Four Tops lead singer Levi Stubbs (pictured 3rd from left) died in his home last night, at the age of 72. Levi had been a part of The Four Tops since the early 1950’s, but was forced to retire from touring with the group after suffering a series of strokes.

Being a huge fan of classic Motown music - I have to admit my heart breaks just a little whenever one of the greats leaves us.

Thank you, Levi (and the rest of the fellas) for songs like “Bernadette”, “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)”, “Reach Out, I’ll Be There”, “Are You Man Enough”, “It’s the Way Nature Planned It”,  and my personal favorite - “Still Water (Love)”.

Rest in Peace, Levi.

Actor/philanthropist Paul Newman has died of cancer at age 85. Rest in peace, Cool Hand Luke.

Producer/songwriter Norman Whitfield died  Tuesday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles  from complications associated with diabetes. He was 67 years old. Rest in Peace, Norman.

Growing up in Motown, I couldn’t help but be a HUGE fan of the Temptations, and while my favorite Temptation songs (”I Want A Love I Can See” is my all-time favorite) were written and produced by Smokey Robinson,  Norman Whitfield was responsible for his fair share of Temptations hits, and also scored with hits for other artists. See his credits after the jump…

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I think it’s a beautiful tribute to Bernie that his television family arrived together for his memorial service. In a way it kinda says they still respect his role as head of the ‘tv household’.  There’s Baby Girl on the left, ‘Nessa, and Jordan. Also the tv wife - whose name I can’t remember for the life of me.  Man, Jordan has really outgrown his goofy little kid phase! For more pics - check out That Grape Juice.

Very short and sweet - the only thing we’re promised in life is to die. Also very true. Gotta say though - just as a side note - though I love me some T.I., this sista ain’t really feelin’ those glasses. Tiny - from now on keep your man far, far away from Maxwell!

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“Walk On By”

“Your Love Is So Doggone Good”
 
I heard about Isaac Hayes’ death this morning on the news, and I don’t mind saying that it saddened me. I love Isaac Hayes - both the man, and his music. He was the definition of swagger before the word meant more than just your walk - always laid back, easy going, and so sexy with that bald head of his. Ike was the “Black Moses” long before Tip was “King”.

These days people will know him as South Park’s “Chef” , and many will say “Theme From Shaft” was his defining musical moment. I disagree.

His 1969 album “Hot Buttered Soul” was the sh*t! Don’t believe me - go listen to it. His rendition of “Walk On By” outshone the original, in my opinion, and I’m a huge Dionne Warwick fan. I can only imagine how many babies were conceived while “Hot Buttered Soul” was spinning on the record player.The entire album is music you listen to with the lights out. Makes me wish I still owned a turntable. ‘cuz I know my older sister still has the LP.

My condolences go out to his family for their loss, and to the music world, as well.

Thanks for the good music, Ike. Rest in peace.

Actor Larry Harmon - widely known as the actor who popularized the “Bozo the Clown” role - died Thursday of congestive heart failurem at the age of 83.

Do any of you remember his theme song?

Hello, world! Every boy, every girl. It’s Bozo the Clown - yeah, it’s your old pal! He’s brought you a bag full of rootin’, tootin’ tricks - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6! The funniest man in the whole human race -he’s gonna put a smile on your face! So just keep laughin’ - get rid of that frown. Bozo is back - the one and only Bozo the Clown!!!!  

You know you’re getting old when your childhood icons start to die. Rest in peace, Larry Harmon. And a big “Whoa, Nelly!” to you - Bozo.

New music from T.I. 
I like it - but you probably knew that already. This isn’t a ‘message’ song, but I can appreciate the message in the song - it may be bad today, but tomorrow is coming. That’s Word. Not ‘word’ but Word.
Download: “A Better Day”

I was checking out Bomani Jones’ blog, and found this video of Malcolm X marking Malcolm’s 83rd birthday - May 19th. Whether you agreed with Malcolm’s views or not, you couldn’t deny his intelligence, or his contributions to the Black Power Movement.

R.I.P, Malcolm X. I’d wish you a Happy Birthday, but as a Black Muslim - you didn’t celebrate it.