The Boomer REport - Music Fun Facts

The Four Tops - 10 Fun Facts


  1. They stayed together for over 40 years with the same members – Unlike many groups, the original lineup—Levi Stubbs, Abdul “Duke” Fakir, Renaldo “Obie” Benson, and Lawrence Payton—remained unchanged from 1953 to 1997.
  2. They originally called themselves The Four Aims – They changed it to avoid confusion with The Ames Brothers, a popular group at the time.
  3. Levi Stubbs refused top billing – Despite his powerful voice and charisma, Stubbs always insisted the group be treated as equals.
  4. Their first major hit was “Baby I Need Your Loving” (1964) – It marked the start of a streak of chart-toppers throughout the ‘60s.
  5. They were Holland-Dozier-Holland’s other hit factory – While The Supremes got the spotlight, the songwriting team also crafted Four Tops classics like I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch) and Reach Out I’ll Be There.
  6. “Reach Out I’ll Be There” almost didn’t make the cut – Levi Stubbs thought he sounded too emotional, but Berry Gordy called it “a masterpiece.”
  7. They never changed lead singers – Levi Stubbs was the sole lead vocalist on every major hit, giving the group a consistent, distinct sound.
  8. They were Motown's most polished live act – Their harmonies and showmanship were considered by many to rival or surpass even The Temptations.
  9. They found renewed success in the ‘80s – With hits like When She Was My Girl, they proved they could adapt to modern R&B styles.
  10. They were respected across genres – The Four Tops performed on bills with rock, jazz, and soul acts alike and were inducted into both the Rock & Roll and Vocal Group Halls of Fame.