Duke Fakir - The last founder of the Four-Tops is dead: 'Reach Out, I'll Be There'
He was the last surviving founding member of the Soul-Band Four Tops: Duke Fakir, known as Duke Fakir, passed away on July 22 at the age of 88. This was confirmed by the musician's family in a statement to the "Detroit Free Press". According to the statement, the singer passed away at his home in Detroit due to heart failure on a Monday morning.
Duke Fakir was the last surviving founding member of the Four Tops. His childhood friends and bandmates are no longer alive: Lawrence Payton (died 1997), Renaldo Benson (died 2005), and Levi Stubbs (died 2008). However, the band continues: Currently, the group is made up of the following singers: Michael Brock, Alexander Morris, Ronnie McNeir, and Roquel "Rokie" Payton.
Duke Fakir went on tour until 2023
"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," write Fakir's family members in a statement: "As the last surviving founding 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."
With the Four Tops, Duke Fakir heard a long list of hits throughout the decades, including some of the defining songs of the 1960s, such as "I Can't Help Myself", "It's the Same Old Song", "Bernadette", "Standing in the Shadows of Love", or the masterpiece of the group, "Reach Out I'll Be There".
The Four Tops were still in the charts in the 80s
The Four Tops also made it into the charts in the 80s, including with the song "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.
Duke Fakir, as a Soul Singer, had a profound impact on the music industry as the last surviving founding member of the famous group, the Four Tops. His work with the band produced timeless hits like "Reach Out I'll Be There," which continue to resonate with music lovers, even decades after their creation. Despite the passing of his bandmates, including US-singer Lawrence Payton, Renaldo Benson, and Levi Stubbs, Fakir remained dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Four Tops by recruiting new members and going on tour until 2023. His family mourned his loss, recognizing him as a pioneer, icon, and music legend who touched countless lives.
