Perhaps the most powerful vocalist of Motown, Stubbs, will now be conspicuous by his silence. Four Tops lead singer Levi Stubbs Jr., 72, passed away on Friday, at his home in Detroit after a spate of health problems, including cancer and a stroke that brought his performing career to an end in 2002.

Stubbs is survived by Clineice, his wife of 48 years, five children and 11 grandchildren.   

The Four Tops sold millions of records and performed for more than four decades with Stubbs in the lead. Stubbs, with his emotive voice, rendered enduring quality to a number of hits such as "Baby I Need Your Loving," "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)," "Reach Out I'll Be There" and "Brenadette."

"Levi Stubbs was one of the great voices of all times," former Motown labelmate Smokey Robinson said. "He was very near and dear to my heart. He was my friend and my brother, I miss him. God bless his family and comfort them."

Stubb made his last appearance with his group at the group's 50th anniversary concert July 28, 2004, at Detroit's Music Hall Center.