Obie

In an enlightening guest post for the newsletter Contraband Camp, critic Brooke Obie states that the reaction is just another instance of Hollywood changing the standards of success for Black cinema.

“White media has always conspired to spin the narrative and move the goalposts about Black films, Black filmmakers and their successes,” Obie writes.

The four members of the group, Fakir, Levi Stubbs, Renaldo “Obie” Benson and Lawrence Payton formed in the late 1950s but did not find success until the early 1960s.

"My brother, I really hate to have to say goodbye, but you've been called home by the Father to once again join Lawrence, Obie and Levi and make more of the heavenly music you guys made while here," Robinson said.

Gordy noted that the original Four Tops — Fakir, Levi Stubbs, Lawrence Payton and Renaldo “Obie” Benson — “always amazed me with their showmanship, class and artistry.”