— SpacePack

Welcome to another Lazy Sunday, this long weekend shout-out goes to the classic Motown quartet, the Four Tops.

I was digging through the ‘rents record crate the other day and came across the ‘Second Album’ from this groovy doo-wop/jazz/soul/R&B quartet and was instantly hooked to their infectiously uplifting music. The founding group members Levi Stubbs, Lawrence Payton, Abdul Fakir and Renaldo Benson first sang together in 1954 in Detroit, largely considered the home of  Mowtown music. The first few releases from the group received little commercial success, until they teamed up with the production team of Lamont Dozier, Brian Holland and Eddie Holland. The first release under this production ensemble was the smash hit Baby I Need Your Loving.

Four Tops – Baby I Need Your Loving

Under the supervision of the aforementioned production team, the Tops could do no wrong. They quickly established themselves as one of Motown’s greatest hit makers. This prodigious run of hits came to a halt in 1970 with the departure of Holland/Dozier/Holland from the Motown record label. However, this ‘hiatus’ was short lasted, as the quartet returned to form in the 1970′s with the aid of writer/producers Franks Wilson and Smokey Robinson.

Four Tops – Is There Anything That I Can Do

Since the late 1980′s, recording new material took the back seat as the Four Tops focused on their touring and performing schedule. In 1997, Lawrence Payton died of cancer after an incredible 44 years with the Four Tops. Payton’s absence was the first change in the Tops line up since their beginnings. This is a very impressive run for any group and would make you believe that their musical dynamics and overall enjoyment for playing music together were responsible for keeping the Tops together and active.

Today, the Tops are one member poorer from the recent loss of Levi Stubbs to cancer. However, the legendary Motown group has been honoured with their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990, and into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1999. In 2004, Rolling Stone Magazine ranked them #79 on their list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time, further solidifying their status as one of Mowtown’s greatest hit makers.

These cool professionals brought an unrivaled passion and soul to the music they produced and the world is a richer place because of it. Let the Four Tops be the soundtrack to your Lazy Sunday. Four Tops Fourever!

Four Tops – I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)