Abdul “Duke” Fakir, the last remaining original member of the iconic group the Four Tops, has died at the age of 88.
The Associated Press reported that Fakir’s passing on Monday due to heart failure marks the end of an era for the Four Tops, a group celebrated for their influential contributions to the music industry.
Fakir's death occurred at his Detroit home, where he was surrounded by his wife and other loved ones. Known for his smooth tenor voice, Fakir was instrumental in the success of the Four Tops, particularly during their peak in the 1960s.
Abdul “Duke” Fakir, along with Levi Stubbs, Renaldo “Obie” Benson, and Lawrence Payton, formed the Four Tops. Initially named the Four Aims, they changed their name to avoid confusion with another act, the Ames Brothers.
The group signed with Motown in 1963 after an initial hesitation. Their collaboration with the famed Holland-Dozier-Holland songwriting-production team led to numerous hits, including “Reach Out, I’ll Be There” and “Standing in the Shadows of Love.”
Berry Gordy, Motown's founder, reflected fondly on Fakir's contributions, commenting on his showmanship and class. Fakir, as first tenor, helped maintain the Four Tops' legacy for seven decades.
Despite the departure of Holland-Dozier-Holland from Motown in 1967, the Four Tops continued to achieve success. They maintained an active concert schedule, often sharing the stage with fellow Motown legends, the Temptations.
The Four Tops were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990 and received a Grammy lifetime achievement award in 2009. Over the years, the group lost its original members: Lawrence Payton in 1997, Renaldo “Obie” Benson in 2005, and Levi Stubbs in 2008.
Fakir continued to perform, partnering with Alexander Morris, Ronnie McNeir, and Lawrence Payton Jr., ensuring the group's legacy endured. Fakir even authored a memoir titled “I’ll Be There,” published in 2022, and was working on a Broadway musical about the group.
Born in Detroit, Fakir was of Ethiopian and Bangladeshi descent and grew up in a tough neighborhood. He initially dreamed of becoming a professional athlete but discovered his vocal talent while singing in his church choir.
Fakir met Levi Stubbs in his teens, and the duo first performed with Benson and Payton at a birthday party. Fakir reminisced about their impromptu performance, recalling how their harmonies came together seamlessly, leading to the formation of the Four Tops.
Fakir was married twice, most recently to Piper Gibson for 50 years. He was a father to seven children, six of whom survive him. He also had a brief engagement to Mary Wilson of the Supremes in the mid-1960s.
Stevie Wonder praised the Four Tops for their professionalism and camaraderie, describing them as loving and always gentlemanly. Fakir himself spoke on the group's legacy, expressing how much each member's passing impacted him and his determination to continue their work.
“As each one of them passed, a little bit of me left with them,” Fakir once said. “When Levi left us, I found myself in a quandary as to what I was going to do from that moment on, but after a while, I realized that the name together with the legacy that they had left us simply had to carry on, and judging by the audience reaction, it soon became pretty evident that I did the right thing.”
Throughout his life, Fakir maintained a close connection to Detroit, where his journey began. His dedication to the Four Tops not only preserved the group's remarkable history but also ensured that their music continued to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Abdul “Duke” Fakir's passing marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in Motown history. The Four Tops' music, characterized by their harmonious vocals and timeless hits, will remain an enduring legacy of Fakir and his bandmates.
To summarize, Abdul “Duke” Fakir, the last founding member of the Four Tops, died at 88 due to heart failure, surrounded by family in Detroit. His contributions to music were immortalized through iconic hits and a persistent concert presence. Fakir's life, from humble Detroit beginnings to Motown mastery, exemplifies a remarkable career of artistry and resilience. Berry Gordy and Stevie Wonder's tributes highlight the enduring impact Fakir and the Four Tops had on the world, leaving future generations to cherish their legacy.
