End of an era: Four Tops’ last surviving member Abdul ‘Duke’ Fakir dies, age 88

Music fans have bid farewell to “one of Motown’s sweetest soul voices” following the passing of the final surviving member of the Four Tops, Abdul ‘Duke’ Fakir, at the age of 88.

Fakir passed away at his home in Detroit, Michigan, on Monday, July 22, according to the Detroit Free Press, with heart failure reportedly the cause of death.

His family released a statement announcing his passing, reflecting on the many lives he touched through music.

“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of a trailblazer, icon and music legend who, through his 70-year music career, touched the lives of so many as he continued to tour until the end of 2023, and officially retired this year,” the statement read.

“As the last living founding member of the iconic Four Tops music group, we find solace in Duke’s legacy living on through his music for generations to come.”

Born on December 26, 1935, in Detroit, Michigan, Fakir was instrumental in creating some of the Four Tops’ biggest hits, including the iconic chart-topper I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch).

The song reached the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for two non-consecutive weeks in 1965, followed by the group’s 1966 hit Reach Out I’ll Be There.

Fakir’s passing follows the deaths of his three former bandmates—Lawrence Payton, Obie Benson, and Levi Stubbs. Stubbs, who passed away at the age of 72 in 2008, was primarily known as the lead vocalist for the band.

However, Fakir’s contributions to the group’s harmonies were essential to their sound. He was also known as a skilled diplomat, often referred to as the “glue” that held the band together.

As news of Fakir’s passing spread, tributes poured in for the singer who was credited with helping to define the Motown sound.

Abdul “Duke” Fakir, the last original member of the Four Tops, passed away at 88 in Detroit. As first tenor, Duke helped define the Motown Sound with hits like “I Can’t Help Myself” and “Reach Out, I’ll Be There” and will be sadly missed. pic.twitter.com/nJuLKvor0n

— Eric Alper 🎧 (@ThatEricAlper) July 22, 2024

NEW YORK (AP) – Abdul “Duke” Fakir, the last surviving original member of the beloved Motown group the Four Tops that was known for such hits as “Reach Out, I’ll Be There” and “Standing in the Shadows of Love,” has died at age 88.
Fakir died Monday of heart failure, according to… pic.twitter.com/xvWoon944I

— Chris Walker (@WalkerATX) July 22, 2024

Remembering Abdul Duke Fakir of the #FourTops He died today of heart failure at the age of 88. He recently retired from the group. #Duke pic.twitter.com/X1jrVZ9clY

— Patty Jackson (@MsPattyJackson) July 22, 2024

Sad news that the last original member of the Four Tops, Abdul ‘Duke’ Fakir, has died.

Saw him a couple of years ago in Cardiff (pictured here, far right). He was already in his 80s and still sounded phenomenal. Farewell to one of Motown’s sweetest soul voices. pic.twitter.com/DWKAiB2gCR

— Sue Charles (@Sue_Charles) July 22, 2024

So sorry for the loss of Abdul ‘Duke’ Fakir, last of the original Four Tops. He was 88 years old. He died Monday of heart failure, according to a family spokesperson, with his wife and other loved ones by his side. #abdulfakir #thefourtops #berrygordy pic.twitter.com/a68qMJ3jFg

— Rodney Saulsberry (@rodtalks) July 22, 2024

Sad to read of the passing of Abdul “Duke” Fakir – the last original member of my favourite vocal group, The Four Tops. We are all in the shadow of their love and it was a thrill to meet him. My condolences to his family and friends. @elviscostello pic.twitter.com/3r0Sc2znEb

— Elvis Costello (@ElvisCostello) July 23, 2024

Fakir is survived by six of his children, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

-with BANG.