DETROIT (CelebrityAccess) – Abdul “Duke” Fakir, the sophisticated and charming singer who championed the Four Tops’ legacy for seven decades, has passed away at 88. Fakir died Monday (July 22) at his Detroit home from heart failure, as confirmed by his family to the Detroit Free Press.
Fakir was the last surviving member of the beloved Motown act, following the earlier deaths of his friends and groupmates Lawrence Payton, Obie Benson, and Levi Stubbs. In a statement, the Fakir family said, “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.”
The Four Tops’ hits spanned decades, with iconic songs from the 1960s like “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 their success into the ’80s with hits like “When She Was My Girl.”
Even after his groupmates’ deaths, Fakir kept the Four Tops’ name alive, bringing in new members and continuing to tour. Known for his graciousness, Fakir was approachable and kind, often engaging with fans in everyday settings.
Motown artist Martha Reeves remembered him fondly, saying, “All four of the Tops were fine, handsome men and sang with champion voices. Duke had one of the sweetest tenor voices you could hear. You could distinguish him in the harmony, that operatic voice in the background.”
Smokey Robinson also paid tribute, saying, “My brother, I really hate to have to say goodbye, but you’ve been called home by the Father to join Lawrence, Obie and Levi once again and make more of the heavenly music you guys made while here. I’m going to miss you, my brother.”
Born Abdul Kareem Fakir, he grew up in a religious family and was drawn to music early in life. He formed the quartet that would become the Four Tops in 1953 during Detroit’s street-corner doo-wop scene. Originally known as the Four Aims, the group became the Four Tops and eventually signed with Motown in 1963.
The Four Tops enjoyed a long career with Motown and other labels, producing hits like “Baby I Need Your Loving,” “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 performances like the Motown 25 TV special.
Among Fakir’s final projects was a stage musical based on the Four Tops’ story, which he hoped would premiere in Detroit. “Everything I’ve done — my music, my life, my family — comes from Detroit,” he said. “Detroit deserves it. They’ve given me so much.”
Many celebrated Fakir’s contributions to music, including the Temptations’ Otis Williams, who called him “Mr. Detroit” and praised his fashion sense and ability to keep the group together through the years.
Publicist Matt Lee, who worked closely with Fakir, described him as “the finest gentleman” and “the keeper of the flame for all things Motown.”
Fakir continued performing until the end of 2023 and retired this year. He is survived by his wife, Piper Fakir; daughter, Farah Fakir Cook; sons Nazim Bashir Fakir, Abdul Kareem Fakir Jr., Myke Fakir, Anthony Fakir, and Malik Robinson; 13 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
