DETROIT (CelebrityAccess) – Abdul “Duke” Fakir, the subtle and charming singer who championed the 4 Tops’ legacy for seven many years, has handed away at 88. Fakir died Monday (July 22) at his Detroit residence from coronary heart failure, as confirmed by his household to the Detroit Free Press.
Fakir was the final surviving member of the beloved Motown act, following the sooner deaths of his buddies and groupmates Lawrence Payton, Obie Benson, and Levi Stubbs. In an announcement, the Fakir household stated, “Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the lack of a trailblazer, icon and music legend who, via his 70-year music profession, touched the lives of so many as he continued to tour till the top of 2023, and formally retired this yr.”
The 4 Tops’ hits spanned many years, with iconic songs from the Nineteen Sixties like “I Can’t Assist Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch),” “It’s the Identical Previous Music,” “Bernadette,” “Standing within the Shadows of Love,” and “Attain Out I’ll Be There.” The group continued their success into the ’80s with hits like “When She Was My Lady.”
Even after his groupmates’ deaths, Fakir saved the 4 Tops’ identify alive, bringing in new members and persevering with to tour. Identified for his graciousness, Fakir was approachable and sort, usually partaking with followers in on a regular basis settings.
Motown artist Martha Reeves remembered him fondly, saying, “All 4 of the Tops have been wonderful, good-looking males and sang with champion voices. Duke had one of many sweetest tenor voices you may hear. You may distinguish him within the concord, that operatic voice within the background.”
Smokey Robinson additionally paid tribute, saying, “My brother, I actually hate to should say goodbye, however you’ve been known as residence by the Father to affix Lawrence, Obie and Levi as soon as once more and make extra of the heavenly music you guys made whereas right here. I’m going to overlook you, my brother.”
Born Abdul Kareem Fakir, he grew up in a non secular household and was drawn to music early in life. He fashioned the quartet that might develop into the 4 Tops in 1953 throughout Detroit’s street-corner doo-wop scene. Initially generally known as the 4 Goals, the group turned the 4 Tops and ultimately signed with Motown in 1963.
The 4 Tops loved a protracted profession with Motown and different labels, producing hits like “Child I Want Your Loving,” “Keeper of the Fort,” “Ain’t No Lady (Just like the One I’ve Received),” and “Catfish.” They returned to Motown within the ’80s, benefiting from baby-boomer nostalgia and performances just like the Motown 25 TV particular.
Amongst Fakir’s remaining tasks was a stage musical based mostly on the 4 Tops’ story, which he hoped would premiere in Detroit. “Every thing I’ve executed — my music, my life, my household — comes from Detroit,” he stated. “Detroit deserves it. They’ve given me a lot.”
Many celebrated Fakir’s contributions to music, together with the Temptations’ Otis Williams, who known as him “Mr. Detroit” and praised his vogue sense and skill to maintain the group collectively via the years.
Publicist Matt Lee, who labored intently with Fakir, described him as “the best gentleman” and “the keeper of the flame for all issues Motown.”
Fakir continued performing till the top of 2023 and retired this yr. He’s survived by his spouse, Piper Fakir; daughter, Farah Fakir Prepare dinner; sons Nazim Bashir Fakir, Abdul Kareem Fakir Jr., Myke Fakir, Anthony Fakir, and Malik Robinson; 13 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren.