Last original member of the Four Tops, Duke Fakir, passes away

by

As a devoted fan of Motown music and the Four Tops in particular, I am deeply saddened by the news of Abdul “Duke” Fakir’s passing at the age of 88. The Four Tops were one of Motown’s most iconic groups, and Duke was an integral part of their legacy. Though he wasn’t the lead singer, Duke kept the group’s spirit alive in the 21st century by consistently touring with a new lineup.

Back in the groovy ’60s, Motown had this amazing quartet called the Four Tops, and I was totally in awe of them. The group was made up of Levi Stubbs, Obie Benson, Lawrence Payton, and Duke Fakir. Their music was irresistible, and they churned out chart-toppers like “Baby I Need Your Loving,” “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch),” “It’s the Same Old Song,” and “Reach Out I’ll Be There.” Each note they sang took me on a magical journey!

Abdul “Duke” Fakir, one of the founding members of the Four Tops, sadly passed away on July 22, 2024, at the age of 88. According to reports from the Detroit Free Press and USA Today, he succumbed to heart failure.

Duke Fakir didn’t serve as the main vocalist for the Four Tops, but he played a pivotal role in preserving their legacy during the 21st century. By touring extensively from the 2000s through the 2020s with a fresh lineup, Fakir paid tribute to his bandmates and friends, Levi Stubbs, Renaldo “Obie” Benson, and Theo Payton. He passed on the Four Tops’ iconic music to young audiences.

Duke Fakir of the Four Tops passes away at 88

In May 2022, Fakir released his memoir titled “I’ll Be There: My Life With The Four Tops.” Throughout his entertainment career, he remained humble and was eager to recount the stories of his journey with The Four Tops for their fans. He understood the importance of documenting The Four Tops’ history in writing.

Fakir’s family expressed their grief to the public, as reported by USA Today. “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of a pioneer, icon, and music great who, throughout his 70-year musical journey, reached out and touched the lives of countless people with his performances until the very end of 2023. He formally retired this year.”

A music historian’s perspective

In writing about Fakir’s passing, I aimed to provide a music historian’s viewpoint in addition to an obituary-like piece. The Four Tops hold a special place in my heart as one of Motown’s longest-lasting and most beloved groups. Their discography boasts numerous chart-topping hits and timeless songs that continue to resonate with listeners across generations.

The Tops’ influential legacy persists, but sadly, no more original band members are with us. This is a bittersweet realization for music enthusiasts and historians alike. Fakir served as the bridge connecting the Tops to their impressive past, guiding them into the new millennium.

Is it probable that the current form of the Tops will persist following Fakir’s death? It is highly likely, but nothing will be exactly the same without him. Fakir was the magnetic force that attracted people to the Tops. Let his departure serve as a reminder for us to cherish and appreciate the living legends among us before they are gone.

Around five or six years ago, I had the good fortune of attending a concert where I got to witness Fakir and The Tops perform. Reflecting on that experience now, I feel thankful for having been able to observe Fakir’s exceptional performance. Despite being well into his eighties, he continued to captivate audiences with his stage presence. It was an humbling reminder of the significant role he played in Motown’s remarkable history.

With Fakir’s recent passing, we mark the end of an important era in music history. This loss will be deeply felt by music enthusiasts and historians alike.

Read More

2024-07-23 22:00