*For nearly two decades, Abdul “Duke” Fakir carried the mantle for one of the all-time great soul music groups, the Four Tops, after the passing of his musical brothers. Today, we say a somber goodbye to Fakir, the last original member of this legendary group, who passed away at the age of 88 from natural causes. His retirement from the group was announced just last week, marking the end of a remarkable career spanning seven decades.
By any measure, the Four Tops are among the most significant soul groups in music history, often considered on the Mount Rushmore of classic soul. Formed in the mid-1950s as high schoolers in Detroit, Fakir, along with Levi Stubbs, Obie Benson, and Lawrence Payton, initially performed under the name the Four Aims.
However, as SoulTracks reports, to avoid confusion with the popular Ames Brothers, they changed their name to the Four Tops—a name destined to become synonymous with Detroit’s “Sound of Young America.”
Their early years were marked by struggle, cutting several unsuccessful tracks for various labels until they signed with Berry Gordy’s Motown.
Partnering with songwriting powerhouse Holland/Dozier/Holland, their debut collaboration, “Baby I Need Your Lovin’,” was a smash hit that set the stage for many more.
The Four Tops rose to prominence alongside contemporaries like the Temptations, establishing themselves as pillars of the Motown sound with classics such as “Reach Out, I’ll Be There” and “I Can’t Help Myself.” After an incredible run of hits from 1964 to 1972, the group transitioned to ABC/Dunhill, where they enjoyed continued success, most notably with the #1 hit “Ain’t No Woman (Like the One I’ve Got).” Yet another wave of hits came in the 80s under the Casablanca Records label with tracks like “When She Was My Girl” and “Sad Hearts.”
One memorable moment in their storied history was Motown’s 25th Anniversary special in 1983, which featured a friendly singing competition between the Temptations and the Four Tops. The playful rivalry and medley performance was so well-received that it sparked the “Tempts vs. Tops” tour, delighting millions of fans over the years.
With Duke Fakir’s recent retirement, the Four Tops’ lineup now includes Alexander Morris, Ronnie McNeir, Lawrence Payton Jr. (son of founding member Lawrence Payton Sr.), and newcomer Michael Brock. Fakir, reflective in his later years, penned a memoir published in 2022, detailing the “magical” journey of the Four Tops, a life story colored by love and togetherness.
“There’s a driving force that indicates why all that happened, and how it happened. And it’s colorful. And it’s all about love – something we all need to see again these days,” Fakir reflected. “It’s love of music, love of people working together, love of looking out in audiences, seeing those smiling faces.”
Abdul “Duke” Fakir is survived by his wife, Piper Fakir, and his children Farah Fakir Cook, Nazim Bashir Fakir, Abdul Kareem Fakir Jr., Myke Fakir, and Malik Robinson, along with 13 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
His passing signifies not just the loss of a music legend but the end of an era for the Four Tops, a group that remained remarkably intact for decades, bonded in brotherhood until death ultimately parted them.
Today, we celebrate the life and legacy of Duke Fakir, whose contributions to soul music will resonate for generations to come. His presence will be sorely missed, but his music will forever echo the timeless spirit of the Four Tops. Rest in peace, Duke.
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: Four Tops’ Alexander Morris Sues Hospital for Racial Discrimination – Says He was Forced into A ‘Restraining Jacket’ | WATCH
