Abdul “Duke” Fakir, the last surviving member of the legendary Motown group The Four Tops, passed away today at his home in Detroit at the age of 88.
His family confirmed that he died of heart failure.
Fakir and his bandmates Levi Stubbs, Lawrence Payton, and Renaldo “Obie” Benson originally performed as The Four Aims in the 1950s.
After several unsuccessful singles with Chess Records, they rebranded and signed with Motown Records, where their career skyrocketed.
“We knew something special was happening when we joined Motown,” Fakir once said. “It felt like magic every time we stepped into the studio.”
Their first major hit came in 1964 with “Baby I Need Your Loving,” written by the legendary songwriting trio Holland-Dozier-Holland.
Fakir’s smooth tenor voice, combined with the powerful lead vocals of Stubbs and the harmonies of Payton and Benson, created timeless classics such as “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)” and “Reach Out I’ll Be There.”
Fakir reminisced, “Those songs were the soundtrack of our lives. We poured our hearts into every note.”
Throughout the 1960s and early 70s, The Four Tops were one of Motown’s most successful acts, with 17 Top 20 singles in the United States and 11 Top 10 hits in the UK.
“It’s the Same Old Song,” “Standing in the Shadows of Love,” and “Bernadette” are just a few of the hits that cemented their place in music history.
The group also received a Grammy nomination in 1971 for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group for “It’s All in the Game.”
After leaving Motown in the early 1970s, The Four Tops signed with ABC/Dunhill, where they continued their success with hits like “Keeper of the Castle” and “Ain’t No Woman (Like the One I Got).”
They returned to Motown in the mid-80s and continued to perform together until the mid-90s.
Fakir reflected, “Even after all those years, the love and energy from our fans never waned. It was truly a blessing.”
Born on December 26, 1935, in Detroit, Fakir met Stubbs during neighborhood football games, and the two quickly bonded over their shared passion for music.
Along with Payton and Benson, they formed The Four Aims, later changing their name to The Four Tops.
“Our journey together was unforgettable,” Fakir said. “We were more than just a band; we were brothers.”
Despite the passing of his fellow band members, Fakir continued to honor their legacy through music.
“I miss them every day,” he once shared. “But their spirit lives on in every song we sang and every fan we touched.”
Abdul “Duke” Fakir’s contribution to music will forever be remembered.
His voice, talent, and dedication helped shape the sound of Motown and brought joy to millions worldwide.
My sincerest condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Mr. Fakir.
May he rest in paradise.
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