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  1. #101
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    If this story about Theo being let go by Duke is true it is truly a sad day in Four Tops history and the end of the line for me as a fan. After seeing Levi, Obie, Duke and Lawrence for many years I never thought they could continue with replacements. However when Lawrence passed and the other three guys were careful in selecting an incredible talent in Theo I felt it wasn't their fault a fellow member passed and they should be forced to stop because of this. Then when Levi became ill and the true voice of the group was gone I wondered as great as Theo is would people accept a different voice singing lead and I sat there many times when people walked out because he wasn't Levi. Yet through all this Theo showed great poise and grace in accepting that it wasn't that he wasn't great himself but it was that he was replacing a legend that caused those people to leave and didn't let it get to him. In the years since he has become the voice of the Tops especially to those who never saw Levi live. I also accepted Ronnie cause Duke, Levi and Obie approved and of course supported Roquel because he was Lawrences son and because in all cases replacements were made because of death or illness and kept the family spirit of the group. However if Duke now thinks he's gonna do whatever he wants and just throw out the guy who has carried the group and been loyal to him he can do it but I for one will not support him or the Tops anymore. Best wishes to you Theo Peoples.

  2. #102
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    Tracie, I'm right there with you. Now if The Tops are with The Tempts or Spinners or someone else in a double-header concert, I'll go, even without Theo. But if Theo is sacked permanently, I won't attend a Four Tops concert with just the group. I'll be done with them. People can say what they want about my [[bad) attitude and that they're not the same group anyway, so be it.

    I greatly enjoyed the four Four Tops shows I've seen with Theo and believed he was carrying the group. He really made the concert for me.

    I don't know all the politics here, but sometimes you just have to come to your senses and right all wrongs. If not? I'm done with them ... sorry.

  3. #103
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    I've said what I wanted to earlier......
    BUT......I couldn't stop laughing at the comment you, Ralph made about Julius LaRosa and Arthur Godfrey. I'm not sure how many of our SDF members remember either one of them. You're a relic, Ralph..........LOL!!

    Hi Juice!!

  4. #104
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    I only went to see Theo perform. This is the end of the line for me, also.
    Maybe, Duke is depending on the gambling at the St Regis Hotel. I believe Duke is part of the investments.
    Last edited by bjmingo; 01-10-2011 at 03:18 PM.

  5. #105
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    I was not around then but I DO remember the Julius LaRosa and Arthur Godfrey tension. I discovered him as a child singing on the Jerry Lewis Telethons and watched ever year to see him sing and did research and that is when I found out. Shame on Godfrey but it didnt hurt him but what it did bring out was how mean he was behind the scenes.

  6. #106
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    Moe,
    Me, a relic? Yeah I guess you called that one.

  7. #107
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    Yeah, Steph. Godfrey took a ton of heat over that one. But in the end, all concerned came out okay.

  8. #108
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    I was wondering have The Tops performed since this announcement about Theo was made? If so can someone confirm if sadly he is in fact gone from the group and if so who replaced him? Thanks in advance.

  9. #109
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    What's up Moe?!?

  10. #110
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    I met Theo back not long after he joined the Four Tops. What some may not know or recall is that he initially came in as a replacement for Lawrence Peyton. When I met him, Levi was still the lead singer. What impressed me was that Theo was a geniunely nice guy and that he was very close to my age [[which immediately let know the great range in age and experience between him and those old war-horses Levi, Obie and Duke! LOL!)


    I said to Theo "man, y'all were great!" and he was ecstatic to hear that, unlike most music stars. He appeared almost nervous like wanting to be accepted as a part of the group. He was doing background harmony at that point. He gave the group a more youthful vibe and appearance.

    I am sorry he is no longer with the group. I am not sure if he should join another established music group or if he should just go solo. I think I would like to see Theo form his own original group and continue on a lead singer.

  11. #111
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    Thanks for the post, Marv. If he's indeed gone, so am I with The Four Tops. All reports here have complimented Mr. Peoples on his class and friendliness.

    I hope he finds some solo projects or with a group. He's too talented to fade away. He needs to find a great producer and make this a go. He has the talent, stage presence, polish, looks, etc., to make this a strong go. Four Tops loss, perhaps and hopefully Theo's gain.

  12. #112
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    Quote Originally Posted by traciewillis2000 View Post
    I was wondering have The Tops performed since this announcement about Theo was made? If so can someone confirm if sadly he is in fact gone from the group and if so who replaced him? Thanks in advance.
    Yes - who will replace him - surely they have someone in training. Will it be someone known or unknown - any guesses?

  13. #113
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    As I mentioned earlier, the gentleman's name is Spike Bonhart, formerly of the Spinners. The group is just coming off a cruise, where Spike sang lead, and they have a gig scheduled tomorrow, and all indications are that Spike will be with them there.

