The music world mourns the loss of Duke Fakir, the last surviving original member of the legendary Motown group, the Four Tops, who passed away at the age of 88.
Fakir died peacefully at his home in Detroit, Michigan, on Monday morning, due to heart failure.
As a vital part of the group, Fakir contributed to some of their most iconic hits, including “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)” and “Reach Out I’ll Be There,” which both reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
His death marks the end of an era, as he was the last of the original Four Tops members, following the passing of Lawrence Payton, Obie Benson, and Levi Stubbs.
Duke Fakir, the final surviving original member of the Motown icons the Four Tops, has died at the age of 88; pictured in February 2023 in Los Angeles
The singer (pictured second to right circa 1965) reportedly died from heart failure, follows the death of his three former bandmates: Obie Benson (L), Levi Stubbs (second to left) and Lawrence Payton (R)
Fakir’s family expressed their sadness, stating, “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.”
Fellow Motown legend Smokey Robinson paid tribute to Fakir, saying, “My brother, I really hate to have to say goodbye, but you’ve been called home by the Father to once again join Lawrence, Obie, and Levi and make more of the heavenly music you guys made while here.”
Martha and the Vandellas singer Martha Reeves also remembered Fakir, describing his voice as “one of the sweetest tenor voices you could hear” and praising the Four Tops as “the gentlemen of Motown.”
Motown founder Berry Gordy also honored Fakir, commending him for keeping “the Four Tops’ remarkable legacy intact” and acknowledging his dedication to the group over the years.
The Detroit Free Press noted that Fakir continued to live in Detroit in his twilight years, and he was one of the last remaining Motown giants who still called the Motor City home
Fakir (second to right) sang the first tenor line in the Four Tops. Tenors are traditionally lead vocalists, but Fakir joined Payton and Benson in singing backup to baritone Levi Stubbs on lead; pictured in 1981 in Chicago
Throughout his career, Fakir sang alongside various lineups of the Four Tops, adapting to changes while maintaining the group’s signature sound.
The Four Tops’ impressive discography includes hits like “Bernadette,” “It’s the Same Old Song,” and “Standing in the Shadows of Love.”
In the 1980s, the group experienced a resurgence in popularity, topping the charts with “When She Was My Girl” and embarking on joint tours with fellow Motown legends The Temptations.
As the other members died or left the group, he continued performing as the Four Tops with new replacement singers over the years; original members Payton (L) and Fakir (R) joined by Alex Morris (2nd to left) and Ronnie McNeir (2nd to right) in 2023 in LA
The group’s origins date back to 1953, when Fakir and Stubbs, who attended high school together, performed with two other singers from a rival high school at a birthday party.
The success of that performance led the quartet to form the Four Aims, later changing their name to the Four Tops when they signed with Chess Records in 1956.
The group’s big break came when they signed with Motown in 1963, marking the beginning of a string of hits that would cement their place in music history.
Fakir is survived by his wife, Piper Fakir, his daughter Farah Fakir Cook, and his sons Nazim Bashir Fakir, Anthony Fakir, Abdul Kareem Fakir Jr., Myke Fakir, and Malik Robinson. He also had 13 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.