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Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
-- inducted 1990
Vocal Group Hall of Fame
-- inducted 1999
Sadly, in June of 1997, one of the Tops, Lawrence Payton, died of liver
cancer. The Four Tops had 44 years together and then there were three.
Originally, the three decided to go on and sing as "The Tops" and to continue doing what they had
started to do years ago to bring joy to millions through their music. Then along came Theo Peoples (former member of The Temptations) who fit in perfectly. So once again, there are Four Tops,
still true to the soul, memory and performance of Payton.
Since 1995, Levi Stubbs has been fighting cancer. He mostly rests at home now. Theo Peoples now sings Stubbs' parts. Las Vegas showman Ronnie McNeir has joined the group, essentially replacing Payton.
The Four Tops have been marveling audiences with their
unique blend of pure vocal power and unparalleled harmonies since 1954. They have
brought to the American people and the world a sound so singular that it is woven into the
fabric of American pop music.
Hits like "Baby, I Need Your Lovin'," "I
Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)" and "Reach Out, I'll
Be There" topped the charts and became anthems of a generation. The
Tops were a sensation abroad as well. At a time when the U.S. charts were
dominated by the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, The Tops sat like kings
at number one in England.
Later came more hits like "Ain't No Woman (Like
the One I Got)," "Keeper of The Castle," "Are
You Man Enough" and "Am I My Brothers' Keeper?"
The Tops were stunning audiences with their live
performances, sweating their soul on stage proving that their blend of emotional stage
persona and unforgettable songs had launched them to the pinnacle of the entertainment
world.
In the early 1980's, The Four Tops recorded two albums,
showcasing such monster hits as "When She Was My Girl," "Tonight
I'm Gonna Love You All Over" and "I Believe In You and
Me."
Later, they recorded "Indestructible" which garnered rave
reviews.
In 1990, The Tops were inducted into the Rock
'n Roll Hall of Fame, and in 1997 were honored with a star on Hollywood
Boulevard, adding to their growing list of awards and accolades.
Generations can close their eyes and hear a Four Tops
tune and it catapults them to a memory. This group has the distinct pleasure of marking a
part of American culture with their music. This is just one of the reasons they are in
demand by national advertisers such as Velveeta Cheese, Northwest Airlines, Budweiser,
Lincoln-Mercury, Oldsmobile and Old Navy.
Today, The Four Tops are going strong, performing to
standing room only crowds all over the world, delighting old and new fans alike.
Currently, they perform approximately 80 corporate shows per year as well as 180 concerts,
some with full symphony orchestras.
Their powerful, recognizable sweet harmonies and unforgettable voices
have firmly established their status in music history as
Musical Legends!
Renaldo "Obie" Benson died July 1, 2005.
The Four Tops are --
- Ronnie McNeir
- Abdul "Duke" Fakir
- Theo Peoples
- Lawrence Roquel Payton, Jr.
Hits songs include --
- I Can't Help Myself
- Reach Out I'll Be There
- Ain't No Woman (Like the One I've Got)
- Are You Man Enough
- It's The Same Old Song
- One Chain Don't Make No Prison
- Still Water (Love)
- Midnight Flower
- It's All In The Game
- Catfish
- Keeper of The Castle
- River Deep - Mountain High
- You Keep Running Away
- (It's The Way) Nature Planned It
- Ask The Lonely
- Just Seven Numbers (Can Straighten Out My Life)
- Something About You
- Sweet Understanding Love
- Baby I Need Your Loving
- Seven Lonely Nights
The Four Tops may be available for your next special event!
For booking information, click
HERE!
Genre: ..R&B
Styles:
..Soul
..R&B
..Motown
..Pop-Soul
Years active:
..60s, ..70s, ..80s, ..90s, ..00s
Formed: ..in Michigan
..in Detroit
in 1956
Orchestra charts available.
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