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Levi Stubbs Dies, Comments by Berry Gordy
LEVI STUBBS
I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my friend, Levi Stubbs. It is not
only a tremendous personal loss for me, but for the whole Motown family, and
people all over the world who were touched by his rare voice and remarkable
spirit.
Levi was the greatest interpreter of song I’ve ever heard. He was lead singer of the
greatest and most loving group, The Four Tops. I remember when we heard their
first Motown release, “Baby I Need Your Loving. Levi’s voice exploded in the
room and went straight for our hearts. We all knew it was a hit, hands down.
He could easily have made it as a solo star, but his love and loyalty for Obie,
Lawrence and Duke kept them together longer than any group I know. His
integrity and character were impeccable. I have never seen a more dedicated
person—to his wife, his group, his friends.
He was my first choice for the romantic lead in “Lady Sings the Blues.” Levi had
the looks, the stature and the street smarts of a Louis MacKay. He was on the road
with The Four Tops when I contacted him. But he refused the role because he
thought it would interfere with the group’s future success.
I loved his hit songs for Motown, like "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey
Bunch)," "Reach Out (I'll Be There)," "Standing in the Shadows of Love,"
“MacArthur Park” and "Bernadette," and his great rendition of the ballad “I
Believe in You and Me” was incredible. I’ve heard no one better.
I want to express my heartfelt sympathy to his wife, Clineice, his children and
other family members and friends.
He will be really missed.
Berry Gordy
October 17, 2008
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