Four Tops are magical, classy, charming, and soothing!!!

Levi Stubbs...THE Voice of Motown...end of chat..period

A Motown girl still listening in 2022. Good music is forever.

@lokisan100

4 күн бұрын

This motown girl is still listening as well. Can take the girl out of motown, but you can never take motown out of the girl.

Without any shadow of doubt this is one of the world's greatest musical pieces of all time. The very epitome of soul music.

@suebradford5758

Жыл бұрын

👍...I got Tingles ✝️when I read your Comment 🙏❤✝️

@gordeauxd

8 ай бұрын

Yes, it is, even if written and originally performed by the Caucasians in The Left Banke: kzread.info/dash/bejne/aKmlpLazlsavm5c.html.

@BrendaDrumm

5 ай бұрын

I'm 74 I've loved them from day one once in a lifetime group ❤

@uckbee

4 ай бұрын

The kings of midwestern urban soul.

@Hopscotch429

3 ай бұрын

This was actually first recorded and released, in 1966, by a band called the Left Banke. They were considered to be part of the Baroque Pop genre.

This song should be in the top ten of greatest songs written

@TravislovesBetsy

2 ай бұрын

Originally by the LEFT BANKE

Levi had a voice like no other, and he stayed so loyal to his fellow members, they'll never be another!!

@kathyhayden2499

3 ай бұрын

Loyalty love it❤

Wow. In all the years of listening KZread and reading comments I can honestly say this is the first time EVER that all the comments are nice, complimentary, and polite. I guess the class and dignity of Levi Stubbs brings out the class and dignity in others.

@terrykevincharles7042

6 жыл бұрын

Jessica Davis Absolutely, Levi Stubbs 💜

@Carlyfan

5 жыл бұрын

Jessica Davis God I know ... I think you're right.

@thetruthwillsetufree

4 жыл бұрын

Your thoughts remind me of Levi's interview many decades ago on NPR with Terri Gross. She asked him why he never went solo. He simply said that he couldn't imagine leaving his best friends.

@iamintheburg9820

3 жыл бұрын

Jessica Davis : I think we all appreciate Mosogotam's efforts so thoroughly that we want to keep a civil, respectful discourse goin' in tribute to his efforts with these wonderful performances. I love you, yes I do, Mosogotam ( as I stated years ago in another fantastic post : This Old Heart of Mine ).

@mckessa17

2 жыл бұрын

Canada loves The Four Tops and Renée

The older you get even the smallest of memories suddenly become important. Sometimes they are your only escape. No wonder some people retreat into their heads - as hard as life was, it was ours with all the music, all the events, the feeling of our time. Such a great song I think it made everyone, stop and listen.. Music holds such power. To make us remember, and help us forget. indeed a beautiful song. Sweet memories !! Levi Stubbs, with out a doubt, is was one of the classiest guy in the music business..

@truthmatters1950

2 жыл бұрын

Lovely having someone put our thoughts and feelings so eloquently and with such deep feelng @Len Claiborne Sr. Thank you. Best wishes to you and yours. Peace and kindness to all

@eddyjohns8992

2 жыл бұрын

Amen, bitter sweet so sweet soul music.

@lokisan100

2 жыл бұрын

I absolutely agree sir with everything you said!

@TheRadioman1947

2 жыл бұрын

He sure is. I loved the guys

@Gumshrud

2 жыл бұрын

what you said is heavy.

There was an emotional tone to Levi's voice that was a rare gift and will never be heard again

@TR-vr5pz

2 жыл бұрын

He sang with passion and expressed the heartbreaks many young men went thru with their women

70 years old this music was my story growing up,

@edwardpate6128

26 күн бұрын

64 here and growing up in the Detroit area it was amazing hearing all these great groups.

@greggibson9667

22 күн бұрын

Mine Too

This is how it should have been released what great version you have made last of this legendary group passed Monday July 22 2024, will spin this for the next week… Sydney Australia:

I am 64 and white no music Is better than the Motown loved it back then and still love it Music knows no color nor do I Your remastered masterpieces definitely do this music justice All lives matter no matter of color race or gender

@lamechcurry2545

Жыл бұрын

J 1 2y ago then stop killing blacks fore nonthing devils nobody ever said white lives never matered so stop deflecting devil

Miss the original Four Tops, love you!

