Abdul Kareem “Duke” Fakir, the last surviving member of the Four Tops, has died aged 88.
The late musician's family revealed that their loved one, who co-founded the Motown group in 1953, died from heart failure.
The family announced his death in a statement shared on Monday (July 22), which read: “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," they added.
The Four Tops were one of Motown’s most popular acts, peaking in the 1960s.
Between 1964 and 1967, the hit group earned 11 Top 20 hits and two Number Ones: 'I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)' and 'Reach Out I’ll Be There'.
Other songs that did well were 'Baby I Need Your Loving', 'Standing in the Shadows of Love', 'Bernadette', and 'Ask the Lonely'.
According to Billboard, Fakir had been struggling with bladder cancer and had retired from touring late last year. An insider told the outlet that he was “happy, talking and interacting, and when they turned to do something and turned back around, he had slipped away”.
Fakir, who was of Ethiopian and Bangladeshi descent, maintained his leadership in the group following the deaths of Levi Stubbs in 2008, Renaldo “Obie” Benson in 2005, and Lawrence Payton in 1997.
“I am probably as surprised as you are at the longevity,” he said in 2022 while promoting his memoir I’ll Be There: My Life With The Four Tops. “It’s unbelievable. I never would’ve thought that while I was in my 80s I’d even be thinking about doing this, let alone still doing it. I feel nothing but blessed, man. Just blessed.”
After the death of his fellow member, Fakir later toured with lead vocalists Alexander Morris, Ronnie McNeir, and Lawrence ‘Roquel’ Payton Jr, the son of Lawrence Payton.
“As each one of them (the original members) passed a little bit of me left with them,” he told UK Music Reviews in 2021, per The Guardian. “When Levi left us, I found myself in a quandary as to what I was going to do from that moment on, but after a while, I realized that the name together with the legacy that they had left us simply had to carry on, and judging by the audience reaction it soon became pretty evident that I did the right thing and I really do feel good about that.”
Many heartbroken fans have taken to their social media to share tribute posts following news of Fakir's passing.
"RIP Abdul Fakir, I owe a great debt of gratitude to The Four Tops and every other artist at Motown many a audition they would be in my ear amping me up and so many times on set of a film or TV. Rest in Peace brother and thank you for the inspiration," one user penned.
"R.I.P Abdul. Abdul 'Duke' Fakir, last surviving member of Motown group Four Tops, passed at 88 (due to heart failure). 70-year music career which touched the lives of so many as he continued to tour until the end of 2023," a second shared.
Singer Smokey Robinson also addressed the death of his longtime friend, sharing: "My brother, I really hate to have to say goodbye, but you've been called home by the Father to once again join Lawrence, Obie, and Levi and make more of the heavenly music you guys made while here," per BBC.
"I'm going to miss you, my brother," he added.
Fakir is survived by his wife, six children, 13 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Our thoughts are with Fakir's family and friends at this time.
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