Abdul “Duke” Fakir, a member of the Motown group The Four Tops, died Monday in Detroit, Michigan, his son confirmed to Fox News Digital. He was 88 years old.
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Fakir is the last surviving member of the original vocal quartet from Detroit, known for propelling the Motown label as one of the most successful pop music groups of the 1960s.
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Abdul “Duke” Faqir, a founding member of the Four Tops, died on Monday. He was 88 years old. (Getty Images)
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband of 50 years, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend and forever one of the Four Tops, Abdul Kareem Fakir, aka Duke,” his family said in a statement provided to Fox News Digital.
“As the last surviving founding members of the iconic musical group, The Four Tops, we find solace in knowing that Duke’s legacy will live on for generations to come through his music.”
“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of a pioneer, icon and music legend who touched so many lives throughout a musical career that spanned seven decades, and who officially retired this year, continuing to tour until the end of 2023.”
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They added, “As the last surviving founding members of the iconic musical group The Four Tops, we find solace in knowing that Duke’s legacy will live on for generations to come through his music.”
The Four Tops were initially advertised as “The Four Ames” before changing the group’s name in the 1950s. (Getty Images)
Between 1964 and 1967, the Four Tops had 11 Top 20 hits and two number one singles. (Mansion of Duke Fakir)
Smokey Robinson released a statement about Fakir’s death: “Brother, I’m so sorry we have to say goodbye, but you have been called by our Father to heaven to rejoin Lawrence, Obey and Levi to make more of the heavenly music you all made here. You will be missed brother. Have a most wonderful eternity. My brother, Smokey.”
The Four Tops were known for hits such as “Baby I Need Your Loving,” “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch),” and “Reach Out I’ll Be There.” Duke formed the group in the ’50s with Levi Stubbs, Renaldo “Obie” Benson, and Lawrence Payton.
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Originally advertised as “The Four Ames,” they changed their name after signing with Chess Records in 1956. Between 1964 and 1967, they had 11 Top 20 hits and two number one singles.
The group has performed together for over 40 years with no change in lineup and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998.
Fakir was the last surviving original member of the Four Tops. (Getty Images)
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“What I love most about them is that they’re so professional, they enjoy what they do, they’re so loving and always such gentlemen,” Stevie Wonder said at the Four Tops’ induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Fakir was reportedly working on a Broadway musical based on their life, and in 2022 completed a memoir, “I’ll Be There,” detailing their life as a four-top and their path to stardom and fame.
He was married twice and is survived by his wife of 50 years, Piper Gibson. Fakir has seven children, six of whom outlive him.
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Fox News Digital’s Larry Fink contributed to this report.