Levi had the best voice in Motown

*WoW super Music !*

Smoother and drips with more honey than the majority of the crap on the radio today. Sweet, sweet, classy music, sung by world class musicians, big tune!!

Love this version. Fantastic. Can't stand the crap today. Glad I grew up when music was music.

@lokisan100

2 жыл бұрын

We were the lucky ones!

Levi Stubbs, with out a doubt, is was the classiest guy in the music business...my all time favorite group

@lokisan100

4 жыл бұрын

I concur, without a doubt the classiest guy in music.

@jeanedwards2497

3 жыл бұрын

Yer big time Bob....🎶🎶🎶

It was the summer of 1967, there was a tri-state battle of the bands contest that featured 500 bands from Ohio, Kentucky & West Virginia. Out of those 500, 50 bands were chosen as the finalists, the performances were staged in Charleston, WV at the Memorial Auditorium which held over 5,000 people. Our band, The Robin's Hoods, from Logan, WV was the #1 winning band. The song that won the contest for us was the version by the Four Tops of "WALK AWAY RENEE!" We won a recording contract, a generous cash prize, and a winner's trophy, along with a story of our band in tri-state newspapers. I was the lead vocalist, and the other members were excellent musicians and singers as well. We were a nine piece band who were mostly in our middle to late teens, who had been playing together for about three years when this all came together. The reason for writing this was to give credit and Honor to the ones who made this happen, The Four Tops the best of the best, and a special shout-out to the man LEVI STUBBS (RIP) the greatest Motown Vocalist of all times!

@testingspirits7446

Жыл бұрын

Del Curry? 😳

@lokisan100

4 күн бұрын

Is there a recording of said song? You should post it here if there is my friend.

Love both versions Left Bank and Four Tops!

This song is priceless

MY Favorite Motown Group Levi Stubbs Fantastic Voice!!!

Only death separates us. The Four Tops, are one of the GREATEST.

I'm 65 and I melt listening to this beautiful music 🎶. Thanks Motown, love from England x ❤

@brenski51

Ай бұрын

Got this as my ringtone, just love the sound of Motown.

This is got to be the best group of all time

@juliemarinko

6 жыл бұрын

One of my top 2 favorite groups!!!!

@klartava

4 жыл бұрын

It is, by far

Truly magnificent, Levi Stubbs voice is magical, and those harmonies are sensational. The backing band is incredible. Music from this era cannot be beaten.❤️❤️❤️

@BrendaDrumm

Жыл бұрын

I'm 73 I used to buy their records for about 32 pence good old days x

This is still, even 50 + years later , one of the greatest songs ever recorded. Simply captivating!

What a group! My favorite of all time! No one can match Levi’s voice, just unbelievable and so powerful! Such decent men and and all four were best friends!

@santocataldi3355

2 жыл бұрын

You. Are on. The. Money. The 4 top's at. There best. Way better than the left banke. !!!

@bwsmyhero

2 жыл бұрын

@@santocataldi3355Oh, I dunno. I think I like them both the same, but for different reasons. For sure, Levi Stubbs’ voice is better. But I do like both versions about the same.

@chipperkeithmgb

Жыл бұрын

Saw them in oxford England about 45 years ago fantastic they were

A timeless Motown cover of an ageless song. The original, by a band of White teenagers in New York called The Left Banke, was written and recorded when its composer was 17 years old. I absolutely LOVE this Four Tops cover. They took that original, so different in style, and made the quintessential Motown melody, harmony, rhythm and song, so beautifully performed and produced.

@ofabin

2 жыл бұрын

A Cover is a great compliment to the original composer's artistry. 🎶

@chipperkeithmgb

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the information didn’t know that

@alankohn5577

Жыл бұрын

A profound lyric for a teenager to pen. The original feels like a teenager singing to and about another teenager. The Tops’ version speaks to adults such as myself. Both are outstandingly performed.

