONGEVITY!!! The Miracles, Vandellas, Temptations and Supremes never recovered after their group names changed. They were best friends before Motown ever got in the picture. Again another reason to tell Berry Gordy to kiss my black a$$!!!
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Post by Motown Honey on Jan 22, 2006 13:14:57 GMT -5
The 4 Tops were like the Musketteers... THEY STUCK TOGETHER and they didn't let record industry politricks tear them apart. The only thing that physically separated these guys was DEATH AND ILLNESS! For them to stay together more than 43 years before Lawrence's death, that's LONGEVITY!!! The Miracles, Vandellas, Temptations and Supremes never recovered after their group names changed. They were best friends before Motown ever got in the picture. Again another reason to tell Berry Gordy to kiss my black a$$!!! Right on ((Timmy)) :thumbsup: The Tops show that it all could have been possible for every group at Motown, but everyone had their own agenda. Now here are the REAL brothers of Motown, probably the only ones, besides the Holland brothers, and Davis and Jimmy, well, you get me. The Tops get much respect from me :respect:
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