Levi Stubbs, the legendary lead singer of the Four Tops, and one of the greatest soul vocalists of all time, has died in Detroit after a long illness. Stubbs' death leaves only one remaining Tops founding member, Abdul "Duke" Fakir. As the distinctive lead of the Four Tops, Stubbs was best known for his deep, passionate vocal style that turned Holland-Dozier-Holland compositions like "Bernadette" and "Reach Out" and later, upon the group's move from Motown to ABC Records, on adult soul songs such as "Ain't No Woman (Like the One I Got)" and "Keeper of the Castle."

A heart attack and stroke permanently sidelined Stubbs a half decade ago, and he was wheelchair-bound as he took the stage for the group's 50th anniversary celebration in 2005. But Levi Stubbs will long be remembered as a staple of Motown's greatest years and as one of the most distinctive and revered vocalists of all time. He will be greatly missed.