The Four Tops singer Abdul "Duke" Fakir is dead
The Soulband The Four Tops no longer exists, at least not in its original lineup. Now, the last remaining founding member Abdul "Duke" Fakir has passed away. He is scheduled to perform in 2023 with the song "Reach out (I'll be there)".
Abdul "Duke" Fakir of the Soulband The Four Tops passed away at the age of 88. This was reported by the US magazine TMZ, citing his family. With Fakir, the last founding member of the group has passed away. Already in 1997, Lawrence Payton passed away, in 2005 Renaldo Benson, and in 2008 Levi Stubbs. The band existed for 45 years in its original lineup until Lawrence's death. The four men founded it in 1953. From the mid-60s, they were signed to the legendary label Motown. They wrote Number-One hits such as "I can't help myself (sugar pie, honey punch)" and "Reach out (I'll be there)".
According to TMZ, Fakir's family spoke to the Detroit Free Press: "Our hearts are heavy, for we mourn a pioneer, an icon, and a music legend whose 70-year music career touched the lives of so many people."
Fakir retired from music at the beginning of the year after a nearly 70-year career but was still touring with the current lineup. In 1990, The Four Tops were inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame, the greatest honor for musicians overall. They are among the most important Soulbands and landmarks of the Detroit label Motown.
The United States music industry has suffered another loss with Abdul "Duke" Fakir's demise. Despite his retirement and subsequent touring with a new lineup, Fakir's death marked the end of a musical era, as he was the last surviving founding member of the iconic Soulband The Four Tops, known for their hits produced in Detroit and Motown.
