Condolences: Duke Fakir
• Abdul “Duke” Fakir, the last surviving founding member of the legendary Four Tops, peacefully passed away of heart failure in the early hours of Monday, July 22 in Detroit, surrounded by his wife Piper, and loved ones. He was 88 years old.
In a statement, the Fakir family said, “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our loving husband of 50 years, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend and forever Four Tops, Abdul Kareem Fakir, better known as ‘Duke.’ 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. As the last living founding member of the iconic The Four Tops music group, we find solace in Duke’s legacy living on through his music for generations to come.”
Motown Founder Berry Gordy released this statement, which reads, in part, “Duke was the last surviving member of the original Four Tops, who along with Levi Stubbs, Lawrence Payton and Obie Benson, always amazed me with their showmanship, class and artistry. Duke was first tenor — smooth, suave, and always sharp. For 70 years, he kept the Four Tops’ remarkable legacy intact, and in all those years, he never missed a performance, until just recently. I so appreciate all he did for the Four Tops, for Motown and for me. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his wife, Piper, his children, the current members of the Four Tops, as well as, family members and friends. Duke will be greatly missed, and will always be a significant part of the Motown legacy.”
The Four Tops are best known for the worldwide hits, like “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch),” “Reach Out I’ll Be There,” “Baby I Need Your Loving,” and many others. Between 1964 and 1967, the Tops had 11 Top 20 hits and two No. 1 singles. In 2022, Fakir released his memoir, I’ll Be There, which detailed his life as a Four Top and the journey of stardom and fame.
In addition to his wife, Piper, Fakir is survived by his daughter Farah Fakir Cook; sons Nazim Bashir Fakir, Anthony Fakir, Abdul Kareem Fakir Jr., Myke Fakir and Malik Robinson; 13 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. His daughter Kai Ayne is deceased.
Services will be private, but details for a public celebration of his life and legacy will be announced later. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Duke Fakir’s honor to The Motown Museum. [Photo credit: Duke Fakir Family Estate 2022]
