Abdul ‘Duke’ Fakir, last surviving original member of the Four Tops, dies at 88

As a devoted cinephile and music enthusiast, I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Abdul “Duke” Fakir, the last surviving founding member of the legendary Motown vocal group, the Four Tops. Duke’s contribution to the world of R&B and soul music is immeasurable, and his loss leaves a void that can never truly be filled.

Abdul “Duke” Fakir, original member of the legendary Motown quartet, the Four Tops, has passed away at the age of 88.

A representative for the family said in a statement that Fakir died of heart failure on Monday.

“We are deeply sad as we remember a groundbreaking, beloved musician and legend, Fakir, who dedicated 70 years of his life to sharing his talent with the world. He continued performing until late in 2023 before retiring this year. As the sole surviving original member of the renowned Four Tops, we take comfort in knowing that Duke’s music will continue to inspire and move people for generations.”

Fakir was an essential part of the well-coordinated quartet, the Four Tops, who created enduring Motown classics such as “Baby I Need Your Loving,” “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch),” and “Reach Out I’ll Be There.” During their prime years from 1964 to 1967, the Four Tops notched two No. 1 hits and eleven Top 20 singles on the Billboard chart.

Label mates at Motown who honored Fakir include Berry Gordy, the company’s founder, who expressed his sadness over Fakir’s passing in a statement. He recalled Fakir as the “first tenor,” known for his smooth and sophisticated voice, and always ready with a sharp wit. For seven decades, Fakir upheld the Four Tops’ illustrious heritage without ever missing a performance, except for very recently. I am deeply grateful for all he contributed to the Four Tops, Motown, and me.

Gordy was impressed by the original Four Tops members, Fakir, Levi Stubbs, Lawrence Payton, and Renaldo “Obie” Benson, and their captivating performances, refined demeanor, and artistic abilities.

Fakir, born in Detroit in 1935, was the child of a Bangladeshi factory worker and an African American mother who was both a gospel singer and a minister’s daughter. Growing up, he was immersed in gospel and jazz music. In 1953, he founded the Four Tops with Levi Stubbs, Lawrence Payton, and Renaldo “Obie” Benson. Initially named the Four Aims, they gained popularity on the local club scene and eventually signed with Chess Records in 1956. However, it wasn’t until they joined Motown in 1962 that they became nationally recognized.

During that time, the Four Tops achieved an incredible string of successes in the music industry, collaborating with the gifted team Holland-Dozier-Holland on hits such as “It’s the Same Old Song,” “Standing in the Shadows of Love,” and “Bernadette.” These tracks reached impressive heights on both pop and R&B charts. The Four Tops’ singles continue to be cherished Motown classics.

Following Motown’s departure for Los Angeles in the 1970s, the band continued to reside in Detroit and changed labels multiple times. During this period, they produced popular hits such as “Ain’t No Woman (Like the One I’ve Got)” and the 1980 release “When She Was My Girl.” Their final Top 40 hit as a group, titled “Indestructible,” served as the Olympics theme in 1988. In 1990, the band was recognized with induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame after achieving 24 Top 40 pop singles.

With Fakir being the lone original member joined by Lawrence Payton Jr., Ronnie McNeir, and Alex Morris, The Four Tops continued to thrive on tour in the years following. In 2022, Fakir published his memoir titled “I’ll Be There,” offering a vivid account of his experiences during Motown’s golden era. He eventually retired from the group in 2024.

Smokey Robinson, a renowned Motown artist, expressed his feelings about Fakir in these words: “I deeply dislike having to say this, but The Father has summoned your spirit back to be with Lawrence, Obey, and Levi once more. You’ll create beautiful music up there, just as you did here. I’ll surely miss you, my dear brother. May your eternal life be filled with the most wondrous blessings.”

Fakir is leaves behind his spouse, Piper Fakir; daughter Farah Fakir Cook; five sons, Nazim Bashir Fakir, Anthony Fakir, Abdul Kareem Fakir Jr., Myke Fakir, and Malik Robinson; thirteen grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Sadly, his daughter Kai Ayne passed away before him.

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2024-07-23 03:01