@masonruybe1727

Жыл бұрын

It makes me cry straight from the heart 💜❤️💜❤️💜❤️ memories!!!!!!!

@Rebecc765

Жыл бұрын

@alankohn5577 It WAS, originally, a song by a teenager about another teenager. He, the drummer, I believe, had a deep infatuation with the girlfriend of another band member, whom I think was the lead guitarist. The girlfriend's name was Renee. I love this cover by The Cowsills, a family bad that included their mother about five brothers and a sister, the youngest. Populsr in the late Sixties and early Seventies, you can't beat sibling harmony - it is so well blended. There are other great covers. kzread.info/dash/bejne/m3Zkm6-Klpqooc4.html

I"m 62 now and been around a little bit but sometimes theres those bits of music that are priceless and this is one of those times

Levi Stubbs voice gives me chills.

@TR-vr5pz

2 жыл бұрын

join the crowd (and Im a straight male)

GOD Bless The Four Tops!!!!

The Four Tops were my favorite Motown group during my junior high years. A time of crushes, good friends and fun times. The Four Tops music always triggers these fun memories. What a class act!

Brings back memories of my younger days. Loved growing up in the 60s. Can't beat the talent. Four Tops are Tops!

I normally hate covers, but the Four Tops made this song an equal to the original. The Left Bank was wonderful, but so is the Four Tops version.

@kukol

4 жыл бұрын

It's The Left Banke not Bank.

@richardbutler528

4 жыл бұрын

The four tops were better

@2011littleguy

3 жыл бұрын

I gotta say this. I played 20 years in a Motown/Stax cover band, so I know and love the music. But I still prefer the "innocence" of the original. They "typical nasal teenager" singing this song sounds, to me, more like what the writer meant. Of course, the writer was a typical nasal teenager lol. Just to be clear, I love this cover, but prefer the original for this song.

@tomb4575

3 жыл бұрын

Then listen to " If I were a Carpenter "

@giovanna722

3 жыл бұрын

@@2011littleguy Yes, I know exactly what you mean. It's raw teenage angst makes it a stand out for me. Suits the lyrics so well.

It is simply the best, can't go back, if only. Scream class, the Four Tops

I have changed my mind about this song I have always said Left Bank's original version was the best, but after listening to The Four Tops over and again and the emotion gut-wrenching emotion they put into the song I think their rendition is the best.

@ramonascott-kemp207

7 жыл бұрын

although I forgot I can no longer move the way I did back in the singing days with my band! oh yes I was moving to several of the Four Tops songs on this publication, believe me I suffered the next couple of days, regardless it was worth it!

@thorpypoo

Жыл бұрын

I find them to be about equal which is rare for me to consider a cover equal to the original.

@beckyhoover787

Жыл бұрын

I disagree, the Left Banke, my favorite.

I'm 73 and never get tired of hearing the 4 Tops.

@miguelsolo6810

3 жыл бұрын

Right behind you friend (72) us old goats know the good stuff..

@lokisan100

3 жыл бұрын

Right there with you sir!

@phyllismauro8481

3 жыл бұрын

I'm glad I grew up to the wonderful music,instead of this shit music of today.This is call talented,trained vocals.Today anyone with no voice can make a recording with the technology we have.

@miguelsolo6810

3 жыл бұрын

@@phyllismauro8481 I hear you Phyllis, you my kind of ...hey lets dance...

Why can’t we all just get along?

I was in high school wen I heard that song I am now 70 and still remember it

This is truly a beautiful song in every way. Thanks for making it last just a little longer!

'Your name and mine inside a heart on a wall still finds a way to haunt me" without a shadow of doubt the greatest line ever.

@TravislovesBetsy

2 ай бұрын

Originally by the LEFT BANKE.

@inezwoodson5443

6 күн бұрын

Yes❤

My favourite Four Tops song - Levi Stubbs' voice is...superb. Absolute class group.

I truly can't remember when I first heard this song and where I was 70s?

Always liked their version of this song. Motown at its best.

Real drumming, real bass, real singing. I don't think I'll ever be sure what version I love the most, Left Bankes or this one, but by now it just doesn't matter.❣

Love everything about Levi Stubbs. Such a great performer and man.