    After that, there is a break for a couple of weeks so who knows? It's possible that they can all mend their fences before the February gigs, but for right now, their lead singer's name is Spike.

    He was recently let go by The Spinners for "not being a team player", so we'll see if this is a long term solution, or just a short term problem.

  14. #114
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    Quote Originally Posted by tsull1 View Post
    tracie, i'm right there with you. Now if the tops are with the tempts or spinners or someone else in a double-header concert, i'll go, even without theo. But if theo is sacked permanently, i won't attend a four tops concert with just the group. I'll be done with them. People can say what they want about my [[bad) attitude and that they're not the same group anyway, so be it.

    I greatly enjoyed the four four tops shows i've seen with theo and believed he was carrying the group. He really made the concert for me.

    I don't know all the politics here, but sometimes you just have to come to your senses and right all wrongs. If not? I'm done with them ... Sorry.
    they stopped being the same group when-levi-obie and lawrence passed.

  15. #115
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    Theo would be a good fit for the Spinners vocally. Just a thought. I just wish him well on whatever direction his talent takes him.

  16. #116
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    This site has a few nice clips of Theo, including one with 'The Queen Of Soul'...

    http://raggedy-soundofsoul.blogspot....s-special.html

    Theo is a bad, BAD boy!

  17. #117
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    Thanks stranger56 for the update. What a downer! As I recall that guy Spike didn't even sing lead with the Spinners did he? I thought he was the tenor? Well like I said if this holds up I won't support them anymore and enjoy my Cd's and Dvd's. Luckily I have the classic Dvd's to relive the days of when I saw Levi Obie, Duke and Lawrence together many times in concert and the Stardust video from a few years to enjoy the times I saw Theo leading the group.

    I tell ya what if I was Dennis Edwards and his management I'd consider contacting Theo. Imagine a Temps Review with Dennis, Theo, David Sea, Paul Williams Jr and if they added say Glenn Leonard for a fifth member with this year being the Temps 50th anniversary. That combo would make Duke and Otis groups look like imitations. Theo would add the voice of Stay and This is my Promise and they could even add a Four Tops medley to the show.

  18. #118
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    Tracie...

    The problem with such a scenario is that it would put Chris & Mike into the same situation that we're complaining about, not to mention Dennis doing what we're disagreeing with & that would be problematic & would render every protestation in this thread hypocritical.

    Just as with Theo, Chris Arnold [[high tenor) & Mike Patillo [[bass) have been with Dennis through good times & difficult times. With Dennis being a loyal person, I wouldn't imagine that he'd treat Chris nor Mike in such a manner. For him to do so, would be doing the same thing to these two men, that was done to Theo. And most of us here feel that what happened to Theo was wrong.

    Also to be considered is the fact that Glenn is doing his own thing now.

  19. #119
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    Theo would fit The Spinners, but they have a truly outstanding lead in Charlton Washington, who is fantastic. For those who say they're not the same group since Phillippe left, B.S., Charlton [[and Mr. Edwards, and Mr. Cameron, who also sang lead with the group ... Frank Washington not so much, IMO), have all been more than capable replacements.

    I wish Theo well and hope he finds a better path, though I'll miss him in the group. I think he needs to go out on his own.

  20. #120
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    juicefree

    I don't know the workings of Dennis group if your right then I agree with you. I only said it cause The Review has had many people come in and out through the years so I'm not sure how stable they are. I know David Sea has been in and out cause at one time Greg Finley was in his place. and I've seen Bernard Gibson, Ali Woodson, and Paul Williams Jr replace each other multiple times. I've also seen Chris replaced by both Steve Harris and Damon Harris at times. Even though I believe a few years back Damon only came in temporary because Chris was ill and Bernard and Paul rotated with Ali because of either Ali solo appearances or illness.

  21. #121
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    Initial reports are saying Spike did a very good job on the cruise and even sounded like Levi. Apparently he is known for mimicking singers. The biggest complaint from the audience was the absence of a band, they used tracks.

    I'll be checking them out in a few weeks and will give a complete [[unbiased) review. Seriously though, I'm willing to listen objectively.

    Whatever my personal feelings are on this subject, I'm happy there are people still working. Many members in this entourage I've known for almost 30 years. Their happiness and financial security is important to me.

    All my best and love to Theo, Daphne and his entire family. I wish them well in whatever they do.

  22. #122
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    Angry Theo out? Say it isn't so!

    Here it is in writing, Theo is Out!!! I think he is a genius at music.


    http://raggedy-soundofsoul.blogspot....s-special.html

  23. #123
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    I've been thinking. Theo should get with one of these new, hot, young female vocalists and do a "power ballard" to get his name out there individually.

  24. #124
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    Quote Originally Posted by marv2 View Post
    I've been thinking. Theo should get with one of these new, hot, young female vocalists and do a "power ballard" to get his name out there individually.
    Great point, Marv. I'd like to see Theo make a name for himself out there. I consider him the top soul singer out there today ... clarification, not the greatest living soul singer, those would be Russell Thompkins Jr., Eddie Levert, Walter Williams, Bobbie Smith, etc. But I think Theo has the strongest voice out there in soul music today.

