Obie Benson of Four Tops dies at age 69

DETROIT – Renaldo “Obie” Benson, a member of the legendary Motown singing group the Four Tops, died Friday. He was 69.

Benson died at a Detroit hospital, said the group’s road manager, Fred Bridges. His death also was confirmed by Craig Hankenson, president of Producers Inc., one of the agencies that books dates for the Four Tops. Benson had been ill, Hankenson said.

The Four Tops sold more than 50 million records and recorded hit songs such as “Baby I Need Your Loving.”

Benson’s death leaves two surviving members of the original group: Levi Stubbs and Abdul “Duke” Fakir. The fourth original Top, Lawrence Payton, died of cancer in 1997.

They are members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.