Thank you. It's interesting that Levi Stubbs never accepted star billing aka "Levi Stubbs and The Four Tops" unlike lead singers of other groups. Such humility is rare in show business. His soulful, soaring voice was unusual in the pop/rock genre then and now.

@fredross6444

6 жыл бұрын

He was certainly a class guy

@jaimeelizondo1707

4 жыл бұрын

It would've been Levi Stubbs and the three tops

@andrewdavies7073

4 жыл бұрын

A humble man

@lokisan100

4 жыл бұрын

They were together for more than 40 years, Levi Stubb's was and is a class act, did not want to leave his friends.

@clarissacoby2653

4 жыл бұрын

I had the pleasure of meeting Levi at a concert. Such a gentleman. One of fondest Memories. And he was Fine as HE🏑🏑

A Thousand Thanks 4Tops!!

It's October 3rd, 2021. I saw them in concert even I was a little girl. This is real music!!!!

you'd have to be made of stone not to love this i'm glad there are people out there that appreciate this stuff like i do

Walk Away Renée" is a song written by Michael Brown, Bob Calilli, and Tony Sansone for the band the Left Banke, released as a single in July 1966.

This is a perfect example of why the Music of the 50s and 60s Era is far above what is in today's Generation....I wish I could go back.

I grew up in the 80's and this was still such a big part of the type of music I listened to

The TOPS the BEST &&&& the BEST Motown band of all times there nothing like driving in a lowered 1964 Chev Impala and playing Four Tops on your 8 track

Levi Stubbs had the best voice of all the singers from "Motown"!

The voice of Levi Stubbs, fabulous orchestration and a melody to die for and a masterpiece extended version - thanks again John !.

@mosogotam

8 жыл бұрын

+Roger Coleman ...Roger...thanks...much appreciated!

@poopsiekins2732

2 жыл бұрын

all true!

As a professional audio editor, let me say that you have done an excellent job! Levi Stubbs is cheering from Heaven!

@mosogotam

9 жыл бұрын

Dave.....I'm most appreciative of your very kind words...thanks so much!!

@BrendaDrumm

7 ай бұрын

I'm now 74 I've loved them from day one none of my mates from yrs and yrs ago ever mentioned them I must be one on my own take it to my grave Ioved all theire songs

Beautiful song,Fantastic group!

You have taken a perfect song, a perfect group and brought it to a stellar performance

@mosogotam

6 жыл бұрын

James....I thank you very much!!!

@alancinquino9736

Жыл бұрын

I think it is so hard to take a classic song and arrangement and cover it to perfection and then add the genius of Levi and you have a new classic. Amazing.

I once heard The Four Tops were a very unique group. A lead baritone supported by tenners.

By far the TOPS were the VERY BEST at singing this beautiful song. Amen

WOW THIS SONG TAKES ME BACK.. WAY BACK WHEN LIVE WAS MUCH BETTER & CARING WAS FELTED ALL AROUND. THE 60'D & THE 70'S WERE THEE BEST YEARS.. I LEARN HOW TO HAND DANCE BY USING MY BROTHERS NECK TIES... LIL SIS' STILL HAVE THOSE SAME MOVES...

@juliemarinko

8 жыл бұрын

+Diva queen A long time ago...in a land far away - I was born in Detroit in the 50's and raised in Inkster, MI - best time EVER!!!!

Sad romantic songs don't come better than this, the instrumentation, Levi's unique voice and those lyrics create an atmospheric, emotional sound blend. 'Your name and mine, in a heart on a wall' Still enjoying this 50 years on,

It's not so bad being in lockdown with these marvellous sounds. Thank you. I do hope you are all keeping safe.

@2mortar1

4 жыл бұрын

Dn't know what we would have done in our day not being able to go out or put this on the juke box .

Miss you so much mosogotam...NOBODY COULD DO THESE MIXES LIKE YOU R.I.P. YOUR LEGACY LIVES ON HERE!

When Billy Bragg sings a song about you , you're special ❤

I love this song. Although I’m from England I can feel the innocence and magic of those teenage years in the US, the flavour was infectious, the cars, the girls the optimism. So many great bands and as Len below says, the poignant memories that are often trapped inside a song….your name and mine inside a heart on a wall.

