"MOTOWN LEGENDS" (MOTOWN ERA)

We have been informed that former lead singer (Levi Stubbs) of the Four Tops continues to have very serious health problems brought on by a stroke several years ago. Complications from that stroke have left Stubbs mute. He's currently unable to speak or sing.

Former super producer Norman Whitfield (center) is currently suffering a very, very, serious bout with diabetes . He's currently confined in a Los Angeles hospital where his body has been ravished by the effects of the disease. Whitfield either wrote or co-wrote (with Barrett Strong) the following songs for the Temptations and others.

Temptations catalogue: I Wish It Would Rain, Just My Imagination, Ain't Too Proud Too Beg, Get Ready, Cloud Nine, I Heard It Through The Grapevine, Papa Was A Rollin Stone. Rolls Royce Catalogue: Car Wash, Wishing On A Star. Edwin Starr catalogue: War. Undisputed Truth Catalogue: Smilin Faces Sometimes.

In Related News: I Heard It Through The Grapevine is Whitfield's most successful song because it became a multi-million seller for three different artists: Gladys Knight, Marvin Gaye and Roger. Whitfield continues to receive three separate publishing checks for this one song.

Please keep both men in your prayers.


[Edited 7/25/08 19:19pm]

I will keep both in prayer. I found out about levi's health last year.
I know a guy here in charlotte that actually plays trumpet for the
four tops and said levi hasn't been performing with the group for a
long time because of health problems.

phunkdaddy said:

Yeah his trouble with diabetes forced him to retire from the Four Tops in 2000.

I guess it won't be long before he joins his old buddies Lawrence Payton and Renaldo Benson up the Motown Pearly Gates.

Norman was recently feared of death because he needed a pacemaker, he barely survived.

Just saw Motown 25 on dvd the other night. So long ago...



BlueNote

Levi's voice was always my favorite of the Four Tops. It saddens me to know how very ill he is. I saw a recent picture of him (and incidentally, I think they should NOT publish these pictures!) and it was so disturbing. I shall keep him, along with Norman Whitfield, another VERY talented man, in my prayers.

damn..Whitfield was fine


They are in my prayers. Its so sad how our legends are leaving right b4 our eyes