Duke Fakir - The Four Tops singer is dead
The American Soul band The Four Tops mourn the loss of one of their singers: Abdul Fakir, known as Duke Fakir (1935-2024), passed away on July 22 at the age of 88. This was confirmed by the singer's family to the Detroit Free Press. According to the statement, the singer passed away on a Monday morning at his home in Detroit due to heart failure.
Duke Fakir was the last surviving original member of the Four Tops. His childhood friends and bandmates Lawrence Payton (deceased 1997), Renaldo Benson (1936-2005), and Levi Stubbs (1936-2008) had already passed away before him. Currently, the group is occupied by the four following singers: Michael Brock, Alexander Morris, Ronnie McNeir, and Roquel "Rokie" Payton.
Duke Fakir continued touring until 2023
In their statement, Fakir's family members write: "Our hearts are heavy, as we mourn the loss of a pioneer, an icon, and a music legend who touched the lives of so many people during his 70-year music career. He was still touring until the end of 2023 and officially retired this year. As the last surviving original member of the legendary music group Four Tops, we find comfort in knowing that Duke's legacy lives on through his Music for future generations."
The Four Tops' greatest hits
Throughout the decades, Duke Fakir was heard on a long list of hits with the Four Tops, including some defining songs from the 1960s, such as "I Can't Help Myself", "It's the Same Old Song", "Bernadette", "Standing in the Shadows of Love", and the masterpiece of the group, "Reach Out I'll Be There".
In the 80s, they also charted with songs like "When She Was My Girl". After the death of his bandmates, who co-founded the group, Fakir kept the name of the Four Tops alive, recruited new members, and went on tour with them regularly.
Duke Fakir was married twice. He lived in Detroit with his second wife. He leaves behind four children, seven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
- Despite his bandmates Levi Stubbs, Renaldo Benson, and Lawrence Payton all passing away before him, US-singer Duke Fakir continued to tour with the Four Tops until 2023.
- Hailing from Detroit, Duke Fakir, a member of the iconic group the Four Tops, was still touring and performing his Music until the end of last year.
- Duke Fakir, the last surviving original member of the Four Tops, who hailed from Detroit, passed away at his home in the city due to heart failure, leaving behind a significant legacy in the world of Music.
