Godspeed Duke Fakir, Last of the Original Four Tops

Abdul "Duke" Fakir, founding member, first tenor, and last original Four Tops, died on July 22 2024 at the age of 88. The cause was heart failure.

Duke Fakir was born on December 26 1935 in Detroit. He attended Pershing High School in Detroit. Growing up he wanted to be a professional athlete, and he played basketball and football, and took part in track and field events. He sang in his church's choir where his talent first became obvious. As a teen he became friends with fellow singer Levi Stubbs. They first sang with Lawrence Payton and Renaldo "Obie" Benson at a local party.

Initially, Messrs. Fakir, Stubbs, Payton, and Benson called themselves "The Four Aims." As The Four Aims they released a single on Grady Records, "If Only I Had Known," in 1956. It failed to chart. That same year they recorded the single "Kiss Me Baby" for Chess Records. It was at their first recording session at Chess Records that it was brought up that the name "The Four Aims" might be confused with popular singing group The Ames Brothers. They then took the name 'The Four Tops." They later recorded singles for Columbia Records and Riverside Records, none of which charted.

While The Four Tops saw little success with singles in those early years, they continued to tour extensively. This brought them to the attention of Barry Gordy, who convinced them to sign to Motown Records in 1964. Their first single on Motown Records, "Baby, I Need Your Loving," was also their first hit. It went to no. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was in 1965 that they had their first no. 1 hit, "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)." Throughout the Sixties, The Four Tops would have several more hits, including "It's the Same Old Song," "Reach Out I'll Be There," "Standing in the Shadows of Love," and "Bernadette." Over the years The Four Tops also released several albums, the first being their self-titled debut album in 1965 and the last being Christmas Here With You in 1995.

The Four Tops continued to release singles throughout the Seventies and into the Eighties, although with less success than they had in the Sixties. They continued to tour extensively. One thing that set The Four Tops apart from other groups is that their membership remained stable. Levi Stubbs did not leave the group until 2000, and then only because he had a stroke. He died in 2004. Lawerence Payton and Obie Benson remained with The Four Tops nearly until their deaths. As to Duke Fakir, the continued to tour with The Four Tops until less than a month before his death.

Like the rest of The Four Tops, Duke Fakir was an incredible performer. As first tenor his voice was always and smooth. Like the other Four Tops his voice was also versatile. He could perform pop standards, rock 'n' roll and even country songs. The Four Tops were great showmen, and few vocal groups ever matched their talent.