Ray Brown - The Same Old Song (1967)

The Four Tops - It’s The Same Old Song (1965)

(Holland - Dozier - Holland)
 USA
Original version
#5 USA #34 UK #39 Brisbane #33 Perth

Single on Motown label by Detroit group formed in 1953 or ’54 as the Four Aims with lead singer Levi Stubbs. After recording for several labels, including Chess (where they were renamed in 1956) and Columbia, The Four Tops joined Berry Gordy’s Motown organisation in 1963.

They went on to recorded numerous hits for Motown in the 60s written by Holland-Dozier-Holland, including I Can’t Help Myself (1965, #1 USA), It’s The Same Old Song (1965, #5), Standing In The Shadows Of Love (1966, #6) and Bernadette (1967, #4).

With changes of direction, and after the departure of Holland-Dozier-Holland, The Four Tops continued to chart into the 70s, for example with Keeper Of The Castle (1972, #10) and Ain’t No Woman (Like The One I’ve Got) (1973, #4).

The Four Tops’ original membership remained intact until the late 90s, when Lawrence Payton died, and Levi Stubbs retired through ill health in 2002.

Further reading: Four Tops biography at All Music Guide. Four Tops page at SoulWalking.co.uk.