Spartanburg Set to Experience a Time Warp with Classic Motown Legend!
Did you ever believe that office soundtracks could become the inspiration for an enlightening conversation with Lawrence Payton Jr., the bass-baritone singer of the iconic Four Tops? As unlikely as it might seem, music has set the stage for us to dissect the universality and timeless appeal of classic Motown.
A few years back, I found unlikely harmony with a much younger co-worker over the enigmatic rhythms of The Temptations, the Four Tops, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, and numerous other Motown maestros. Motown music, deeply rooted in the socio-political realities of the ’60s, provided a musical common ground and sparked fascinating conversations. This bond over nostalgic tunes resonated as I connected with Payton, just ahead of the grand performance by The Tops and The Temptations on October 17 at Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium.
A Moment in History: The Timeless Appeal of Classic Motown
When asked about the universality of classic Motown, the son of the legendary tenor vocalist, Lawrence Sr. did not miss a beat. “You hit it dead on the head, he said, “It’s very universal. There’s just something about that Motown music.” To truly appreciate this music genre, one must remember the tumultuous times during which it was created. As Payton suggests, their music was the backdrop for various transformations – integration, equal rights movements, and even the Vietnam War. It became a unifying force in a fragmented world.
A Legacy to Uphold: Payton Junior’s Accidental Foray into Vocals
Initially, Payton played the drums for the Four Tops, supporting his father and the other three members who remained constant for an incredibly long span. The group maintained this original lineup until the senior Payton’s death in 1997. Following this, the last original member, Abdul “Duke” Fakir, passed away earlier this year, leaving the group in mourning.
Despite the setbacks, Payton didn’t initially plan on stepping up as a vocalist. However, the first collective vocal session changed the course of his journey. “We just started singing automatically, man,” Payton fondly remembered, “It was like going back in history.” The group’s fiery lead vocalist, Levi Stubbs, was elated with the performance, recognizing the effortless alignment that clicked in place as if Payton Senior were present.
Friendly Contest: An Exhilarating Showdown Await Fans!
As Spartanburg gears up for the grand performance, Payton divulges some “inside” information. A playful rivalry between the Four Tops and the Temptations promises a thrilling face-off! He jokes, “We want to blow them off the stage and they want to blow us off the stage.” It’s this ‘friendly competition’ that will ensure Motown fans are set for an unforgettable night.
So, folks, brace yourself for an exciting depict of history through the enchanting chords of classic Motown! Join the The Temptations and the Four Tops on Thursday, October 17 at the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium. Don’t miss this musical spectacle standing at the crossroads of the past and the present!