Damn! What a group! Outstanding cover of a classic. Possibly the most famous of all the one hit wonders.

That's very haunting Melody takes me way back when I was a little boy as I listen to this I think of the word time

As a young teen in the late 60's, my neighbor would hire me on Saturdays to help deliver the Detroit News. We lived in the country outside New Boston. Elsie would have the radio on, and of course, was all the Motown. She would make us bologna sandwiches, and buy me a Pepsi (back when in bottles). That was the best times. I really felt worth something.

@2mortar1

4 жыл бұрын

nice memories Debra, great memories here too in England.

The voice of a legend

I loved everything The 4 Tops did. I don’t know if I could say that about most groups. It’s hard to choose a favorite song of theirs. Well, possibly “Ask the Lonely”, but it’s a hard choice.

@jinndoe7068

Жыл бұрын

Bernadette is my heart.

Excellent my brother Roberts favourite four tops song..Oui.

Levi Stubbs Underated 4 TopS ClAssic Thank U

The left bank caught my ear in the 60tys. Then the tops just killed it!

If I want Motown this is where I come,these mixes are simply incredible. God Bless Motown.

Thank you John for all the extended versions, I will cherish them forever. RIP John, you earned it.

Wow..forgot how good that was..

Levi the legend!!!!

Len, you are so right, I'm crying right now listening to them.

Great cover of a great song by the Left Bank!

Motown, music from the gods!

RIP John (mosogotam) Thanks for your work on all of these extended versions of Motown classics - of course all Motown songs are classics - you will be missed sir!!!

i could listen to this classic song forever! The Left Bank made it a great hit but The Four Tops made it a classic no doubt!! This extended version is exceptional to the max!! Now one question are they saying "I wont follow you my love'' instead of "follow you back home" ? If they do sing ''my love'' how original is that! that just kicked it up a notch!! Long Live The FOUR TOPS!!

This has gotta be one of the best 'extended' versions i've heard produced - great song .. fabulous !

@mosogotam

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot, Peter!

My brother bought tickets to see the 4 Tops in October 1967 at the Latin Casino in NJ. It was a night of being together as a family a few days before leaving for my first tour in Vietnam. It was the absolute best evening of my life. The 4 Tops put on a show for the ages. They had the whole place shaking and dancing on top of tables. What a great send off. Sad when I read of Levi's passing.

A great song first popularized by the Left Banke, made even more wonderful by The Four Tops, and now polished to perfection by you, John. Congratulations on this, your 400th extended version offered up here on KZread. You deserve a special award for that accomplishment!

@mosogotam

10 жыл бұрын

Mark...thank you. Your support is always appreciated!

Semper Fidelis, fellas. USMC. Love ❤️ your music. Long live the sixties music 🎶.

A magnificent stretch of a great song.

Never knew (or maybe forgot) the Tops covered this. Really good version.

Much love to them they write this 4 my mother told her they would and did😊❤😊😢😢😢 this song mean so much 💕 me now fon memories of going over the lyrics R.i.P sweet lady ms Renee Norris Bishop you are forever loved & missed by so many......

By far the superior track...

Absolutely wonderful listening all my life

This music broke the divide between race colour or creed fantastic music 60's & 70's

The only group besides Left Bank that could sing this ! Excellent!

Almost as good 👍😊 as the left banke and that's saying something ❤️😋😃 best EV so far.🏅🤗😃

I LOVE this extended version of the legendary Four Tops and the classic "Walk Away Renee'. You did an awesome job! :)

@mosogotam

8 жыл бұрын

+Margaret Tudor ...Margaret....thank you very much!

@edwardclark4787

5 жыл бұрын

This is my favourite Four Tops single, so I heartily approve of this wonderful extended version. Thank you.

@2011littleguy

3 жыл бұрын

As a musician, I love hearing the background music without the lead vocal. The Motown musicians were second to none.

Just superb

Amazing... I have every version .. just found this... always liked the four Tops version... now I really love it.. nice job!