Last surviving original member of the Four Tops, Abdul 'Duke' Fakir, dies at 88
Motown group was known for hits including "Baby I Need Your Loving" and "It's the Same Old Song."
Abdul "Duke" Fakir, the last surviving original member of Motown's the Four Tops, died Monday of heart failure in Detroit. He was 88.
Along with Obie Benson, Lawrence Payton, and Levi Stubbs, Fakir's recordings included hits such as "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)," "Ain't No Woman (Like the One I've Got)," "It's the Same Old Song," "Reach Out I'll Be There," and "Baby I Need Your Loving."
Michael Buckner/WireImage
Duke Fakir has died at 88Related: Celebrity deaths 2024: Remembering the stars we've lost this year
His family released a statement:
"We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our loving husband of 50 years, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend and forever Four Tops, Abdul Kareem Fakir, better known as Duke. Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of a trailblazer, icon and music legend who, through his 70-year music career, touched the lives of so many as he continued to tour until the end of 2023, and officially retired this year. As the last living founding member of the iconic The Four Tops music group, we find solace in Duke's legacy living on through his music for generations to come."
Originally called the Four Aims, Fakir and his group spent seven years touring before they signed with Motown and hit it off with the writing and producing team of Holland-Dozier-Holland in the ’60s. In all, the group had two singles that topped the charts and 11 that reached the Top 20 over 30 years.
© Motown Records Archives
The Four Tops pictured in 1964Related: Shannen Doherty, Beverly Hills, 90210 and Charmed star, dies at 53
Berry Gordy, the founder of the iconic record label, said that Fakir "will always be a significant part of the Motown legacy.
"Duke was first tenor — smooth, suave, and always sharp. For 70 years, he kept the Four Tops' remarkable legacy intact, and in all those years, he never missed a performance, until just recently. I so appreciate all he did for the Four Tops, for Motown and for me."
Related: Shelley Duvall,The Shining star and Robert Altman collaborator, dies at 75
© Motown Records Archives
The Four Tops were one of Motown's top actsRelated: Richard Simmons, beloved fitness icon, dies at 76
Although their greatest commercial success was in the ’60s and ’70s, the Four Tops remained together until Payton died in 1997. Benson died in 2005, while Stubbs' death was in 2008. But respect for their work didn't wane.
In 1990, Fakir and his bandmates were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame by Stevie Wonder. Still, they continued to tour extensively, even as the Four Tops lineup changed, sometimes sharing a bill with the Temptations. They were also recognized with a Grammy lifetime achievement award in 2009.
Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free daily newsletter to get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more.
© Motown Records Archives
The Four Tops topped the charts in the 1960sFellow Motown legend Smokey Robinson offered his own loving words: "My brother I really hate to have to say goodbye but you've been called home by The Father to once again join Lawrence, Obey, and Levi and make more of the heavenly music you guys made while here. I'm gonna miss you my brother. Have the most wonderful eternity. Your Brother, Smokey."
Fakir collected his memories in a 2022 memoir, I'll Be There.
He is survived by Piper Gibson, his wife of 50 years, and six children.
Read the original article on Entertainment Weekly.
