What We'll Miss About Levi

[motowner]

There are many ways you can touch a person's emotions and life, this man did just that, he touched my life with his famous baritone vocals, but what will you miss about Levi? How has he touched your life?

[Motown Honey]

I like to say that he brought my parents together.

It's much more than that. He, along with the other 3 Tops, gave my father an opportunity to woo my mother ... again LOL. He helped my father's persistence right along.

My mom was babysitting for someone who turned out to be a mutual friend of her and my father. My father happened along and she was playing the 45 of Still Water.

My father has many gifts and one was his vocal talent. Well, while she was spinning Still Water [Love], he began singing along and they sparked up a conversation. And from the vocal lead of Levi Stubbs, grew a mighty love!

Now, of course, us being spiritual and enlightened we know it was God's will that brought them together, but God definitely blessed the Tops and I like to think it was one of those signs we always pray for, you know to lead us along our paths.

Turns out that The Four Tops was my father's favorite group (something about getting rid of Rufffin that cost the Tempts' his fanaticism) So, I always grew up hearing Levi's throaty vocals throughout the house. That was my parents' generation, R&B, Stax and Motown. I always respected The Tops for transforming with the times and staying true to themselves. I find I learn so much through music, first hearing the classics of yesteryear and my own generation with Rap.

Levi Stubbs just had a way with words, the phrasing, putting emphasis in just the right place. He made me really feel, what it seemed he was going through during all of those memorable moments known as songs. I was such a fan of his voice, I never even took the time to listen for the others, Lawrence, my Obie, and Duke. But when I did, man was I blown away. I can't believe, I'd been sitting on goldmines (of my parents', aunts, uncles) all these years and not even realized the emotionally explosive magic they created. That is another testament to the vocal prowess of Mr. Levi Stubbs. His voice was that magical, I couldn't see for hearing.

There is no way to express how much The Four Tops have meant to my life, from before I came to be. My life may not be, or may not be what it is without The Four Tops' influence. Every time I hear The Tops popular tunes, Levi Stubbs takes me through every emotion known. There isn't a song he sang that doesn't speak to me in some way. I can listen to The Four Tops and be truly moved with feelings of love, passion, sadness, despair, motivation, and hope amongst so many others. I'm a sucka for a gruff crooner And he was amazing.

I'd say he was one of the best vocalists period, no need to add 'at Motown'. He really took note when working with Mr. B. And I am ever so thankful that he was given the chance to really share the magic with the world.

Thank you Levi Stubbs for sharing your gift with us. I for one will never forget it, you or the brothers of The Fabulous Four Tops.

[Motown Honey]

He also makes you believe in chivalry, love, and something greater than us