    Perhaps this is a win-win for Theo. He did his part with The Four Tops and did it extremely well. I think his talents might extend beyond the casino circuit. Teamming up with a great female singer is a fabulous idea, and in turn, perhaps he could be an opening act for some big time groups.

    I wish him well and thank him for the great concert memories.

  25. #125
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    Okay, the decision is final. So be it. Life goes on. I wish Theo the very best in his new endeavors. My fondest hope is that one day he will look back on this difficult moment as something that changed his career for the better. Power to the Peoples. Theoplis Peoples that is.

  26. #126
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    Theo Peoples was born Theopolis Peoples, III . Thank you! hehehehehehe........

  27. #127
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    Marv, his name is Theoplis
    not Theopolis

  28. #128
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    Soph

    I feel that way too. I wish them all the best and thank them for doing what they did.

  29. #129
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    Quote Originally Posted by ms_m View Post
    Marv, his name is Theoplis
    not Theopolis
    Score one for Ms. M; Some think they know everything, but they don't. lol

  30. #130
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    Hi Kam, it's good to see you. Hope the fam is well.

    I wasn't trying to score any points but correct the spelling of Theo's actual name.

    If it's all the same to you, I'd rather stay out of the middle of a pie fight and this goes to anyone reading this so please, don't use this to throw back at Kam either.

    Thanks

  31. #131
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    Thanks ms_m. I've seen it spelled Theopolis and also Theoplis.

  32. #132
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  33. #133
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    You're welcome. I've seen it misspelled as well and if possible I try to correct it. Unfortunately that's not possible on many sites but since it was possible in this case, I spoke up.

    I will admit to having an advantage though, I did his original website [[which has transformed somewhat since the initial site went up) So I can assure you, my spelling is correct.

    I'm sure it's not a big deal to some but as a general rule people like to see their name spelled correctly although these things don't always pan out. shrugs

  34. #134
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    Quote Originally Posted by ms_m View Post
    You're welcome. I've seen it misspelled as well and if possible I try to correct it. Unfortunately that's not possible on many sites but since it was possible in this case, I spoke up.

    I will admit to having an advantage though, I did his original website [[which has transformed somewhat since the initial site went up) So I can assure you, my spelling is correct.

    I'm sure it's not a big deal to some but as a general rule people like to see their name spelled correctly although these things don't always pan out. shrugs
    That is great. You sound like a very talented woman. Do you still do Web mastering? [[ I don't know if that is the correct term?)

  35. #135
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    Do you still do Web mastering?
    Rather complicated question Marv. I happened into it by default I guess you could say and one site lead to another since all the folks knew each other. LOL

    I've pretty much sworn off although I do have two in the works, one for Spyder and another for Tobi Benson Walker, after that I hope to be done with it. LOL

    I enjoy creating them but they are labor intensive and I'm not great with code which makes the job twice as hard for me as someone who is.

    If you or anyone is looking for a web designer I can recommend one for you though, Ron Tyson's webmaster is awesome. [[although she will probably kill me for throwing more work her way....hahahaha)

  36. #136
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    Quote Originally Posted by ms_m View Post
    Rather complicated question Marv. I happened into it by default I guess you could say and one site lead to another since all the folks knew each other. LOL

    I've pretty much sworn off although I do have two in the works, one for Spyder and another for Tobi Benson Walker, after that I hope to be done with it. LOL

    I enjoy creating them but they are labor intensive and I'm not great with code which makes the job twice as hard for me as someone who is.

    If you or anyone is looking for a web designer I can recommend one for you though, Ron Tyson's webmaster is awesome. [[although she will probably kill me for throwing more work her way....hahahaha)
    My brother Matt is a webmaster but it's all Fortune 500 , corporate stuff. I was thinking along the lines of more sites for entertainers that need help.

  37. #137
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    If you know of anyone looking, hit me up on SDF email and I can have Tyson's webmaster reach out to you and or them.

    After I finish these last two my plan is to hang it up. It takes me away from other areas of the biz I prefer concentrating on. I allowed myself to wear too many hats at one point and it was too stressful for me to continue being a one person record company. I enjoy web design but it's not where my real passion lies when it comes to this biz we call show.

  38. #138
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    Quote Originally Posted by ms_m View Post
    If you know of anyone looking, hit me up on SDF email and I can have Tyson's webmaster reach out to you and or them.

    After I finish these last two my plan is to hang it up. It takes me away from other areas of the biz I prefer concentrating on. I allowed myself to wear too many hats at one point and it was too stressful for me to continue being a one person record company. I enjoy web design but it's not where my real passion lies when it comes to this biz we call show.

    I understand and I will do that. Thank you Ms. M.

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