Archive: Lawrence Payton, June 20, 1997
deb...@comcast.net
Jet, July 7, 1997
Lawrence Payton, a member of the legendary R & B quartet The Four Tops,
recently died of liver cancer at his home in Southfield, MI. He was 59.
Payton was the musical mastermind behind the group's fiery harmonies of
more than 40 years, according to group members.
The group, whose other members include Levi Stubbs, Abdul "Duke" Fakir
and Renaldo "Obie" Benson, began singing professionally in 1954,
calling themselves the Four Aims. They decided to change their name to
the Four Tops after it was suggested they might be confused with the
Ames Brothers.
Since the group's birth, it has consisted of all of the original
members.
The group had a 10-year career before signing with Motown, in the early
'60s.
The group recorded such golden classics as Baby I Need Your Loving and
I Can't Help Myself (Sugarpie, Honeybunch).
Despite Payton's failing health, last year he performed with the group
on Ebony Magazine's 50th Anniversary television tribute.
In April, however, Payton's health had grown progressively worse,
keeping him from attending the unveiling of the group's star on the
Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Survivors include his wife, Yone M. Payton; ten children; two brothers;
27 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
tr...@iwvisp.com
And since then we've lost Obie Benson. And Levi Stubbs is plagued with
multiple ailments that have forced his "suspension" of performing with
the group.
Anyone have an update on Levi's health? I saw him a few months ago
making a brief appearance on a PBS special. It was heartbreaking,
seeing him wheelchair bound, barely able to speak a few words.
Ray Arthur