Four Tops Bring Classic Motown to Paramount

Media Contact:

Kristen Gleason
Director of Marketing
The Paramount Theater
215 East Main Street
Charlottesville, VA 22902
434.979.1922 ext. 103
kristen@theparamount.net

For Immediate Release

November 1, 2006

The Four Tops have been marveling audiences with their infectious blend of pure vocal power and sweet harmonies since 1954.  Part of the legendary Motown Records machine, the group’s music and more than 30 hit singles have reflected the times with doo-wop, jazz, soul music, R&B, disco, and adult contemporary influences -- all delivered with the golden vocals that are their trademark.   Central Virginia fans of the group will have the opportunity to hear songs such as “Baby I Need Your Loving,” and "Reach Out, I'll Be There" in person when The Four Tops perform at The Paramount Theater on Sunday, November 12 at 8 pm.            

This performance is sponsored by Union Bank & Trust.  Special Media Sponsor is WVIR NBC 29.              

High school friends from Detroit's North End, Levi Stubbs, Renaldo "Obie" Benson, Abdul "Duke" Fakir, and Lawrence Payton started playing parties as the Four Aims -- a name they took because they were “aiming for the top.” After catching the ear and eye of singer Billy Eckstine, they changed their name to The Four Tops, so as not to be confused with the Ames Brothers.  After brief stints with Chess Records in the late 50s and Columbia Records in the early 60s, the group was introduced to Berry Gordy, who signed them to his new label, Motown Records.  At Motown, the group was teamed with the songwriting powerhouse of Holland, Dozier, and Holland.  The rest is history.

Starting in 1964 with “Baby I Need Your Loving,” hit after hit kept coming for the group.  The string continued in 1965 with The Tops’ first number one single, “I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch),” and 1966 with "Reach Out, I'll Be There", the group’s biggest hit, which became their signature song.  “Standing in the Shadows of Love,” “Bernadette,” “Keeper of the Castle,” and “Ain't No Woman (Like the One I've Got)” are just some of the successes that followed. 

The Tops helped establish a uniquely American sound during the height of the 60s British music invasion and maintained a near-constant presence on the R&B charts for over two decades.  With an influence on the music industry that is inestimable, The Four Tops have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, and the Grammy Hall of Fame. 

Seats for the November 12 Paramount performance with The Four Tops are $60, $55, $52, and $49.  Half-price student rush tickets are offered at the Box Office with a valid ID 45 minutes prior to the 8 pm curtain.  Tickets are available online or through The Paramount’s Box Office at 434.979.1333.