Detroit (Celebrity Access) – Abdul “Duke” FakirThe sophisticated and captivating singer, who championed the legacy of the Four Tops for seven decades, has died aged 88. The family confirmed the news to ABC. Detroit Free Press.
Fakir is the last surviving member of the beloved Motown band, following the deaths of his friends and bandmates. Lawrence Payton, Obi Benson, and Levi Stubbs. “It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of this trailblazer, icon and music legend who touched the lives of many during his 70-year music career as he continued to tour,” the Fakir family said in a statement. Until the end of 2023, he will officially retire this year.
The Four Tops’ hits span the decades and include iconic songs from the 1960s such as “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch),” “It’s the Same Old Song,” “Bernadette” , “Standing in the Shadows of Love,” and “Reach out, I’ll be there.” The group continued to have success in the 1980s with hits such as “When She Was My Girl.”
Even after his bandmate’s death, Fakir kept the Four Tops name, bringing in new members and continuing to tour. Fakir is known for his kindness, being approachable and friendly, and often interacts with his fans on a daily basis.
motown artist Martha Reeves recalled him fondly, saying, “The four top players were all fine, handsome men and sang with the voices of champions. Duke had one of the sweetest tenors you can hear. You can tell from the harmonies , recognizing him by the operatic sounds in the background.
smokey robinson He also paid his respects, saying: “My brother, I really hate to say goodbye, but you have been called home by your Heavenly Father to once again join Lawrence, Obi and Levy in creating more of the heavenly sounds you created here. .I will miss you, my brother.
Born Abdul Kareem Fakir, he grew up in a religious family and was attracted to music from an early age. In 1953, he formed a quartet that would become the Four Tops in Detroit’s street corner doo wop music scene. The group was originally called the Four Aims, later became the Four Tops, and eventually signed with Motown in 1963.
The Four Tops enjoyed a long career at Motown and other labels, producing such hits as “Baby I Need Your Love,” “Keeper of the Castle,” “Ain’t No Woman (Like the One I’ve Got)” and “Catfish. They returned to Motown in the ’80s, benefiting from baby boomer nostalgia and acts like the Motown 25 television special.
One of Fakir’s final projects is a stage musical based on the story of the Four Summits, which he hopes will premiere in Detroit. “Everything I do — my music, my life, my family — comes from Detroit,” he said. “Detroit deserves it. They gave me a lot.
Many have praised Fakir’s contribution to music, including The Temptations’ Otis Williams, who called him “Mr. Fakir.” Detroit” and praised his fashion sense and ability to keep the team together over the years.
Publicist Matt Lee, who worked closely with Fakir, described him as “the finest gentleman” and “the flame keeper of the Motown career.”
Fakir continued to perform until the end of 2023, retiring this year. He was preceded in death by his wife, Piper Fakir. daughter, Farah Fakir Cook; sons, Nazeem Bashir Fakir, Abdul Karim Fakir Jr., Mike Fakir, Anthony Fakir and Ma Leake Robinson; 13 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
