S Poddar
Abdul “Duke” Fakir, the final living original member of the legendary Motown group Four Tops, passed away on Monday at the age of 88. He died from heart failure at his Detroit home, surrounded by family.
Fakir’s family expressed their deep sorrow, highlighting his roles as a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. They praised his trailblazing 70-year career in music, during which he continued to tour until the end of 2023, before officially retiring this year.
Fakir, who had been battling bladder cancer, founded the Four Tops in 1953 alongside Lawrence Payton, Renaldo “Obie” Benson, and Levi Stubbs. The group played a significant role in defining the Motown Sound in the 1960s, influencing the era’s pop music. After the deaths of the other founding members, Fakir continued to tour with lead vocalist Alexander Morris, Ronnie McNeir, and Lawrence “Roquel” Payton Jr., the son of Lawrence Payton.
Originally named the Four Aims, the group changed their name to avoid confusion with the Ames Brothers quartet. They signed with Motown in 1963, working with the renowned songwriting team of Eddie Holland, Lamont Dozier, and Brian Holland. Their hits included “Baby I Need Your Loving,” “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch),” “Reach Out I’ll Be There,” “Standing in the Shadows of Love,” “It’s the Same Old Song,” “Bernadette,” and “Ask the Lonely.”
Fakir, born in Detroit to immigrant parents from Ethiopia and Bangladesh, grew up in a tough neighborhood. He initially aspired to be an athlete, but his talent as a tenor singer drew attention, especially in his church choir. He met bandmate Levi Stubbs during a neighborhood football game, and the group began singing together at a local birthday party, discovering their incredible vocal blend.
The Four Tops were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1990, the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998, and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1999. They received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009. Fakir published his memoir, “I’ll Be There: My Life With the Four Tops,” in 2022.
Motown founder Berry Gordy Jr. expressed his sadness at Fakir’s passing, recalling his contributions to the Four Tops and Motown. Fakir is survived by his wife Piper, daughter Farrah Fakir Cook, sons Nazim Bashir Fakir, Abdul Kareem Fakir Jr., Myke Fakir, Anthony Fakir, and Malik Robinson, as well as 13 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
