In a heartfelt moment of remembrance, we bid farewell to Abdul “Duke” Fakir, the last surviving original member of the iconic Motown group, the Four Tops. Fakir, who helped shape the soundtrack of the 1960s with timeless hits like “Reach Out, I’ll Be There” and “Standing in the Shadows of Love,” passed away at age 88 due to heart failure. He died peacefully at his home in Detroit, surrounded by his beloved wife and family.
Berry Gordy, the visionary founder of Motown, paid tribute to Fakir, highlighting his immense contribution to the group’s legacy. “Duke was first tenor — smooth, suave, and always sharp,” Gordy said. “For 70 years, he kept the Four Tops’ remarkable legacy intact.” Fakir’s voice and stage presence were instrumental in defining the Motown sound, a sound that transcended racial and cultural boundaries and became a cornerstone of American music.
The Four Tops were not just a musical group; they were a phenomenon. Alongside lead singer Levi Stubbs, Renaldo “Obie” Benson, and Lawrence Payton, Fakir helped propel the Four Tops to stardom. The group’s golden era, from 1964 to 1967, saw 11 top 20 hits, including chart-toppers like “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)” and “Reach Out I’ll Be There.” Their songs often told stories of love and heartache, resonating deeply with listeners across the globe.
Before joining Motown, the Four Tops had already spent a decade perfecting their craft. Initially called the Four Aims, they changed their name to avoid confusion with the Ames Brothers. Their early years saw them recording for several labels, including Chess Records, but without much success. It wasn’t until they teamed up with the powerhouse songwriting-production team of Eddie Holland, Lamont Dozier, and Brian Holland at Motown that their career truly took off. The synergy between Stubbs’ powerful baritone and the group’s tight harmonies was magical, creating an enduring legacy of hits.
While many of their peers struggled with internal strife and personal issues, the Four Tops remained remarkably united. They continued to deliver hits even after the departure of Holland-Dozier-Holland from Motown. Songs like “Still Water (Love)” and “Ain’t No Woman (Like the One I’ve Got)” kept them relevant through the 1970s and beyond. The group’s stability and professionalism were lauded by many, including Stevie Wonder, who praised their gentlemanly conduct and love for their craft during their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 1990.
After the original members passed away—Payton in 1997, Benson in 2005, and Stubbs in 2008—Fakir continued to perform with new members, ensuring that the Four Tops’ legacy lived on. His dedication to the group was unwavering. “As each one of them passed, a little bit of me left with them,” Fakir reflected in a 2021 interview. His commitment to preserving their legacy was evident in his ongoing performances and his efforts to create a Broadway musical based on their lives.
Fakir’s personal life was as rich as his professional one. He was married twice, spending the last 50 years with his wife, Piper Gibson, and was a father to seven children. Fakir’s heritage was Ethiopian and Bangladeshi, and he grew up in a tough Detroit neighborhood. Despite these challenges, he found his calling in music, singing in his church choir, and eventually forming the Four Tops with his friends.
Fakir’s contributions to music were recognized with numerous accolades, including induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998 and receiving a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009. His memoir, “I’ll Be There,” published in 2022, offers an intimate look at his journey and the Four Tops’ remarkable story.
Abdul “Duke” Fakir’s passing marks the end of an era for Motown and the music industry. His smooth tenor voice and unwavering dedication to the Four Tops left an indelible mark on music history. As we remember him, we celebrate a life filled with music, love, and an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.
