About The Song
Reach Out (I’ll Be There) is a 1966 song recorded by the American vocal quartet the Four Tops. It was written and produced by Motown’s main production team, Holland–Dozier–Holland. The song is one of the most widely known Motown hits of the 1960s and is today considered the Four Tops’ signature song.
Reach Out (I’ll Be There) is a classic soul song with a simple but powerful message of hope and encouragement. The lyrics tell the story of a person who is feeling down and discouraged, and a friend who offers them support and reassurance. The song’s chorus is particularly memorable:
“When you feel like giving up, and you’re all alone Just reach out for my hand, I’ll be there to hold you When you feel that the world is moving too fast Just reach out for my hand, I’ll be there to last”
Reach Out (I’ll Be There) was a major commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and the Billboard R&B Singles charts in 1966. The song has also been covered by numerous artists, including Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, and the Rolling Stones. It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998.
The Four Tops
The Four Tops are an American vocal quartet that formed in Detroit, Michigan, in 1959. The group originally consisted of Levi Stubbs (lead vocals), Abdul “Duke” Fakir (background vocals), Lawrence Payton (background vocals), and Obie Benson (background vocals). Benson was replaced by Ronnie McClain in 1964.
The Four Tops were one of the most successful Motown acts of the 1960s, with a string of hit singles including “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)”, “Baby I Need Your Love”, “Standing in the Shadow of Love”, “Bernadette”, “Ain’t No Woman (Like the One I Love)”, and “Keep It Comin’ (Back to You)”. The group also had several successful albums, including “The Four Tops” (1965), Reach Out (1967), and “Still Waters” (1968).
The Four Tops were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990. They continue to tour and record today.
Conclusion
Reach Out (I’ll Be There) is a timeless classic that has inspired and comforted generations of listeners. Its message of hope and encouragement is as relevant today as it was when it was first released. The Four Tops are one of the greatest vocal groups of all time, and Reach Out (I’ll Be There) is one of their finest recordings.
Additional Information
- Reach Out (I’ll Be There) was used in the 1987 film “Dirty Dancing”.
- The song was also featured in the 1995 film “Casino”.
- Reach Out (I’ll Be There) has been sampled by numerous hip hop artists, including Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G.
I hope this is helpful! Let me know if you have any other questions.