
In the 1970s, as Michael Jackson and Diana Ross gained prominence, Motown began to change, and the company moved from Detroit to Los Angeles. The group maintained the same lineup for 44 years, strengthening their musical bond. After the death of Lawrence Payton in 1997, the group temporarily performed as a trio but restored their quartet lineup by recruiting former Temptations member Theo Peoples in 1998. They continued to tour and perform actively until Levi Stubbs passed away from cancer in 2008, maintaining their connection with fans. Duke Fakir was the group's last surviving original member, he passed away in 2024.
The Four Tops' music continues to influence many people and is remembered as an important part of the Motown sound.